Just Under the Clouds
Melissa Sarno, Author
Knopf Books for Young Readers, Jun. 5, 2018
Suitable for Ages: 8-11
Pages: 225
Themes: Siblings, Family relationships, Loss, Homelessness, Shelter life, Belonging, Difference, Nature
Book Synopsis:
Always think in threes and you’ll never fall, Cora’s father told her when she was a little girl. Two feet, one hand. Two hands, one foot. That was all Cora needed to know to climb the trees of Brooklyn.
But now Cora is a middle schooler, a big sister, and homeless. Her mother is trying to hold the family together after her father’s death, but they are evicted from their home. Cora must look after her sister, Adare, who’s just different, their mother insists. Quick to smile, Adare hates wearing shoes, rarely speaks, and appears untroubled by the question Cora can’t help but ask: How will she find a place to call home?
After their room at the shelter is ransacked, Cora’s mother looks to an old friend for help, and Cora finally finds what she’s been looking for: Ailanthus altissima, the “tree of heaven,” which can grow in even the worst conditions. It sets her on a path to discover a deeper truth about where she really belongs.
Just Under the Clouds will take root in your heart and blossom long after you’ve turned the last page.
Why I like this book:
I am always searching for books on homelessness. And Melissa Sarno’s, Just Under the Clouds, offers readers a different perspective of how we view the homeless in a raw, heartbreaking, touching and hopeful way. Not all homeless people live on the streets. It’s a reminder that anyone can unexpectedly find themselves in a similar situation. When Cora’s father dies, her family is eventually evicted from their home.
The story is more character-driven than it is about the plot. Yes, the family moves from run-down apartments to homeless shelters where their safety is always an issue. But this beautiful lyrical story focuses a variety of relationships between family, friends and school. Cora is courageous and resilient and shoulders the responsibility of her sister, Adare, who is born special — her brain is deprived of oxygen at birth. Adare is my favorite character, because she has a unique perception of the world. She has a soft-song voice, says hello to everyone, stares endlessly at the sky, spins in the rain and befriends cats and crows.
Cora’s relationship with a quirky friend, Sabina, offers a happy balance to the story. Cora’s mother is an artist, who has to give up her talent to take low-paying jobs to support the family. When her mother’s childhood friend, Willa, invites them into her classy apartment, Cora is hopeful she can finally stay in one place. But how long will her mother accept Willa’s help?
The one constant in Cora’s life is her father’s “tree journal,” which he left her. He loved to map out trees in their community. Cora picks up where he has left off and it helps her feel close to her dad. She maps the trees around her, draws pictures and records seasonal information. There is a lot of symbolism for Cora ash she searches for her own “roots.”
Just Under the Clouds has a heartwarming message about understanding the struggle of others. It is a story that will create empathy among readers. It should be required reading for youth because the face of homelessness is changing.
Melissa Sarno is a freelance writer and editor with and MFA in screenwriting. She lives in the Lower Hudson Valley of New York with her family. Visit her at her website and follow her on Twitter at @melissasarno.
Greg Pattridge hosts Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts on his wonderful Always in the Middle website. Check out the link to see all of the wonderful reviews by KidLit bloggers and authors.
*Copy: Library
I loved the cover of this book before I read your review, Patricia. Your review is very compelling. It sounds like a sensitively told story that will foster empathy in its readers. A story for our times.
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I really liked this story because it showed a different side of homelessness — it can be anyone. I really hope it fosters empathy in readers, because that homeless person may be a friend at school.
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Perhaps I should buy this book for my grandson. We were having a conversation just recently about how homelessness can happen to anyone.
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The face of homelessness is rapidly changing. That’s why I appreciated this book.
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I have ordered. 🙂
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That’s great. I hope you review the book and give it some more book love.
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That’s great. I hope you review the book and give it some more book love.
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I’m not so good at reviews, but I look forward to reading it.
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That surprises me, because you write so well!
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Thank you for your kind encouragement, Patricia.
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🙂
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It sounds like Cora has a lot to deal with for her age. It´s important for kids to learn that life isn´t all rosy for everyone. How she deals with it would be a good lesson as well as a compelling story.
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Yes, Cora has way to much responsibility at a young age. She’s self-conscious and bullied. But, she’s wise beyond her years.
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I think I need to read more middle grade! I agree – not enough children’s books out there dealing with homelessness.
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You know, I love picture books. But MG novels have become my favorite reads. It is such a pivotal time in the life of young people as they leave childhood and become teens. My favorite are the historical fiction and immigration stories.
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Have you read Lifeboat 12? Based on a true WWII incident, told in verse.
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No, I haven’t. Will check it out. I love free verse.
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This is such a beautiful review! I love how this book affects the reader’s perception of homelessness. Thanks for the recommendation.
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Thank you Violet. It does impact the reader’s perception of homelessness. Cora hid it from her friends.
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Sounds like a great read especially with how Cora deals with her dad’s death and homelessness. Another great choice. Thanks.
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Thank you for your comments. We need more MG novels on this topic.
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How often I wonder when I spot a family on a street corner with a sign asking for help, What brought them to this stage in their lives? Yes, books on homelessness are needed as it effects far too many. This book is intriguing enough to put it on the top of my to read list. Thanks for sharing. I’ll have to check if it has been nominated for CYBILS.
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I hope so! There were so many good MG books to choose from this year.
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I also loved this book. Glad to see the word being spread. Thanks for the post.
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I thought you reviewed this book. We really need more MG novels on homelessness in our country.
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I absolutely LOVED this book (and featured it back in June). Not just because it’s a sympathetic look at homelessness, but because it’s so lyrical and lovely
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Yes, I agree. It is a very lyrical and well-written story. Couldn’t remember who shared it.
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Thanks for another MMGM recommendation for what looks like an excellent read, Patricia! I love this cover.
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Yes, the cover draws you to the story.
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Sounds like there are some great stand-out voices in this moving story.
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There are! The story is very character-driven.
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I loved this one, too! Making a plan to purchase several copies to have in a small ‘library-type’ collection for kids who come through the Family Promise housing program. Pat you always highlight the best books!
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Thank you Nancy! What a perfect match! I am in awe of what you are doing.
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This sounds like a wonderful book. I haven’t actually read any books who focus on homelessness, which is something I should change. This seems like the perfect book for it! Thank’s for sharing!
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I really enjoyed this book! Am always searching for books that focus on different types of homelessness.
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