Bianca with Ona Gritz on August or Forever

The Children's Book Review: Growing Readers Podcast

In this episode, Ona Gritz talks about her latest novel for kids, August or Forever. It's an incredibly thoughtful, heartwarming, and well-written story that explores the complexities and joys of sisterhood.

Ten-year-old Molly has always loved having a sister, but sisters are supposed to live together, right? Molly certainly thinks so. Unfortunately, her older half-sister Alison lives on a whole other continent. Their video chats are great, and Molly is thrilled when Alison’s hand-written letters arrive in the mail like surprise gifts. Still, it’s not enough, not compared to what other siblings have. That’s why when Molly finds out that Alison is finally coming to visit over the summer, she devises a plan she’s sure will get her sister to stay. But then Alison arrives with plans of her own, a fragile heart gets broken, and Molly stumbles upon a painful piece of her sister’s past. Molly has always loved having a sister, but this is the August when she’ll learn what it really means to be one.

Transcription:

You can read the transcription on The Children's Book Review .

Order copies:

August or Forever on Bookshop.org and Amazon.

Resources:

Learn more about Ona Gritz'z work at onagritz.com.

Discussion Topics:

• About Ona Gritz and what motivates her to write for children
• How books and writers like Judy Blume have influenced Ona's work
• The importance of literary friendships and community
• Being a good literary citizen
• The inspirations and writing process for August or Forever
• Exploring characters and sisterhood and non-traditional families

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