Growing Up Beth by Beth Ann York, illustrations by Treana Latese Newsome
Publisher: Charlesbridge Moves
Format Read: Hardcover
Number of pages: 96 pages
Publishing: October 21st, 2025
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Opening Lines: "Mama is the hammer in our house."
Nine-year-old Beth lives with her mom, five brothers, one big dog and their stepdad, Bob. They've just moved into their first house, and it's been an adjustment for them all. Growing Up Beth consists of ten short chapter length stories/episodes highlighting Beth's frustration of being the only girl in a sea of boys. There are lighthearted moments around the dinner table, the real struggles of having to wear hand me downs, a special field trip and a story that culminates with a new family member.
The story reminded me a bit of Clemintine by Sara Pennypacker since both girls have spunky personalities. I enjoyed the youthful quality of Beth and how well she fits the perspective of a nine-year-old. She's fresh, lively and relatable, with a mom who "doesn't play." Beth and her siblings try not to upset their mom, but their antics at the dinner table nearly push her over the edge. I love how these lighthearted moments mixed with glimpses of familial bonds keep the reader engaged.
I enjoyed how the story showed Beth and her siblings doing chores like raking leaves, something that I didn't enjoy much as a kid either because weekends were supposed to be playtime. I also can definitely relate to Beth's frustration with the differing age rules between her and her brothers, and how restricted she feels by them. While they have the freedom to come and go, she's stuck staying close to home. On top of that, she's treated differently just because she's a girl, which is so frustrating. Overall, this was such a relatable and humorous story. Beth York drew inspiration from her own childhood and family misadventures. The story beautifully explores themes of honesty and owning up to our mistakes instead of trying to lie and cover them up.
I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE
**A huge thank you to the publisher for my review copy in exchange for an honest review.**
That's a great first line. I could see how Beth would get frustrated, having only brothers and being treated differently. It sounds like a great story that packs a lot into a short book, which will appeal to kids. Thanks for sharing it this week.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fast and enjoyable read. Looks like the MC might be about my age--I had a bike like that! Though wearing my brothers' out-grown jeans was kind of an at-home-only thing until I was about 8. I'd have worn them all the time if I could!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, Rebecca!
DeleteThis sounds like a great story. It's awesome to see stories about big families. :)
ReplyDeleteI've been seeing this one around and wondered about it. So, it was great to hear your thoughts. Sounds like a nice tale!
ReplyDeleteI'm always on the lookout for spunky girl stories, and themes that touch on money matters (like hand-me-down clothes). When I was a kid, I desperately wanted a pair of hi-top sneakers, but I was told they were inappropriate for a girl. Not one to take no for an answer, retrieved my brother's worn-out high-tops from the garbage and proudly wore them to school. My grade 1 teacher made me stand at the front of the room for wearing 'boy's' shoes. It didn't work. I continued to love 'boy's' hand-me-downs, and even stole my father's shirts when I was in high school. From the banana seat bike and high-rise handlebars and color-block T-shirt, I'd guess that this story is set in the 70s? And it reminds you of Sara Pennypacker? This one is a yes for me. Thanks, Brenda!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see that the story resonated with you. The two girl's personalities are what seemed similar to me.
DeleteEven though I have a small family, I just love books about big families. I also like how this sounds like a "slice of life," with a fun main character at the center. Thanks for the great feature!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenni it really is a slice of life kind of story.
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