PRAISE FOR AUGUST OR FOREVER

August or Forever, is a charming and beautifully written book for young readers, by author Ona Gritz. The story is about two siblings separated by divorce, who are reunited after many years living apart, in different countries. Convincingly told from the perspective of a ten-year-old girl, the book captures Molly’s fears, anxieties and insecurities as she meets her sister for the second time. Despite their differences, and time apart, the siblings share a deep bond and love for one another. With likeable and endearing characters, and a captivating plot that many readers will relate to, this book will appeal to young readers and teens.

—The Readers Choice Award Finalist / Five Star Review

Ona Gritz’s August or Forever presents a wonderfully realistic narration from a ten-year-old, a true-to-life representation of the way a child’s mind may work…I’d happily recommend this book…Though fast-paced and brief in length, believable and demonstrative characterization is the backbone of this story, and love and growth propel it forward. Molly’s introspective journey reveals a great deal to her about relationships, particularly those between siblings, and close friends, uncovering a revelation that many of us know so well: “[w]e may not be related, but to me we’re family.

—Independent Book Review

Written from the overwhelmingly convincing point of view of a ten-year-old girl’s perspective, August or Forever takes readers on a rollercoaster ride along the hopes, desires, and fears of a little sister desperate to get closer to a big sister she admires. Molly’s intelligence and vulnerability are realistic and endearing, and readers will learn alongside her as she makes mistakes and matures…August or Forever is touching, funny, and engrossing—a perfect sisterhood novel.

—The Children’s Book Review, Editor’s Pick

Molly’s palpable longing for stability and connectivity buoys this earnest examination of long-distance familial relationships and fear of change.

—Publisher’s Weekly

August or Forever is an adorable and heartwarming story about sisters…I loved the believability of the story being told from a ten-year-old’s perspective. Ona does an amazing job at capturing the essence of that age and the feelings and dreams of a ten-year-old. The story touches on relatable subjects with finesse, such as divorce and found families. A true gem of a story that I think will resonate with siblings of all ages. Definitely one to check out!

—The Mama Spot Five Star Review

August or Forever is a captivating story about sisterhood, friendship, and family…Effortless narration and easy language make this book an incredible read for kids. Perfect for 7+

—Kidlio Magazine

August or Forever is a warm story of sisters who are very different in many ways, yet bonded in others. Its message and exploration of these different experiences and ideals will encourage young readers to better understand their own siblings—especially if blended families are involved. The mystery revealed in family history and her older sister's secret adds a further touch of intrigue to a story that offers just the right blend of revelation and discovery to the sibling encounter. Libraries seeking novels about blended families and sister relationships will find August or Forever deserves not just a profile on a library shelf, but recommendation to classrooms interested in assigned reading and opportunities for group inspections of family makeup and illusions.

 —D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

In this quick middle grade fiction read we explore the relationship over sisters in a blended family. The story is written in a beautiful way that you really get like a 10 year old again. I absolutely recommend this for any child, especially sisters. It is so heartwarming.

—Bookshelf Mama

August or Forever is a touching, comforting and poetically written novel about sisterhood, family, friendship, loss and grief…With Molly as the first-person narrator, the story leads the readers inside the protagonist's heart and mind to feel the ups and downs of her emotion, to listen to her self-talk, and to witness her growth. A great many vivid descriptions and beautiful metaphors are employed to bring to life realistic characters that middle grade readers can easily relate to and empathize with…With a sibling or not, anyone who understands Molly's longing for sisterly love and companionship will find this book an engaging and thought-provoking read to savor and treasure.

—Icefairy's Treasure Chest

Gosh this was so heartwarming! Molly is an only child in the US who has a half sister who lives in London. Alison is ten years older than Molly and Molly is ecstatic to find out Alison will be spending the whole month of August with her in the US! She’s always felt like a part of her is missing without her sister and wants her trip to be perfect. She’s only ten and is worried about things going wrong, or her sister not liking her. There are some ups and downs but I loved the way the story panned out. It’s written from Molly’s perspective and I felt like I was inside of her head while I was reading. This book is a great middle grade novel and the way it’s written makes it engaging and easy to follow. I would love to see what happens with Alison and Molly next!

—Joanna’s Bookshelf

I must say, this is a wonderful novel…There is so much going on in this story for 9 – 12 year olds, from the love of art to the love between sisters; and it ́s all wrapped up in a strong, vibrant writing style. In many ways, the biggest strength of this novel is the author ́s understanding of a young girl ́s mind, how it works, her thoughts and feelings, what concerns her the most, even what frightens her…To sum up, this is a well-written family drama I suspect most 9 – 12 year olds will very much enjoy.

—The Wishing Shelf Five Star Review