Once Upon a Family

Terrific follow up MG novel to THE HOPE OF ELEPHANTS, Amanda Rawson Hill brings another book to those in grades 5-8 that features realistic characters facing challenges who discover the parts of life that are worthwhile. Winnie is not happy that her perfect two person family is about to become a far......more

Winnie has always protected her mom, Princess Winnie saving Queen Shannon. Just the two of them on their own. But when everything changes, Winnie's anxiety kicks into high gear, whispering at every turn that she is not worthy, that no one will ever like her, that even her mother is retreating. She re......more

I was struggling because I honestly kind of hated Winnie for awhile during this story. But also, she kind of hated herself for awhile - so I stopped. She was being hard enough on herself. Plus, it turns out that people can change and grow, and do better, and then we can forgive, and learn, and we ca......more

I loved how fairy tales and their elements were included as a key component to this story — it certainly added another level of understanding. Readers will connect with Winnie’s struggles to navigate new friendships and family dynamics with her anxieties. They may even see a piece of themselves in h......more

Excellent story. Great characters! Amanda doesn’t sugar coat the hardships of anxiety and blending a family. The author weaves wonderful family and anxiety coping strategies throughout the story. I especially enjoyed the fairy tales that were mentioned throughout the story.......more