How to Build a Heart
Author: Maria Padian
Age Range: 12-18
Reviewer: Jeanette Perkins aka Beeba.
How to Build a Heart centers around sixteen year old Izzy. Her Marine father died in Iraq six years ago and the family has moved often since then. Her mom (Mami) and brother’s (Jack) latest move finds them in Virginia. Things are looking up. Izzy earns a scholarship to a private high school. they are approved for a new Habitat for Humanity house and a cute boy, Sam, she is crushing on seems to feel the same. But there are complications. Her best friend Roz likes Sam too. The Habitat organization wants to publicize her family story which will expose her status at the new school. And her father’s family in North Carolina re-enters their lives.
Slowly, her worlds start or overlap and lies catch up with her. How will Izzy handle the challenges her new town brings? All she really wants to do is belong somewhere. Although the suggested age range for this book is twelve to eighteen, I think the subjects covered are more suited to high school grands. How to Build a Heart is great story about making choices and the consequences that result.
BUY IT HERE
About the author:
Maria Padian has a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College and a master’s degree from the University of Virginia. She is a freelance writer, essayist, and author of young adult novels, including Brett McCarthy: Work in Progress, Jersey Tomatoes Are the Best, and Out of Nowhere. Maria lives with her family in Brunswick, Maine. Visit her online at mariapadian.com and find her on Twitter: @mpadian.
About the reviewer:
Jeanette Perkins is the grandmother of two adorable grandsons. She lives in beautiful St Pete Beach, FL. Jeanette is a book and product reviewer for GRAND and is looking forward to reviewing lots of new and useful books and products for all us grandparents.
If you have a product for boomer grandparents and or their grandkids, tell us all about it in an email to editor@grandmagazine.com.
