A Tinfoil Sky

by Cyndi Sand-Eveland

Mel and her mother, Cecily, know what it’s like to live rough, whether it’s on the streets or in the apartment of an abusive man.When Cecily announces that they’ve had enough and that they are going to go home to her mother’s, Mel dreams of security, a comfortable bed, and a grandmother’s love seem to be about to come true. But some mistakes cannot be easily forgiven or erased. Her grandmother is not what Mel expects, and though the local library offers sanctuary, a real home seems beyond her grasp. Mel’s determination to rise above what fate has dealt is about to change that.

Cyndi Sand-Eveland’s work with homeless youth gives her characters an authenticity no reader will forget. Ultimately, a story of hope and acceptance, A Tinfoil Sky is a powerful, can’t-putit- down novel.

Genres: Contemporary, Middle Grade, Family, Fiction, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Juvenile

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 10, 2012

About the author

Author Cyndi Sand-Eveland has worked with elementary-aged children for the past fifteen years as a teaching assistant for students with learning disabilities and ESL students. She has led storytelling and journal writing workshops for primary and intermediate students. She has also worked as a freelance storyteller, children’s library assistant, and sign language interpreter. Dear Toni and her original poetry were recently included in a workshop to inspire students to begin their own creative adventures in storytelling and journal writing. She currently lives on a farm just outside of Nelson, BC.

Reviews

[Cassi Haggard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whenever I review a book with middle grade leanings I tend to find myself using the same words. "Sweet" and "cute" but neither of those describe Tinfoil Sky. When I searched my mind the word that I came up with was heartfelt. This book is full of feeling, genuine and messy yet realistic.

What does it feel like to be in the same place today as you were yesterday, as you will be tomorrow? Cecily liked change. Lots of it. Mel, on the other hand, did not.

In some ways this is a very sad story. Mel and her mom Cecily leave in the middle of the night, running from Cecily's "creepy" boyfriend. They return to Cecily's "home" a word that Mel's not really ever experienced. The thought of a "home" conjures up happy imaginings-- white picket fences, gardens, homemade cookies and everything Mel's only experienced in storybooks.

But when they arrive, Gladys is not the grandma of her dreams. She's bitter and distrusting, still damaged from Cecily's past betrayals. She's not the picturesque grandma that you normally see, but something more realistic. (Not saying that there aren't really wonderful grandmas, but it is rare to see a fictional grumpy grandma which also exist). Mel quickly realizes home is not everything she expected.

The relationships between the main characters are complicated, landing in that weird place where love and pain meet. I like the fact that even though it's for a younger audience it doesn't simplify or dumb down the complex relationships. Family is never simple and usually carries more baggage than a middle grade book cares to deal with. But Tinfoil Sky is willing to explore a very broken family.

Tinfoil Sky is an MG book that tackles real world problems as seen through the eyes of a 12 year old. It ventures into the subject of abuse, homelessness and eventually forgiveness without ever becoming hopeless or dark. In the end Tinfoil Sky is a hopeful book without becoming unrealistic.

I want to compliment the cover art for this book. It's bold, simple and corresponds to the story. Very eye catching!

[Jenna Scribbles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tinfoil Sky will be released January 10, 2012

“When Things Get Better”

Readers need to pick up this book. People who walk by homeless families, look away from the man on the street corner, or tease the classmate who only owns two shirts - you need to read this story in order to be reminded that these are real people.

Mel is a character you want to cheer for. I found myself pulled deep into her life and hoping for the best. Ms. Sand-Eveland is a skilled author and gave the 12-year-old, Mel, an honest and heartfelt voice. This story will touch many readers - mothers, nonprofit workers, children of blended families, and anyone with a heart.

Tinfoil Sky touches on many themes - homelessness, having a sense of belonging, not judging others based on their outward appearance, hope, friendship, and the idea of what makes a family. All of these things are told in a smooth and non-jarring way. I feel this story would be wonderful for middle school and high school readers. There will be lots to discuss.

“Mel told herself that it didn’t matter… she didn’t want to think, even to herself, that it did matter.”

We need to remember that what we do and how we live our lives affects others. I strongly encourage you to read this story.

~ ~

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author or publisher for review purposes.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice small story about a girl with tremendous inner strength. Her mother is unreliable on a level that qualifies as neglect. Her grandmother is one of the most bitter and spiteful characters I've encountered in a long time. Brilliantly drawn grandmother. Things happen. Things change. I had been worried that the homeless angle in the story combined with a boozing law-breaking mother (who makes bad choices where men are concerned) might make this inappropriate for junior-age readers, but I find I'm comfortable with it. Sand-Eveland walks the tightrope lightly and successfully, letting us see the young protagonist's bleak world without giving so much detail that we end up with a YA book about displaced youth. This is, as noted, a small story about a brave girl, full of hope for young readers.

[Mylanna Kelava · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would not recommend this book to people because I think that the book is a little too rushed and could not explain the ending very well. At the same time I thought that Tinfoil Sky has a nice plot line but I think if they add better reasoning of why Cecily went back to her boyfriend. This did not fit in the plot line. Plus it does not explain what the author thinks and how Mel can grow to become her own person. Then Mel almost goes back with Cecily and can’t become her own person. If I would have to recommend this book to anyone one who want to see in the eyes of what it's like live in these kind of environment.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed these characters and a fairly realistic situation, though: why does the homeless girl ALWAYS love to read? Why does the library ALWAYS provide salvation?

[Gail Neale-Sedgeiwck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully written book that tells a story of a life that is too real for some young children. Loved the ending, and the cat

[JustAnotherReader · Rating 2 out of 5]

No romance, no LGBT+ characters.

It was okay. The writing style didn't really click with me, and the story didn't stand out.

Content: alchoholism and cigarette addiction (nothing big), child neglect, homelessness.

Two sentences that I particularly didn't get:

"Rose was angry and it caught Mel off guard. There was a lot about this large, dark-skinned woman that no one would want to mess with."

What are you saying? Dark-skinned woman are to be feared? It really confused me, especially because Rose is seen as a friend to Mel, for the entire book, giving her free desserts and helping out at the soup kitchen. The author didn't seem racist. So this sentence threw me off guard.

"And the words landed on her here and there, just like the flaked sun falling through the paned glass."

So I guess this was supposed to be poetic, but it just didn't make sense. Words don't fall on you here and there.

All in all, it wasn't a bad book. In fact, there were some parts that I enjoyed. But there is definitely something better you can find out there to read or give to your child to read.

[Cari Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Sharie · Rating 4 out of 5]

homelessness/foster care

[eeshah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love

[megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

SEXY AS HELL i loved the main character there was like nothing about this book i wasn’t obsessed with. i’m considering rereading

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good story with a mediocre ending 😢

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A VERY good book indeed. That's all I'm saying--don't want to spoil anything for the reader. Highly recommended for any age.

[Kevin Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

read this when i was in grade 4 or 5? I remember it very fondly

[Kary · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, a big thank you to Tundra and Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book!

I honestly did not expect to be blown away by this book - maybe because of the rather unexciting cover (once again, we can't ALWAYS judge a book by its cover, can we?), but I was. I read this book practically all in one sitting!

The book starts with Cecily and 12 year-old Mel, a homeless mother and daughter, who are fleeing from Cecily's abusive boyfriend. Cecily is hoping to return "home" to her mother whom she hasn't had contact with in 9 years. However, her mother, Gladys, harbors a lot of resentment towards the daughter who stole from her, who led a life of drug and alcohol abuse and took her granddaughter from her 9 years ago. Gladys wants nothing to do with her, and so Cecily and Mel have no choice but to take to the streets. Sleeping in their car, singing on the street corner for spare change, and eating in the soup kitchen - this is their reality.

One day, Mel comes out of the soup kitchen from eating alone and Cecily is nowhere to be found. It turns out that Cecily has once again been caught shoplifitng and is sentenced to 30 days in jail. Mel has no choice but to move in with her grandmother, Gladys. She seems to be just a grumpy old woman who doesn't seem to have any interest in getting to know her. She feels all alone in the world.
My favorite part of the book was when the judge asks Mel if there is anything that she needs and she replies, thinking of the beautiful library she saw in town, "a library card!" I always have a special place in my heart for characters with a love for books and libraries. And Mel is one of these. For her, her local library is a magical place. When she steps into the library, it takes her into another world - one where all her dreams come true. She spends every day that summer at the library and befriends the librarian and the son of the librarian.

I could easily go on and on about this book...but I don't want to tell everything!! Every page was a delight! The characters were wonderful! I loved Mel! I'll admit that I was not a big fan of Gladys for awhile, because I wondered how she could hold a grudge against her granddaughter for something her mother did. It made me really sad for Mel. Then there was Cecily. She was just caught in a a circle of one bad decision after another. You could tell she really loved Mel...but unfortunately she just was not capable of caring for her properly. She was just messed up, and I felt bad for her, but I just wanted her to get help. The twist at the end...it had me biting my fingers...DEFINITELY A MUST READ!!!!!!!

This was truly an impressive read! I would say that kids as young as 10 can read it, however, it can easily hold the attention of a much older audience as well.

[Victoria Whipple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mel and Cecily (her mother) are fleeing Cecily's boyfriend, and Mel is told they are going "home" to her grandmother's place. Unfortunately, Cecily has alienated her mother with a lifetime of addiction and all its complications, and when they arrive at Gladys's apartment, she send them away. This is certainly not the first time Mel and Cecily have had to live out of their Pinto. They find the local soup kitchen, and Mel befriends Rose, who runs the kitchen. Mel also becomes a regular at the public library, where she becomes interested in a young man who seems to always be sleeping there. One day, Cecily sends Mel into the soup kitchen to get their meals, and Mel waits and waits, but Cecily doesn't appear. When Mel finally leaves, she finds Cecily in the alley with booze on her breath. Soon after, Mel returns to the car only to find it gone. She must spend the night alone, in a storm, under a bridge. Rose seeks her out, and tells her that Cecily has been arrested and Mel will be staying with Gladys. Gladys takes her in, but obviously reluctantly. In the time that Mel stays with Gladys, she makes friends both young, old, and feline. She gets a legitimate job, not just busking on street corners. She gets to borrow all the books she wants from the library, and she learns to stand on her own two feet. The story is surprisingly gentle, considering it is about a homeless girls whose mother has substance abuse problems. But despite her flaws, Cecily has given Mel enormous amounts of love, as well as coping skills which Mel uses to come into her own. This is a beautifully told story, highly recommended for grades 4-8.

[Erin Forson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Tinfoil Sky
By Cyndi Sand-Eveland
3 Scribbles
Release Date January 10, 2012
Twelve-year-old Mel cannot believe her good fortune when her mom, Cecily, decides to leave her jerk boyfriend and return "home" to Mel’s grandmother. Mel and Cecily have moved eleven times during the past four years, and Mel is absolutely thrilled about the chance to meet the grandmother she cannot remember. She dreams of a bedroom all her own, the same school all year long, friends, and a much-coveted library card. What she never dreams will happen is that her grandmother will turn them away, her mother will go missing, and her future will never be the same. The author weaves a tale reminiscent of Leslie Connor’s award-winning Waiting for Normal; and although not as powerful as that tale, the novel boasts realistic, flawed characters who are neither wholly bad nor wholly good. For instance, on the surface, Cecily is an admirable mother who showers Mel with affection and shares everything with Mel—her dreams, her singing talent, her hopes for the future—but all of this at the expense of stability. Additionally, it is easy to be angry with Mel’s grandmother, Gladys, because of her callous attitude, but at the same time see that the all-too-human Gladys fears being hurt once again. Best of all, the story is refreshingly honest, with a realistic ending readers will appreciate. Mel truly matures and outgrows her mother, realizing that sometimes the right choice for a hopeful future requires painful sacrifice.

[EeeJay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Feel
I hope no one has to go through a bit of what Melody did (even though I am aware that nothing actually happened to her). The worst part of having an unstable parent (or relative or friend, whatever) is the uncertainty. Although the book's not depressing, it does make you think and for those reasons alone, I give this story 5 stars. The funny thing is, the book's written as if for kindergarten-ers but the content's so mature. That makes sense because while Melody is 12 and although in some ways very mature, she's never experienced things most 12 year-olds have and the tone of the story reflects that.

Strongest Moment
When Paul and Mel go to view that homeless guy's place and Paul starts kicking his shopping cart and Mel says: "Stop! Those are someone's things!"...That made me realize that just because you're homeless, doesn't mean you can't belong somewhere.

Peeves & Likes
I did believe Gladys changed her attitude a bit too suddenly for me and I never understood why Cecily left in the first place. That remains a mystery but I guess you can't solve everything. The small perks that Mel has, e.g: Counting days down and evaluating money before she's even started a job sounded just like me (and getting excited to be in a library), just like a normal kid (apart from the library part :P) . A recommended read for everyone, young and old alike!

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cyndi Sand-Eveland says she was inspired to write A Tinfoil Sky when she met a homeless girl and her father in Eugene Oregon. It was a brief exchange of spare change but it was enough to spark her novel about Mel and her mother facing homelessness while escaping an abusive boyfriend and not being allowed to come home.

Mel and her mother end up sleeping in their car, parked under a bridge until it's eventually towed. By then Mel has started to get to know a few people in her mother's home town. That gives her a small thread of support when her mother is arrested. Mel is ordered by the court to live with her grandmother, the very one who refused to open the door when they had first arrived.

Mel's life with her grandmother brings into question whether or not family is always the best decision. Her grandmother's bitterness is deep rooted in painful memories. As Mel counts down the days until she's reunited with her mother, she unravels some of the mysteries of her own life and her grandmother's bad mood.

Although the book deals with some tough issues: abuse, broken families, homelessness and drug use, Mel remains a positive character and the book has a hopeful ending.

Read via NetGalley

[David Durston · Rating 4 out of 5]

What does it mean to have a home? Cyndi Sand-Eveland explores this important theme (and many others) in her heart wrenching novel A Tinfoil Sky. In this novel, Cecily and her daughter Mel leave her ex-boyfriend and return to her mother's apartment in the town she grew up in. Upon their arrival, Cecily's mother Gladys won't let her daughter return, and the two are left to live in their car. After Cecily makes some bad choices, Mel is left to live with Gladys and try to mend a relationship that has been destroyed in the wake of Cecily's substance abuse.

I found this story so interesting because of the many themes and symbols that the author brought into play in this novel. There is some great use of light and dark imagery, but it is not simplified into a simple good/evil continuum. The chracters' motives are also entrenched into psychology that feels very real, which creates an authenticity to the story that I very much enjoyed. I would definitely recommend this novel to any young person around 12 years old, because the subject matter is difficult enough to challenge a young reader, but it is direct enough to engage a reader in this age group.

[Glenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mel and her mother Cecily have very different wants. Although Mel goes along when Cecily wants to make lists of all the places they're going to live once they "make it," Mel really just wants a place to call home. Life is always in flux with Cecily in charge. They have just left the current boyfriend's place in the middle of the night in his car to go "home." Once they're on the road, Cecily lets Mel know they're going to her mom's place and that things are going to be better. Mel imagines her grandmother welcoming them with open arms, warm cookies coming out of the oven, and feeling safe. But when they arrive she sees it's just a rundown apartment building, and her grandmother yells at them through the door to go away, that there is nothing left to steal. They end up sleeping in the car under an overpass for a few days. They go to the soup kitchen for lunch and Mel sings on the corner for some money. When Mel comes back to the overpass one afternoon, the car is gone and she can't find Cecily. Will Mel find a home to call her own? Read this well-told story about a young girl who just wants to feel loved and cared for.

[Pam Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, bravo to Cyndi for addressing a difficult issue, homelessness in a children's book. We often hear about the difficulties that the adults face by being homeless, but rarely the children, let alone their point of view. I believe this would be a great book to help open up the conversation about poverty, homelessness and ultimately how to respect people no matter what their perceived reality is.
Mel reminds me of a couple of children I worked with in my writing and art classes, anxious to learn and had an appreciation and respect for people different from themselves. More often than not, the children in their class were unaware that they were homeless, but only saw the worn out clothing which often made them targets of students who were more affluent. I found A Tinfoil Sky to be a compassionate and moving read and recommend it highly.
Check out the complete review at soimfifty.blogspot.com and an interview, too!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tinfoil Sky by Cindy Sand-Eveland follows Mel who has lived a rough life. When her mother pulls Mel in the middle of the night from her abusive boyfriends house to move near her grandmother the two end up homeless. After Mel's mother is arrested she moves in with her grandmother who is less than welcoming. With the help of a few kind strangers things in Mel's life start to change.

This is an interesting book that lets readers into the life of a homeless pre-teen. I really enjoyed Mel and found myself rooting for her. The book is an easy read and although Mel's life is tough she is a good kid who tries to make good decisions. I finished the book quickly and was very interested in what would happen next.

Appropriateness: While this book covers a tough subject it does so in a way that kids will be able to relate to and without any adult content (aside from Mel's mom drinking). I would recommend this book to readers 10-14

[Carly (Lis les Livres) · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://lisleslivres.blogspot.com/2012...

This was an interesting read about a homeless girl trying to find herself a home. It was short, but I will admit that for me it was not quick. When I wasn't reading it, I didn't find myself wanting to be. I found the story a bit slow and sad. However, I did like the main character Mel. She was just someone trying to find her way like we all are during some part of our own lives. After reading the ending, I was a bit disappointed that it wasn't particuraly happy. Thinking about it now, it would have been too predictable if it were the way I wanted it to end, so I commend the author for taking a risk with the ending. Overall, this was a good book. It wasn't one of my favorites due to personal preferences, it being a little too depresssing for me. I know that this could be a favorite for others, though.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fabulous story of a young girl forced to follow her drug-addict mother around from man to man, dealer to dealer. Mel never knew a normal life with a normal home. At least she didn't remember one. One day Mel's mom decides to take them back to her hometown to live with her mother, a grandmother Mel doesn't even remember. They are not welcomed with the warm and open, loving arms that she dreams of. Instead they end up living in the car and singing for change on the corner. One day her mom doesn't return to their spot under the bridge and the car is towed away. Local law enforcement steps in and Mel is forced to live with the grouchy and hate-filled grandmother. Eventually they grow to understand each other as they confront their shared past and hopefully their shared future.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mel’s mom, Cecily, says to 12 year old Mel, “We’re going home.” Home is where Mel’s Grandma Gladys lives and, as Mel has never had a real home, she looks forward to the move. Until they get there and Gladys won’t answer the door. Their car breaks down right outside of town and Mel and her mom live out of the car for a little while, going to a soup kitchen and begging for handouts. One day, Mel’s mom doesn’t come home and this is when Mel’s journey really begins. Along the way, she meets a concerned soup kitchen worker, a caring librarian, and makes her first real friend. A heart-warming story full of rich characters, this is a strong debut.

[Logan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I didn't think I would like this book, I thought it would be like a "Bla bla bla i don't really like this book but i have to read it for silver birch books" but I really loved this book. I was like "Please don't stop me from reading this book, please i just want to read it all day" It was very confusing just jumping into the story like that but it took a couple of pages to get what was going on. This was just a really good book and I am rating it a 5 out of 5 the only thing I want is a sequel or prequel of like their tife before all of this or like Mel's adventures in the summers with paul then I would rerate this book 5000000 of 5. Overall one of the best books I have read.

[Raegan Rocco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowing that you have one person in the whole world that really loves you can make a young person's world secure and help them make crucial decisions that will impact their lives forever...this novel beautifully articulates such a relationship. It inspires us to think that no matter where we come from or what we have had to deal with, we still have the ability to choose our own path...one of love and health or one of fear and distress, brutally hard choices for children to make but in reality happens every day in our world. An excellent read, and so well written it is obvious why it was nominated as one of the Silver Birch Award Winners this year!

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meant for younger readers, this is the story of 12-yr-old Mel. Mel ends up running with her mother to escape a bad relationship, only to discover that their home is to be the bad seat of their car. When the car breaks down, and Mel's mother is arrested and put in jail, Mel is forced to go live with the grandmother she is pretty sure hates her. As the past unravels, Mel finds out that things are never as simple as they seem.

Excellent plot and character development. The story moves quickly to keep the attention of young readers, but had enough goodies to entice older readers as well. One of the best young reader books I've read in a long time.

[NightAuditMan · Rating 3 out of 5]

My daughter left this book sitting on my nightstand and having nothing to read upstairs, I picked it up.

This is a nice little heartwarming tale of a little girl who takes back control of her life after living with a less then stellar mother.

I knew someone like this growing up and so I could easily relate to the tale. I found the writing to be solid, and the central characters to be interesting enough to polish off the book in no time at all.