articles

Shine! The Perfect Book to Add to Your Bookshelf

"Inspirational, commonsensical, and a whole lot of fun." β€”James Patterson

By Gwendolyn Dattage, St. George Macaroni Kid Publisher December 10, 2019

In a world full of stars, is there room for one more? This is answered in J.J. and Chris Grabenstein's new book SHINE! I love books so much and think that reading is such a great outlet for kids and teens- but when it comes to picking the right book it can be a bit tricky.

Shine! is a good clean book that I would recommend for anyone's bookshelf. The underlying theme of friendship and kindness and the idea that you can be kind to those who aren't always nice to you is exactly what I want my kids to read. In the world we live in, kindness is something that can't be expressed enough. This book teaches you how to find out where you fit in, even when you feel that you don't fit in. Shine! has so many positive messages throughout its pages that makes the book shine itself.

Want to read the first chapter? I'll do you one better! Watch this video to hear the author read the first chapter aloud to you.

Rebecca Stead, a Newbury Medal Winning Author said the book was, "A reminder that nothing is more important than being a friend and being yourself". 

The authors were able to send such a relatable and beautiful message through the text all while wrapping you up in a fun story that was full of humor and feel good moments throughout it.

Last week we had an event with some local kids in our community to create our own "Kindness" activity. The kids made fun activity bags for our local pediatric unit at the hospital. We were able to deliver them to the hospital so that kids who are there have fun surprises and things to make their stay a little brighter. It was fun to see all the kids get excited about doing something kind for another person.

At our event, we handed out stickers and pins that said, "I Shine!" for kids to give to other kids who Shine! If you would like your own stickers to print they are available here. #WhatMakesYouShine.

Shine! a new book from J.J. and Chris Grabenstein, New York Times bestselling author of ESCAPE FROM MR. LEMONCELLO'S LIBRARY is geared towards ages 8-12 and available here.


"Inspirational, commonsensical, and a whole lot of fun." —James Patterson


I was provided a copy of the book to read, but all opinions are 100% my own.