Always Neverland

by Zoe Barton

School has only been out for one whole day, and Ashley can already tell her vacation is going to bore her to tears. With her friends out of town and her parents working nonstop, she finds herself alone and with nothing to do--until one night she wakes up and discovers Peter Pan in her bedroom, wrestling with his shadow.

Since his original adventure with the Darlings, Peter Pan has been bringing new "Wendy girls" to Neverland to take care of the Lost Boys. But Ashley's made of much tougher stuff than the Wendy girls before her--she'd rather befriend the mermaids or fight Captain Hook and his pirate crew. Creating new adventures for her friends, Ashley is bringing change to Neverland ... and not everyone is happy about it.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Retellings, Childrens, Fiction, Fairy Tale Retellings, Magic

320 pages, Hardcover

First published October 11, 2011

Reviews

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! This completed the prompt for fairytale retelling/fairytale elements for MG March. I have quite a few Peter Pan retelling/reimagining books, but I believe this is the 1st one I’ve ever read. & I really had a great time! This was done SO well! There was all the classic Peter Pan elements & charm, but w/it’s own flavor & charm mixed in. I like how the author didn’t try to mess with or change the magic of the original, but just continued the story from there..School just let out for holiday break, & Ashley knows she’s going to be bored. Her friends are out of town, & her parents work nonstop & can’t even take time for promises they made before. Then 1 night she wakes & find Peter Pan in her bedroom wrestling w/his shadow. Since the original Wendy, he has been bringing new “Wendy girls” back to Neverland to care for the Lost Boys. But Ashley is different from any “Wendy” before her. She’d rather be fighting w/pirates, befriend the mermaids, & just having adventures. She doesn’t want to be their “mom”, but their friend. She’s bringing change to Neverland, but not everyone is happy about it. It has been a while since I’ve even visited the original Neverland, so it was good to be back. I like how Ashley did not conform to the views the boys still hung on to-that girls couldn’t fight or have adventures-that they should just cook, clean, & sew. She showed them the NEW “Wendy girl”, modern day version lol It was good to see old favs, & meet new ones. Tink is kinda evil honestly.😆& don’t even get me started on Tiger Lily UGH But I loved the Lost Boys-especially Kyle & Button, they have my heart. I loved the pirates-they made me laugh as usual lol. Loved Croc, & what we hear when he was near-laughed so hard! Absolutely loved the mermaids in the story too. This was such a fun adventure, full of happy thoughts, kids just wanting some love & attention-& of course wanting great adventures.. The little twist at the end had me smiling ear to ear! I loved it! The whole ending was perfect! This came out in ‘11, & it looks like this is the authors only book. That makes me sad, I definitely want more from her. Highly recommend. Absolutely beautiful cover by Tim Jessell too.💜

[Allison Tebo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provided plenty of ‘happy thoughts’. If I had just had some pixie dust, I would have been flying.

[giselle · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay no but this was a really cute book

[Madeline J. Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initial Response
Okay...guys, I really want to write a Peter Pan retelling now...THEY'RE SO MUCH FUN.

High Lights
- This book...SO. MANY. GOOD. THINGS.
- Ashley is a SUPER COOL main character, and I feel like she was super relatable and normal, you know?
- Peter of course, was wonderful. Don't really need to explain why.
- The Lost Boys are MY FAVORITE. I loved them all, each in there special way. Dibs was annoyingly entertaining, And at the end IT ONLY MADE ME LOVE HIM MORE. He just misses his mom, guys, c'mon. Prank was hilarious, Button is the most precious thing, and Kyle...well, he's Kyle, to be sure. XD
- It was really fast-paced! It just kept jumping from one thing to the next, leaving me on the edge, waiting to see what happens next.
- I want a polaroid camera.
- And also a special whistle I can use to call Peter whenever I want. That would be nice.

Low Lights
- I really wish there would've been more done with pirates. I mean, they're a big part of the book, but I felt like they were just...I don't know. I guess I just like Hook A LOT so I wanted to see him be a bigger part of the story. (like in Peter Pan in Scarlet) - Nothing else, really.

Conclusion
This was a fun, quick read, that I LOVED TO PIECES. A friend recommended this book to me a loooong time ago, and I remember reading it and LOVING it. Well, that hasn't changed, even after a reread. If you love Peter Pan, then PLEASE check this book out.
4/5.

[Jeff Raymond · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really not sure if my overall coolness to this book was that:

a) we really don't need another re-do of Peter Pan, especially since the Dave Barry/Ridley Pearson ones were so good.

b) that this is just kind of okay.

It was completely passable, and would likely scratch the right itch for the right reader, I think, but very little of this story or much of anything about it really stuck out for me, which I suppose says everything that needs to be said.

[Gabs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me make this clear before I get a bit 'passionate' about this story; this was not a bad book. At some parts I was really interested in the story. However, at other times, I was counting down the pages until I could get this over with.

First off, Ashley....was no Wendy. Or Molly Aster, for any Peter and The Starcatchers fans. Or Sarah for any Bridge to Never Land fans. She was more memorable than Jane, though. Do you see what I am trying to say? She was not as memorable as any of these 'Wendy girls.' (Though technically, Molly Aster is the first girl that Peter Pan hangs out with, even though it isn't the 'original' version. Just sayin') I liked her, but at times I was annoyed by her. And, really? Why would you take your mother's iPod to Neverland!? I'm sure you can entertain yourself in other ways, and there's also the fact that you are probably going to break/lose it. I was proven right about this, too. One of the earlier chapters is entitled, 'Something Eats Mom's iPod.'

Also, compared to other Peter Pan prequels and sequels, this was rather lacking. I will NOT compare Always Neverland's plot to the original book, because I don't think anyone can outdo that. (Though Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry came quite close. Sorry, I am a bit of a geek. No more interruptions, promise.)

And yet another, not so small thing. HOW THE HECK DO YOU KILL OFF HOOK!? YOU CAN'T DO THAT!!!!!!

Okay...so now that the bad parts of this book have been thoroughly ranted upon, and I am sorry about that, let's get on to the positives about this book.

While Ashley wasn't exactly my favorite Wendy girl, she had her moments. Like when she managed to befriend a never bird. That was cute, I must say. And she had some major girl power.

And the food trees were also very creative. I was getting hungry as I was reading about the cupcake tree.

Also, the lost boys were very interesting characters. I liked all of them very much, except for Dibs, but you weren't supposed to really like him. They weren't background characters, like they sometimes are--"Oh yeah, here's my lost boys. You probably won't see them very much, but I'm Peter Pan so I have to have them,"--they were actually as important as Peter himself. They were so lovable; I just wanted to give them a big bear hug.


Oh, and as I mentioned before, I did like some parts of the book. I think that the writer has talent. But, it was disappointing after reading other Peter Pan novels that were, simply put, fantastic. What I am saying is that it did not measure up as a sequel.


So, it really didn't live up to my expectations. However, I could still see people enjoying it, even if they are not major Peter Pan fans, because then you won't be comparing it to every single novel that has ever been written about him. However, I think Peter Pan fans could still enjoy it.

This review can be found on http://myfullbookshelfreviews.blogspo...

[Eileen Everly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading books I think my daughter may enjoy, and it doesn't hurt that by doing so, I explore their content and can tell if it's appropriate for her age... I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As a huge fan of all things Peter Pan, Neverland, Tink, Lost Boys and Wendy, this really appealed to me. And as a woman who was raised to believe she was strong, independent and self-reliant, this is a great story of a girl in a boy's world, who isn't content to let that be the status quo. A funny read with good lessons that don't hit you over the head or seem to be advancing a too-obvious agenda, I recommend this for boys and girls both, if they enjoy exploring the land second star to the right and straight on til morning!

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't decide between 2 or 3 stars. On the one hand it was a light fluffy read but I had no time to sit and read it so I couldn't appreciate it fully. At times it felt like a bunch of mini adventures in Neverland rather than one big plot which was ok but wasn't what I was looking for. The ending felt very cheesy & a bit of a sell out. Not bad but not stellar.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light fun adventure with a modern, new (kick-ass, yet diplomatic) Wendy girl.

[Adrianne Rosal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the fact that the adventures of Peter Pan are still alive and strong. Move over Wendy Darling, there's a new girl in Neverland. Very good book!!!!

[Bethany Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really enjoyed this twist of Peter Pan!
P.S I would be really good at Pretending😂😂😂

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rate this a 4 1/2 to 5 Star Book

[Meliska Van Zyl · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is your typical Peter Pan bedtime story. New andventures and new faces, but the same old story we all grew up with and loved.

[Jasmine Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always Neverland was a fun addition to the Peter Pan tale. I especially loved that Barton didn’t try to change the tale of Pan, but rather, added to it. Ashley is a descendant of Wendy so the original story did happen but Always Neverland is an entirely new adventure.

I adored Ashley. She’s young, but she proves her worth among the Lost Boys and Peter. She refuses to be like the other Wendy Girls just watching the Lost Boys and being a Mother. Plus, she won’t take a simple no from anyone. Peter says she can’t befriend a mermaid, but she tries anyway. The Lost Boys say she can’t fight, but she does it anyway. Seriously, I love this girl’s determination.

The Lost Boys are adorable (though they’d probably deny it and say they’re fearsome) and they all have different personalities. I would have loved to hang out with these boys when I was younger. They’re fun and always ready for an adventure. But of course, they all still have a soft spot that wants a mother.

Now, Pan is another story. I have to say he kind of got on my nerves. He was the cockiest little boy I’ve ever seen. I’ll admit, I’ve never read the original story, but I imagine he acted much the same in the original, but I can’t say I like it.

I loved all the adventures Ashley had. There were fights with pirates, mermaid befriendment, lion riding, food trees, Never bird riding, and so much more. I found myself sitting down to read only to look up and discover I’d already read 1/3 of the book!

The Nutshell: Always Neverland is a retelling/addition you don’t want to miss. There’s plenty of the old Peter Pan that you know and even more new adventures. If you still have even the tiniest amount of kid in you, then this book is for you.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first I was a little put off thinking, 'Oh, it is just a remake of Peter Pan,' and considered not finishing it. But I kept on going and found that really enjoyed the story telling. Ashley is a descendant of the original Wendy Girl and gets taken to Neverland by Peter to be the next mother for the lost boys. It is a perfect, clean and innocent book that I think a lot of girls in the 8-12 age would enjoy.

As much as I enjoyed the book, I'm still on the fence about the message being sent. Ashley is an only child of successful parents (her mother is a lawyer) and is very empowered as a young girl. She can't pretend to be the lost boys mother, there is no mothering instinct in her. She wants adventure and recognition. She wants fun and fame! She relents enough to say that she would like to be a really cool big sister. I do believe in women's rights; that women should be educated; that they should be granted recognition for their skills. But I think it is a sad thing that we are pushing young girls to seek all of those things first. Why can't a young girl pretend to be an awesome, adventurous mother? Oh, well, at 11 I didn't want to be a mother either. Perhaps I can train up the girls around to look for the best of both worlds.

[Books Kids Like · Rating 4 out of 5]

After one whole day of winter vacation, Ashley knows that she’s going to die of boredom. Her friends are out of town, and her parents are working nonstop, as usual. One wouldn’t even know that it was almost Christmas- no tree, no decorations. Then, she wakes up and discovers Peter Pan wrestling with his shadow. Ashley knows who he is because she has read his book. What she doesn’t know is that she’s a descendant of the original Wendy girl. When Peter asks her to sew his shadow back on, she glues it instead. After he takes her to Neverland, Ashley refuses to be “Mom” to the Lost Boys. She does not want to clean house and tell bedtime stories. She wants to make friends with the mermaids and fight the pirates. She tames the Never Birds who keep stealing the Lost Boy’s sleeping trees. Although the Lost Boys become big fans, Peter is not happy with Ashley’s modern ways and great ideas.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com

[Kelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have absolutely loved this book when I was 8. As for right now, it was good and super cute but obviously not the most well written book ever. I actually really did not like Peter Pan, the author made him super arrogant and almost selfish a lot of times. He was the only one that really bugged me. I loved the little girl who was super tough and didn't want to be their mother, just wanted to play with the boys. I also loved how she slowly won everyone over who didn't like her at first. I am undecided on whether or not I liked the ending when her mom told her she asked Peter Pan to come. It seems like she would have rather had her mom just there for her all along... but overall a very cute book and one I would probably encourage my daughters to read

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before anything, I'd like to mention I'm sort of in love with Peter Pan. The movie, the book, you name it. That's probably the reason I felt this good was great. Other than that, I feel Always Neverland was very in tune with the real book. Ashley was a nice character, Peter's pride was well described, and the lost boys were rather cute. I totally bought the grandma Delaney story, and never would have guessed it was Ashley's mom as the Wendy girl who came with a picnic. I feel there were some things Ashley could have done that she didn't do, but really, ever since reading Peter Pan, I've always wanted to visit Neverland.. So this was a good book, in my opinion..

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

i loved how this book brought the idea of pretending into each chapter. i found the author's description of Neverland and Peter's personality also served a great deal in this, though i found there where aspects that that could have been worked on to make it a little more relatable. i felt i just couldn't connect with the main character and even though i am 15 it is a shame because i feel it shouldn't matter in a story. grate plot and idea though.

[Kelsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

On the up side Peter Pan gets put in his place by a girl (and finally the issue of "lost girls" is discussed). On the down side Ashley is not the most likable charachter. I don't know why: when I think about her character, I thinkabout how she is independent, willing to run with the boys, and a thoroughly modern girl. She might have been too much of a Mary Sue.

[Lula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was very fun and exciting. The characters were wonderful, and the plot wasn't boring for a second. It's one of those books that you could read over and over again, and probably will. I would recommend this book to anyone 9+, if you like adventure, this is a very pleasant book to read.

[Cecilia Rodriguez · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's obvious that Barton loved J.M.Barry's original story, but felt that Wendy should have been allowed to be involved in the adventures.
The results are very heavy handed, and not original.
AS far as I know, the British children's hospital that Barry gave the copyright, still requires permission to use his characters.

[A.R. Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always Neverland is about a girl who, one day, goes to Neverland. Peter Pan and the Lost Boys call her 'Wendy Girl', and expect her to be dainty and proper. However, she's the most surprising Wendy Girl they've ever heard of. She befriends a mermaid, crosses swords with Hook, and is carried away by Tinker Bell and her fellow fairies.
Ava-2017

[Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and wholesome take on Peter Pan and Wendy. It's cute that Ashley is made to be a 'modern woman' version of a 'Wendy girl'. It's certainly fluffy and not for everyone, but I found it sweet and a nice break from dark, brooding dystopian novels that force children to fight societies' wars or the 'drama' of YA romances.

[Brooklyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't put it down. A great addition to the Peter Pan legacy. Instead of changing things Barton does a great job of she just continues the story. A great read for younger readers or anyone interested in fairytales.

[Kkop12 · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I am basing this on my rating, not what I think Abby thought of it. I really wanted to give it a 2 as to me it was just ok. But it's about PETER PAN. How do you give Peter Pan a 2. So I gave it a 3 :-)

[Tasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was just meh. I didn't really care for Ashley at the beginning, she seemed quite selfish, but she got better by the end of the book. There really wasn't anything wrong with the book, I just didn't enjoy it that much.

[Elle Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS THE MOST WICKEDEST BOOKE EVER
I LOVED IT SO FREAKING MUCH
LIKE IT WAS .......POW AND THE KAPOW..
LIKE SO FREAKING AWESOME...
I ENJOYED THIS TO THE FULLEST!!!
BEST ADVENTURES I'VE EVER READ ABOUT AND LIKE WHOA...
I'M JUST SO HAPPY THAT I OWN THE BOOK!

[Corrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a good book for younger readers. I enjoyed it myself quite a bit, though it was certainly childish. It was just a set of fun adventures with no huge and complicated plot. I found it relaxing to read and was smiling the whole time I read it. :)

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a great book for kids! Some parts are funny, serious, and an occasional mix.