About Return to Cardamom
Title: Return to Cardamom (Caramel Cardamom Trilogy, Book #2)
Author: Julie Anne Grasso
Publisher: Independent
Publication Date: July 17, 2013
Pages: 136 (Paperback)
Recommended Age: 9+
Summary: Life is sweet for Caramel and things are finally getting back to normal. Well, as normal as it can be for a telepathic elf who can train trees and control computers, but she soon finds life on Cardamom is not all cupcakes and apple cider. A saboteur is hiding in the rainforest canopy, and the elves’ precious cardamom export has been wiped out. Caramel is certain it’s another trick of Alexander222 and her Aunt Isabel, but no one will believe her, and the clock is ticking. She must expose the saboteur in time to save the crop or the Elves of Cardamom will lose their livelihood. Caramel won’t rest until her theory is proven. While she is on the hunt, she makes a shocking discovery, one that will change everything.
I read both books and I enjoyed book 1 but thought this book was better! For me, the series started out slow but started to pick up at the end of book 1. Book 2 started right where book 1 left off and didn't stop! The plot moved along well and some of the characters we met in book 1 came back. I was glad to see that her friends from The Forbidden Planet still have a role to play.
This is such a fun read for middle graders. I enjoyed the foreshadowing that was given and the teasers at the end of the chapters that will instantly make any child not paying full attention become instantly alert and ask for more (or continue reading)! Caramel is a strong character with a lot of good qualities and she continues to learn more about who she really is. She seems to be exceptionally good at whatever she tries which doesn't seem too realistic to me but I let that go and just enjoyed reading about all she could do. What I love about her is that when she gets stuck, she keeps going and the answers she needs come to her so she continues to move forward. It's too easy to second guess every decision when you feel stuck and try to think things through instead of acting on inspiration and moving forward.
Caramel has both her parents and grandparents around to guide her. Her Aunt Isabel has betrayed her family and continues to work against them and Caramel is so angry with her and she's discussing it with her grandfather and asks him if he's angry, too. He uses this opportunity to teach her about forgiveness and the choice we each have to allow anger to rule us or not. There are other good teaching opportunities as well which I think would also make good discussions with my own children.
Caramel also has some good friendships and it's fun to see how those grow. Jemm and Jorde are her friends on Cardamom and Micah, Sass and Kirra are her friends from The Forbidden Planet. I would recommend reading Escape from the Forbidden Planet first. We meet Micah, Sass and Kirra in that book. They are also in Return to Cardamom and the story will make more sense to read from the beginning. This is a series I would recommend for middle graders and look forward to reading book 3!
My Rating=4.5 stars
Purchase
Amazon (US) * Amazon (UK) * Amazon (Canada)
The Buzz About Book 1: Escape From the Forbidden Planet
"Julie Anne Grasso has created an action-packed story featuring a range of interesting and imaginative characters (i.e., elves, the Alexanders, and other creatures), intergalactic travel, advanced medical and scientific technology, and complex environmental and conservation issues. Escape From the Forbidden Planet contains an intricate plot which slowly unfolds until you're hooked and you are left on the edge of your proverbial seat wondering what will happen next." ~ Mother Daughter Book Reviews, 5 Stars"It's part geeky, part science, and part fun, all brought together to become this awesome book called Escape From The Forbidden Planet. I would recommend this book to reading age kids and adults who like sci-fi kids books. Definitely something different. I really enjoyed reading it!" ~ Michael S., Amazon, 5 Stars
"I loved this book. Super great series for middle graders. I loved Caramel. She has a great attitude and determination. I really admired how she was focused on getting home, saving her family but also made the best of being stuck on an alien planet. Definitely a book with great role models for kids. I really hope there is more to come where this came from. Kids need books like this with catchy stories, solid characters who have good values that they can relate to." ~ Unorthodox Mama, Goodreads, 5 Stars.
Amazon (US) * Amazon (UK) * Amazon (Canada)
About the Author
Julie Anne Grasso is an Australian author with a background in paediatric nursing. She spent many years literally wrapping children in cotton wool. Every day she witnessed great courage and resilience from the tiny people she cared for, which inspired her to write stories about a little girl elf just like them. Add in some very funky technology, her love of science fiction and desire to impart great values through her little girl elf named Caramel and there you have it, the Adventures of Caramel Cardamom Trilogy was the result.Julie lives in Melbourne with her husband Danny and their little elf Giselle. Most days she can be found sipping chai lattes, chasing a toddler, and dreaming up wonderful worlds that often involve consumption of cupcakes.
Book Website: http://www.julieannegrassobooks.com/
Author Blog: WhenIgrowupIwannawriteakidsbook
Facebook page: Julie Anne Grasso Books
Twitter: @Jujuberry37
Goodreads Author: Julie Anne Grasso
Return to Cardamom Blog Tour Schedule (2013)
July 17
July 18July 19
July 20
July 21
July 22
July 23
July 24
July 25
July 26
July 27
July 28
July 29
July 30
July 31
*** Return to Cardamom Blog Tour Giveaway ***
Prize: One winner will receive a copy (print in U.S./Canada & e-copy interntionally) + a $50 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash
Contest runs: July 17th to August 7th, 11:59 pm, 2013
Open: WW
How to enter: Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. If you have any additional questions - feel free to send us an email!
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3 comments:
Thank you so much for your great review and for taking part in the Return to Cardamom blog tour. I like how you highlighted the importance of the family relationships (including extended family) and how the book has an important lesson about forgiveness. Thanks so much! :)
Thank you so much Mel for the lovely review and for joining my blog tour. Much appreciated, Julie Grasso
Thanks for the invite, Renee!
You're welcome, Julie. Looking forward to your next book!
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