Honeybees and Frenemies
It’s the summer before eighth grade and Flor is stuck at home and working at her family’s mattress store, while her best friend goes off to band camp (probably to make new friends). It becomes even worse when she’s asked to compete in the local honey pageant. This means Flor has to spend the summer practicing her talent (recorder) and volunteering (helping a recluse bee-keeper) with Candice, her former friend who’s still bitter about losing the pageant crown to Flor when they were in second grade. And she can’t say no.
Then there’s the possibility that Flor and her family are leaving to move in with her mom’s family in New Jersey. And with how much her mom and dad have been fighting lately, is it possible that her dad may not join them? Flor can’t let that happen. She has a lot of work to do.
Where to Buy
Reviews
2019 Parents’ Choice Award Book https://www.parentschoice.org/product/honeybees-and-frenemies/
“Wientge captures the essence of middle-grade friendships, as well as changing family dynamics, in this honey-sweet summer read.” –Booklist
“Flor’s struggles with the complexities of friendship and family are realistic and relatable in this engaging coming-of-age journey.” I’m thinking the pull quote can just be “[An] engaging comine-of-age journey.” – Publishers Weekly
“Wientge has created spirted, realistic characters that readers will root for and identify with . . . Readers will enjoy this satisfying tale while learning about bees and complicated friendships; expect buzz for future titles from this author.” –School Library Journal
“Narrator Flor's voice strikes just the right balance of naiveté and sarcasm, rendering it authentic and fun to read. Wientge seamlessly weaves issues like racism, economic stability, and environmental devastation into a clear, engaging plot…A sweet and satisfying read about friendship, sisterhood, and change.” –Kirkus
About
Published: June 4, 2019 (Simon & Schuster BFYR)
ISBN: 9781534438163
Page count: 256 pages
MG Contemporary