Book Review of MY NAME IS RIVER by Wendy Dunham & a Giveaway
by Sally Matheny
Today, I’m posting a book review of My Name is River, authored by Wendy Dunham, and we have a special giveaway!
If fictional worlds merged, I bet twelve-year-old, River Starling, the main character in My Name is River would be best friends with Opal, the ten-year-old main character in Because of Winn Dixie. Both girls are similar in spunk and curiosity.
However, author, Wendy Dunham, presents River with the “class dork” for a friend. Since River is running low on camaraderie, and she’s been assigned a class project with him anyway, River decides to give William a chance.
Besides, her Gram always says, “If you judge a book by its cover, you may miss a Hemingway.”
Diverse Characters
William, a patient, kindhearted, handicapped student embraces life with a positive attitude. Experience has taught him to adapt when necessary and always persevere until a job is done well.
River, on the other hand, impatiently waits for the answers she has about her life—like where are her birth parents, and her adoptive parents, for that matter. What will happen to her if something happens to Gram?
William and River’s friendship grows deeper as they work on their school project, as they confront a bully, and as they try to find answers to serious life questions.
Christian Worldview
My Name is River is a Christian, chapter book published by Harvest House Publishers for readers age 8-13.
Not only is it written with a Christian worldview, but also since William’s dad is a pastor, the reader is privy to hearing the clear message of the gospel presented in the story.
Humor
Readers will revel in River’s honest and humorous viewpoint of the church, especially since she’s never attended church before.
I highly recommend this wholesome and entertaining book. Come “discover the unforgettable story of one girl’s search for a place to call home.”
I look forward to reading the sequel, Hope Girl, later this summer.
Giveaway
I’m giving away a copy of My Name is River. Who wants to win this delightful book?
All you have to do to enter is make sure your name is on my email list. Do this by entering your email in the sidebar to your right.”
If you’re on the email list, you’ll receive updates from this blog, which is usually one, but occasionally two per week.
I hate spam, don’t you? That’s why I will never share your email address with anyone for any reason.
That’s it. Easy as pie, right? I’ll place all the names from my email list in the drawing. I will announce the winner on July 3, 2017.
While we’re waiting, I’m curious. What are your kids reading this summer?
Congratulations to Karen B. from Kenya on winning the book!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. Also, this website is an affiliate with the ChristianBook Group.
 |
My Name Is River By Wendy Dunham / Harvest House PublishersIt’s 1983, and twelve-year-old River Starling’s life is anything but normal. She was adopted on a whim and came without a birth certificate. Her adoptive parents gave her up to her grandmother when she was only two, but River is certain her parents will come back. River’s hopes fall apart when Gram uproots them from their farmhouse and decides to move to Birdsong, West Virginia, the most miserable town River has ever seen. There she makes an unlikely friendship with an unusual boy and learns about acceptance, hard work, forgiveness, and the love of Jesus. |
4 Comments
Wendy Dunham
Thank you Sally for such a wonderful review!
Sally Matheny
You are most welcome, Wendy. Thanks for stopping by and for writing such a delightful book. I look forward to reading the next one.
Joy Tyrol
My daughter has finished the shadow children series and the voyagers series already this summer!! She will be reading The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. I am sure we will be discussing that one for awhile!! She is also reading Hope Runs.
Sally Matheny
Wow! Your daughter sounds like a voracious reader!THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS is on my reading list this summer as well. I've read many books based in the WWII period, but I've not read that one yet. I agree with you, it will probably provoke many discussions and leave us much to ponder.Thanks so much for sharing with us, Joy.