Matylda, Bright & Tender Blog Tour

Welcome to the next stop on the Matylda, Bright & Tender Blog Tour!

Here you will not only learn about this new release, but you will also have the chance to enter to win a copy! This giveaway is graciously provided by Candlewick Press.

224 pages

Realistic Fiction

Recommended for grades 3+

From the publisher:

Sussy and Guy are best friends, fourth-graders who share their silliest thoughts and deepest hopes. One afternoon, the two of them decide they must have something of their very own to love. After a trip to the pet store, they bring home a spotted lizard, the one with the ancient face and starfish toes, and they name her Matylda (with a y so it’s all her own). With Guy leading the way, they feed her and give her an origin story fit for a warrior lizard. A few weeks later, on a simple bike ride, there is a terrible accident. As hard as it is, Sussy is sure she can hold on to Guy if she can find a way to love Matylda enough. But in a startling turn of events, Sussy reconsiders what it means to grieve and heal and hope and go on, for her own sake and Matylda’s. By turns both devastating and buoyant, this story is a brave one, showing how far we can justify going for a real and true friend.

In a courageous debut novel, Holly M. McGhee explores the loss that shakes one girl’s world — and the unexpected consequences of the things we do for love.

From me:

 As I had previously posted, when I finished this book I sat for a while. I sat holding the book tightly closed, staring at the leopard gecko, the bright yellow and the dark spots. My eyes read the title, Matylda, Bright & Tender, over and over again. I think I was unsure of where to go next. What do I say about a book that holds such fierce and loyal love, but also holds such deep, deep pain within?

Really the depth of this book is so strong that there isn't much I can say that feels "enough".

What I can say is, this book will be devoured by the readers that love heart-wrenching stories. 

The grief Sussy experiences is a grief that comes from being faced with a world without her most loyal and comfortable friend. Sussy had a rare friendship. One that many young people might not ever find. But with that rare and beautiful friendship comes a pain just as rare and extraordinary when it is lost.

IF you are willing to go on this journey with Sussy, you will be glad to make it out on the other side with her.

Thanks for stopping by!