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@DisneyHyperion Releases A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always by the Ocean! Review

Many thanks to Disney Hyperion for providing this book for review. All opinions are mine.
If I could sum up Fox and Coats new book A FRIENDLY TOWN THAT’S ALMOST ALWAYS BY THE OCEAN! in 3 simple words I would say "Embrace your YOUness"

In A FRIENDLY TOWN THAT’S ALMOST ALWAYS BY THE OCEAN! (Disney-Hyperion; On Sale: April 17, 2018) by Kir Fox (aka Kirsten Hubbard) and M. Shelley Coats (aka Michelle Schusterman), Davy’s fifth grade class uncovers the secrets of their peculiar town in a series of linked tales that pair the whimsy of Sideways Stories from Wayside School with the delightful eeriness of Welcome to Night Vale.
Welcome to Topsea, the strangest place you'll ever visit. In this town, the coves are bottomless and the pier has no end in sight. There's a high tide and a low tide... and a vanishing tide. Dogs are a myth, but mermaids are totally real. And seaweed is the main ingredient in every meal—watch out, it might just start chewing you back!

New kid Davy definitely thinks Topsea is strange. His mom keeps saying they'll get used to life in their new town—it's just the way things are on the coast! But after his first day at Topsea School, Davy finds himself wondering: Why is his locker all the way at the bottom of the school swimming pool? Why can't anyone remember his name? (It's Davy!) And why does everyone act like all of this is normal?!
Kir Fox
What makes this book a great read is that writers Fox and Coats take a typical kid and place him smack dab in the middle where the norm is anything BUT normal and we're along for the ride.  I think that's what makes this book fun for middle school readers.  The read is fun, a little off kilter and just a touch of oddity that kids in this age group gravitate to.
Shelley Coats
Plus it's not cartoon-y and doesn't use a ton of kiddie graphics.  It's just a good storyline and a fun group of characters readers will enjoy from the 1st page all the way til the end.
That being said, what were some of your favorite books as a tween/teen?

Comments

monicazyoung said…
My teen would love to read this week. I am going to take him to the local bookstore to get it for him. The story looks so interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Unknown said…
We are always looking for a new book to add to our reading list. This one sounds great. Thank you for sharing and giving such a great review.
Nadalie Bardo said…
To be quite honest, I think I would get a kick out of reading this book. Although it might be aimed at a younger audience, it seems to be filled with lots of mystery, eventfull theories, and strange settings.
CrescentFire said…
This sounds like an interesting book! Thanks for sharing it. I might just gift this to my nephew. He loves reading books, that's why!
Masshole Mommy said…
Not only would my teen and tween sons love to read this, but I would, too! It sounds like a great book!
AiringMyLaundry said…
This sounds like a fun book! I'll pick it up for my kids.

When I was a tween/teen, I read a lot of Judy Blume. I loved her and still do.
Disney Hyperion has put out some of our favorite books. I need to check into this one.
Franc said…
I can see Topsea as such a refreshing place to live in especially with the ocean. It looks like a really good book for kids and even young adults.
Jeannette said…
It sounds like it would be a really good book to read. Anything that gives a person a positive idea of themselves is a great book in my eyes.
That sounds like a fun and colorful book. I think it's important children know reading can be fun so I love hearing about fun books.
Sarah Bailey said…
This sounds like a really interesting book, I have to admit I am just getting back into reading and I'll looking for things to add to my TBR pile.
Unknown said…
my two older kids would love reading this book. I wasn’t fully aware of the great books disney puts out
SimplyTasheena said…
This looks like such a wonderful read for the kiddos. I was a huge fan of the Baby-Sitters Club when I was younger.
Hannah Bures said…
This is a great book! This blog makes me want to start reading this to my son tonight. Thank you for sharing!!
Terri Beavers said…
I bet Alyssa and Tyler would love this book. They don't like cartoony books but do love books that steer clear of the norm. This woul be right up their alley. Is it crazy that I want to read it too? Lol.
Pam said…
My daughter loved Sideways Tales from Wayside School. This book seems like something she would love to introduce her own daughter to.
Angela Ricardo said…
I personally read a lot of books when I was younger and if I were to choose a specific one, I would say it is the Harry Potter series.
Oh this sounds like a great book my girls would be into. I will have to cehck it out, they LOVE reading and could use some new material! - Jeanine
Anonymous said…
This would be the perfect book for my kid. He love reading a lot. And is always looking for new interesting books to read!
Bonnie G said…
We love learning about new books and can't wait to go purchase this book. Thanks for sharing this.
This sounds like a book my daughter would love to read. She is always looking to read new books for school and at home. Thank you for sharing this book suggestion.

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