A Girl Called Joy: Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week: Volume 1
Jenny Valentine
‘A delight for its warmth and humour, but principally because the writing is alive and stunning.’ The Sunday Times Children’s Book of the Week.
For readers aged 9+ comes a sparkling new series about family, friends and finding the joy in life! From award-winning author Jenny Valentine, this is the perfect series for fans of Jacqueline Wilson, Cath Howe and Lara Williamson! Meet ten-year-old Joy Applebloom, a girl with a knack for finding the silver lining in even the darkest of rainclouds. After years of travelling the world with her parents and older sister, Claude (Claude rhymes with bored, which is just about right), Joy and her family move to suburbia – back to school, back to her grumpy, rule-obsessed grandad and back to normality. Joy soon finds her usual irrepressible positivity and zest for life waning, but when the powers that be threaten to pull down a mighty oak tree, Joy decides to fight back, and realizes that not all magic requires wands and spells, and perhaps the most important sort of magic is the power, resilience and courage that was there all along . . .Includes beautiful illustrations from Claire Lefevre
Reviews

It was fun and interesting
Captain Rapunzel Teacup 21.08.2024

I like this book and I would say that Joy actually does have a talent for finding silver linings. It also teaches that you should find the good in people.
Queen Ariel Snivel 31.07.2024

My favourite character was Joy. i wood recamend it to any one else.
General Candyfloss Casserole 30.08.2023

it was really fun to read
Viscountess Iggy Skateboard 10.08.2023

This book is so positive, I couldn't help but smile while reading it. This book is one of those books that you read really fast and then wish it wasn't over. Now to get my hands on the sequel...
Countess Hopscotch Sofa 03.08.2023

It was okay
Doctor Tuesday Scratchings 29.07.2023

She moves to England and goes to school for the first time, and then does a protest to stop people chopping down an oak tree.
Principal Ursula Menace 16.12.2022

Star Reviewer

I think this was my favourite book I read this summer. I like how even though Joy has a rough school experience at first she manages to turn things around and save the oak tree. I liked Joy the best because she never gave up no matter what. i recommend this book to someone who likes inspirational stories.
Anonymous 04.09.2022

I thought that it was amazing how things took off. Joy had no friends until she met Benny, she wasn't doing very well in class until the project on history and the old oak tree from the book was going to get chopped down until they protested against it. My thoughts on what I have read are that Joy is incredibly optimistic which is a great skill to have. My favourite character was Joy because she tries to she the silver lining of everything and everyone. I also like how her Grandfather wasn't very interested in her or very fun, but she persisted to try to make her Grandfather have fun. I would definitely recommend this book to someone else because it might encourage people to look on the bright side of things.
Viscountess Cynthia Pineapple 29.08.2022

I definitely recommend this book, it’s really good but it took me a while to read as I kept reading other books!
Princess Rose Remmington 19.08.2022

I like how Joy and Benny protested to save the old oak tree. I like how the book describes all of the places Joy and her family have been to. I will definetly continue reading the series. I would recommend this to people who like adventure.
Mademoiselle Jet Pineapple 17.08.2022

This is such a great book that brings a little Joy into your life! This book has such a good and kind message, it is great for all ages! From reading the first page, I instantly fell in love with it. Enjoy!
Duchess Heroica Hoverboard 26.04.2022

This was a great positive book. I totally recommend to anyone who wants a light read on a Sunday morning. It has a great message 'always look for the silver lining'!
DJ Gator Peanut-butter 13.03.2022