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Sweetness All Around
An indomitable heroine who believes she is destined to find her kidnapped neighbor leads this warm, big-hearted story with irresistible characters and a captivating mystery.
Almost-eleven-year-old Josephine is NOT pleased to be moving into the Happy World trailer park over the summer of 1974. She misses her beautiful bedroom with ballerinas on the wall and her pretty, well-dressed friends. Happy World isn’t happy. It’s dingy and depressing! Nothing like the world that headstrong Josephine wants for herself.
But when Josephine learns that her would-be next door neighbor in Happy World was kidnapped months ago, she develops a begrudging interest in her new home. A kidnapping is exciting—and all signs point to Josephine being meant to find ten-year-old Molly.
Despite her efforts to stay detached, Josephine investigates Molly’s disappearance with help from the eccentric cast of characters living in Happy World. It turns out the rough edges of her community are softer and sweeter than they first seemed. And the unexpected friendships she forms might be more precious than anything she's ever owned.
In her extraordinary middle grade debut, Suzanne Supplee brings a small Tennessee town and its memorable residents to life. Perfect for daydreamers and unstoppable imaginations. Hand this beautiful, bursting-with-feelings read to fans of Kate DiCamillo's Raymie Nightingale series.
Almost-eleven-year-old Josephine is NOT pleased to be moving into the Happy World trailer park over the summer of 1974. She misses her beautiful bedroom with ballerinas on the wall and her pretty, well-dressed friends. Happy World isn’t happy. It’s dingy and depressing! Nothing like the world that headstrong Josephine wants for herself.
But when Josephine learns that her would-be next door neighbor in Happy World was kidnapped months ago, she develops a begrudging interest in her new home. A kidnapping is exciting—and all signs point to Josephine being meant to find ten-year-old Molly.
Despite her efforts to stay detached, Josephine investigates Molly’s disappearance with help from the eccentric cast of characters living in Happy World. It turns out the rough edges of her community are softer and sweeter than they first seemed. And the unexpected friendships she forms might be more precious than anything she's ever owned.
In her extraordinary middle grade debut, Suzanne Supplee brings a small Tennessee town and its memorable residents to life. Perfect for daydreamers and unstoppable imaginations. Hand this beautiful, bursting-with-feelings read to fans of Kate DiCamillo's Raymie Nightingale series.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2023
5 people are currently reading
2600 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Supplee
5 books95 followersSuzanne Supplee is the author of When Irish Guys Are Smiling, a Students Across the Seven Seas series book, and Artichoke’s Heart. Currently, Suzanne is working on her third book, untitled as of yet, but due out in the spring of 2010.
Suzanne is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, and she earned a masters degree in creative writing from Towson University in Maryland. For a number of years, she has worked as both a teacher and a writer.
Suzanne is married and has three daughters. Her favorite hobbies include exercise, reading, and, of course, writing
Suzanne is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, and she earned a masters degree in creative writing from Towson University in Maryland. For a number of years, she has worked as both a teacher and a writer.
Suzanne is married and has three daughters. Her favorite hobbies include exercise, reading, and, of course, writing
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 5, 2023
✰ 4.25 stars ✰
“They got stories that’d break your heart. Wouldn’t know it to look at ’em, would you?”
“No,” Josephine agreed.
“We all got them kinda stories, ladybug. But there is sweetness in this life,” Lucas said. “Look for it and you’ll see it. You just got to look for it, Josephine.”
Loosely based on the real-life events that occurred in the early 70's in Southern United States, Sweetness All Around is the story of eleven-year-old Josephine and how she learns to adjust to living in a trailer park home with her mother, while trying to help one of her new neighbors track down her missing daughter. It may have been the author's first attempt at Middle Grade fiction, but her poignant and clever writing had a certain wholesome appeal to it that I found so immensely satisfying that it captured my attention wholeheartedly. 👌🏻👌🏻
“And there it was, the feeling that their fates were somehow linked. A pinkie swear between them.
Get me home, and I’ll get you home, Molly seemed to be saying.”
This was an adventure of a read with a free-spirited young girl like Josephine at the center of it. I enjoyed that it was not only a coming-of-age story, but a suspenseful and intriguing mystery being led by an even more compelling protagonist. Josephine was interesting, but in a fun way. The writing really captured her emotions so vividly and realistically; actually, the writing was good, I liked how strong and sure it was with it was trying to convey. 👏🏻👏🏻 Caught between being angry with her mother for making them move into Happy World - a sad place with sad problems' and attempting to start a new friendship with Lisa Marie, a young girl so far beneath her that Josephine couldn't possibly fathom that they could ever be the best of friends, I found myself swept away with the promising and riveting writing style. It was refreshing and very catchy; the pacing was immaculate and the characters were really lively and original. 👍🏻👍🏻
I became a part of their little community and seeing how Josephine's outlook on her new surroundings was quite believable. 'It would be good to leave. It would be awful to leave. It would be both at once. And maybe it would be like Redbud Avenue, memories following her wherever she went, reminding her of things. Reminding her of people.' Because that's what happens - it's not the place that makes the home, it's the people in it. Also, as I'm not a child from the 70's, I really appreciated the subtle nuances that the author mentioned so lightly, but still evoked a sense of feeling for that time period.
The clever dialogue with the humorous undertones, the struggling work force, the enthusiastic Church gatherings, the cozy diners - all the little details were enough to make me feel like I had been transported back to those days. And yet, there is still a heavy and grim weight in the shadows - one that serves as a guiding force to the story. The gravitas of Josephine's search for Molly plays an integral part to her character development and one that propelled many of the significant relationships that she had. 🥺🥺
“Goodness, Jo, you scared me. Don’t go throwing books, especially ones that don’t belong to you.”
“I’m writing my own stories where nothing bad happens ever.”
“Then it’ll be a mighty boring book. Terrible things happen, Jo. That’s part of life. It’s also what makes stories exciting to read.”
“You’re a seamstress,” Josephine pointed out. “You don’t know anything about book writing.”
“I’m a reader,” Mama said, “and I know what makes a book interesting.”
She really doesn't hold back from saying what she's thinking! 😅 Josephine spoke from her heart and she felt from every fiber of her being very real and true emotions that channeled all her thoughts and feelings about everything that was happening around her. She may have been a bit curt sometimes, a bit too crude and uncaring, but her intentions were always from the right place. And when she does realize the errors of her actions and words, she does put in a genuine effort to redeem herself. She was still a child and she wanted to experience all the joys and pleasures of her youth, and she wanted to share it with others, too - ones who have lost those moments of innocence. 'When we lose the kid in here — we might as well turn out the lights, ’cause the party’s over.' She was plucky, headstrong, steadfast and had a lot of grit; she was honest to a fault, that landed her in a lot of hot water with the people around her, especially with her mother.
Their relationship was one of my favorites and really was the centerpiece of this story. Mama was a hard-working seamstress and deeply cared for Josephine's well-being, but was not above board to advise Josephine how ill-advised her behavior was at times. Their dynamic was really fun to watch, their banter sharp and quick as a whip - because Josephine didn't mince her words with her mother. But, neither did Mama and I think that's what made them such a great team and still be such a strong and caring pair. 'And she did love her mother, so much so that sometimes it gave her a painful ache in her heart. Not just her heart, but a deeper place that had no name.' 🤍🤍 As the story progresses, she does go the extra mile for her daughter - placing both of them in the face of danger, because she believed in Josephine's courage.
“I want to wear this dress every day for the rest of my life,” Lisa Marie said, and did a twirl.
“Now is not the time for twirling,” Josephine snapped. “Don’t you know anything?”
“I know you’re right hateful sometimes. I sure do know that,” Lisa Marie said, and did another twirl.
I adored Lisa Marie and Josephine's friendship - they were so good together and became such real friends! 😊 Two girls - polar opposites, but became each other's right-hand, the apple to her eye - the Butch to her Sundance. It was in the way that Josephine saw the difference in their upbringings, resented her for it, often times mocked and ridiculed her for it, but it was how she realized how wrong she was in her way of thinking - how less fortunate Lisa Marie has been her entire life - that makes their friendship become even stronger. Lisa Marie was a spitfire of her own, and when she was upset at some of Josephine's insensitive comments, I hurt for her, too. But, it was their shared determination in finding out what happened to Molly - that heady sense of adventure and longing to bring this lost girl home - 'one thing led to another. Like a tightrope walk, one wrong move could lead to disaster. One misstep and your whole life was changed forever.' 🙁
I realize now, that this may be a rather dark read for younger readers; it probably was not for me, because well, I'm not young. But, I do believe it was still very well-written and it flowed beautifully. And I learned something; as harrowing as the inspiration is behind this story, I learned about an unfortunate event in history, which it hurt to read about. I only wish that there are more true stories that get the hopeful and happy ending that this story was able to deliver. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
“They got stories that’d break your heart. Wouldn’t know it to look at ’em, would you?”
“No,” Josephine agreed.
“We all got them kinda stories, ladybug. But there is sweetness in this life,” Lucas said. “Look for it and you’ll see it. You just got to look for it, Josephine.”
Loosely based on the real-life events that occurred in the early 70's in Southern United States, Sweetness All Around is the story of eleven-year-old Josephine and how she learns to adjust to living in a trailer park home with her mother, while trying to help one of her new neighbors track down her missing daughter. It may have been the author's first attempt at Middle Grade fiction, but her poignant and clever writing had a certain wholesome appeal to it that I found so immensely satisfying that it captured my attention wholeheartedly. 👌🏻👌🏻
“And there it was, the feeling that their fates were somehow linked. A pinkie swear between them.
Get me home, and I’ll get you home, Molly seemed to be saying.”
This was an adventure of a read with a free-spirited young girl like Josephine at the center of it. I enjoyed that it was not only a coming-of-age story, but a suspenseful and intriguing mystery being led by an even more compelling protagonist. Josephine was interesting, but in a fun way. The writing really captured her emotions so vividly and realistically; actually, the writing was good, I liked how strong and sure it was with it was trying to convey. 👏🏻👏🏻 Caught between being angry with her mother for making them move into Happy World - a sad place with sad problems' and attempting to start a new friendship with Lisa Marie, a young girl so far beneath her that Josephine couldn't possibly fathom that they could ever be the best of friends, I found myself swept away with the promising and riveting writing style. It was refreshing and very catchy; the pacing was immaculate and the characters were really lively and original. 👍🏻👍🏻
I became a part of their little community and seeing how Josephine's outlook on her new surroundings was quite believable. 'It would be good to leave. It would be awful to leave. It would be both at once. And maybe it would be like Redbud Avenue, memories following her wherever she went, reminding her of things. Reminding her of people.' Because that's what happens - it's not the place that makes the home, it's the people in it. Also, as I'm not a child from the 70's, I really appreciated the subtle nuances that the author mentioned so lightly, but still evoked a sense of feeling for that time period.
The clever dialogue with the humorous undertones, the struggling work force, the enthusiastic Church gatherings, the cozy diners - all the little details were enough to make me feel like I had been transported back to those days. And yet, there is still a heavy and grim weight in the shadows - one that serves as a guiding force to the story. The gravitas of Josephine's search for Molly plays an integral part to her character development and one that propelled many of the significant relationships that she had. 🥺🥺
“Goodness, Jo, you scared me. Don’t go throwing books, especially ones that don’t belong to you.”
“I’m writing my own stories where nothing bad happens ever.”
“Then it’ll be a mighty boring book. Terrible things happen, Jo. That’s part of life. It’s also what makes stories exciting to read.”
“You’re a seamstress,” Josephine pointed out. “You don’t know anything about book writing.”
“I’m a reader,” Mama said, “and I know what makes a book interesting.”
She really doesn't hold back from saying what she's thinking! 😅 Josephine spoke from her heart and she felt from every fiber of her being very real and true emotions that channeled all her thoughts and feelings about everything that was happening around her. She may have been a bit curt sometimes, a bit too crude and uncaring, but her intentions were always from the right place. And when she does realize the errors of her actions and words, she does put in a genuine effort to redeem herself. She was still a child and she wanted to experience all the joys and pleasures of her youth, and she wanted to share it with others, too - ones who have lost those moments of innocence. 'When we lose the kid in here — we might as well turn out the lights, ’cause the party’s over.' She was plucky, headstrong, steadfast and had a lot of grit; she was honest to a fault, that landed her in a lot of hot water with the people around her, especially with her mother.
Their relationship was one of my favorites and really was the centerpiece of this story. Mama was a hard-working seamstress and deeply cared for Josephine's well-being, but was not above board to advise Josephine how ill-advised her behavior was at times. Their dynamic was really fun to watch, their banter sharp and quick as a whip - because Josephine didn't mince her words with her mother. But, neither did Mama and I think that's what made them such a great team and still be such a strong and caring pair. 'And she did love her mother, so much so that sometimes it gave her a painful ache in her heart. Not just her heart, but a deeper place that had no name.' 🤍🤍 As the story progresses, she does go the extra mile for her daughter - placing both of them in the face of danger, because she believed in Josephine's courage.
“I want to wear this dress every day for the rest of my life,” Lisa Marie said, and did a twirl.
“Now is not the time for twirling,” Josephine snapped. “Don’t you know anything?”
“I know you’re right hateful sometimes. I sure do know that,” Lisa Marie said, and did another twirl.
I adored Lisa Marie and Josephine's friendship - they were so good together and became such real friends! 😊 Two girls - polar opposites, but became each other's right-hand, the apple to her eye - the Butch to her Sundance. It was in the way that Josephine saw the difference in their upbringings, resented her for it, often times mocked and ridiculed her for it, but it was how she realized how wrong she was in her way of thinking - how less fortunate Lisa Marie has been her entire life - that makes their friendship become even stronger. Lisa Marie was a spitfire of her own, and when she was upset at some of Josephine's insensitive comments, I hurt for her, too. But, it was their shared determination in finding out what happened to Molly - that heady sense of adventure and longing to bring this lost girl home - 'one thing led to another. Like a tightrope walk, one wrong move could lead to disaster. One misstep and your whole life was changed forever.' 🙁
I realize now, that this may be a rather dark read for younger readers; it probably was not for me, because well, I'm not young. But, I do believe it was still very well-written and it flowed beautifully. And I learned something; as harrowing as the inspiration is behind this story, I learned about an unfortunate event in history, which it hurt to read about. I only wish that there are more true stories that get the hopeful and happy ending that this story was able to deliver. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
July 23, 2023
This book! I read it in a single weekend, completely taken with Suzanne Supplee’s lovingly rendered and deliciously quirky “Happy World Trailer Park”.
Josephine is a protagonist you fall for from the get-go: complex, real, and beautifully drawn. The big cast of supporting characters (most especially Lisa Marie, who will crack your heart wide open) is just superbly done. The 1974 setting - from ‘Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific’ shampoo to the backdrop of the Hearst abduction - is as immersive and visceral and atmospheric as you could want a historical novel to be. And the book’s themes - finding sweetness in unexpected places; communities coming together to support one another unconditionally - could not be more lovely. A delight of a story.
My thanks to Holiday House for the advanced read.
Josephine is a protagonist you fall for from the get-go: complex, real, and beautifully drawn. The big cast of supporting characters (most especially Lisa Marie, who will crack your heart wide open) is just superbly done. The 1974 setting - from ‘Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific’ shampoo to the backdrop of the Hearst abduction - is as immersive and visceral and atmospheric as you could want a historical novel to be. And the book’s themes - finding sweetness in unexpected places; communities coming together to support one another unconditionally - could not be more lovely. A delight of a story.
My thanks to Holiday House for the advanced read.
March 24, 2024
Really cute story! I loved Josephine’s honest take on moving and friendship. I give it 4 mobile homes out of 5 mobile homes.
November 6, 2023
Sweetness All Around follows almost-11-year-old Josephine after she has to move from her nice, rented house to the broken-down happy world trailer park- dandiest little place on earth! But it feels anything but dandy. Josephine misses her big room, all her toys and the tv set. She is miserable until she learns of the disappearance of Molly Quiver. A girl her own age who got kidnapped by her father. Jo becomes obsessed with finding Molly, convinced she will be her new best friend.
This book explores community dynamics very well. Jo's relationship with the trailer park and its residents changes and shifts as new events unfold at the trailer park. The character growth that she goes through may be painful but it's satisfying to watch her become a part of the trailer park community. I also thought Suzanne Supplee did a good job of building the world of the 70s for contemporary kids/readers. I didn't feel out of place reading, but rather transported into Jo’s world.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book explores community dynamics very well. Jo's relationship with the trailer park and its residents changes and shifts as new events unfold at the trailer park. The character growth that she goes through may be painful but it's satisfying to watch her become a part of the trailer park community. I also thought Suzanne Supplee did a good job of building the world of the 70s for contemporary kids/readers. I didn't feel out of place reading, but rather transported into Jo’s world.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2023
This was a great read! The characters are written in a way that makes it seem like you are encountering old friends. The author does a thoughtful job of weaving social emotional lessons into the story. I plan to recommend this book to my middle school students and my adult friends alike. The book touches on themes of: love, loss, mystery, coming-of-age, faith, family, ethics, and civic duty. It is such an artfully crafted work. This is definitely a book that I will re-read anytime that I need a reminder that there is sweetness all around me--especially when times are tough.
March 27, 2025
Wonderful! Restores my faith that good middle grade fiction is still being written.
June 26, 2024
This book is generally reviewed for grades 4-7, but I think I'd put it a little older... it feels like a solid 6th grade book to me. I thought all the characters were really well-developed, and I loved Josephine and Lisa Marie's growing friendship--they were sometimes so mean to each other, but in a funny way.
Everything was great about this book except for when the adults made some very questionable decisions towards the end in regards to the kids' safety. To me, that bumped this book up a grade level or two in terms of readability.
Everything was great about this book except for when the adults made some very questionable decisions towards the end in regards to the kids' safety. To me, that bumped this book up a grade level or two in terms of readability.
October 13, 2023
I enjoyed this book but didn't really love it. I think that is really just down to a personal preference thing though because it is well written and dynamic characters. I found the subject a little grim for a middle grade book since it revolves around kidnapping.
Josephine is a well written main character that has her share of flaws but finds a way to also be redeemable. She feels authentic and you are rooting for her throughout. Lisa Marie was also very well developed and I just wanted to reach out and hug the poor girl and all she has been through. You feel for all of the residents of Happy World Trailer Park because it really does seem like nothing is going right for them but in the end both reader and Josephine come to realize there is something magical and wonderful about living there and having each other's backs.
The setting of the 1970's is a bit before my time so some of the nostalgia was lost on me and would be even more so on a middle grade reader. I did kind of picture everything with a golden filter on it though (sort of like the cover) and could picture it in my mind since the author did such a excellent job painting that picture.
The author's note was one part that I wish wasn't there as it discusses some of the real life happenings that inspired the author and again would be hard to read for some sensitive readers. I would be upset if my child had read that and not known that missing children and murder were to be discussed so frankly. Again, it's a personal preference thing.
Overall it was a interesting book with all the summer vibes of DQ and slip and slides and wandering around outside trying to find something to get into.
I received an advanced reader copy of the ebook through Netgalley and the publisher Holiday House in exchange for my honest opinion.
Josephine is a well written main character that has her share of flaws but finds a way to also be redeemable. She feels authentic and you are rooting for her throughout. Lisa Marie was also very well developed and I just wanted to reach out and hug the poor girl and all she has been through. You feel for all of the residents of Happy World Trailer Park because it really does seem like nothing is going right for them but in the end both reader and Josephine come to realize there is something magical and wonderful about living there and having each other's backs.
The setting of the 1970's is a bit before my time so some of the nostalgia was lost on me and would be even more so on a middle grade reader. I did kind of picture everything with a golden filter on it though (sort of like the cover) and could picture it in my mind since the author did such a excellent job painting that picture.
The author's note was one part that I wish wasn't there as it discusses some of the real life happenings that inspired the author and again would be hard to read for some sensitive readers. I would be upset if my child had read that and not known that missing children and murder were to be discussed so frankly. Again, it's a personal preference thing.
Overall it was a interesting book with all the summer vibes of DQ and slip and slides and wandering around outside trying to find something to get into.
I received an advanced reader copy of the ebook through Netgalley and the publisher Holiday House in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 6, 2024
It’s 1974, and circumstances have forced Josephine and her Mama to move into Happy World Trailer Park in Glendale, Tennessee. Only problem is, it isn’t a happy place. Especially for their new neighbor, whose daughter was kidnapped.
September 21, 2023
ARC Copy...Overall impression was, thought it was a sweet and cozy coming of age which anyone from any era (besides the main setting of the 70s) can relate to and bottles life in a small town during the 70s also.
July 22, 2025
Josephine is almost eleven years old and has just had her entire life uprooted after due to financial troubles. She is forced to move into a trailer park with her mom where she unexpectedly makes friends with a teenage girl a few trailers down. This friendship reveals a secret held by the trailer park about a missing young girl - one that Josephine is determined to solve. Sweetness All Around is sort of a misnomer here as the book highlights a bit of darkness in the world, but I believe it alludes to the fact that even in those unfortunate moments there are still reasons to smile, moments to be happy for and people who matter.
Josephine is not happy. She’s recently been forced to move into a trailer park called Happy World with her mother, a seamstress, after losing their home from financial troubles. She misses her former life desperately, but thankfully she gets a distraction in the form of a teenage girl as her neighbor, Lisa Marie. Lisa Marie explains that Happy World isn’t so happy as one of their neighbors, ten-year-old Molly, was kidnapped by her father and his mother, leaving this young girl’s mom distraught and penniless. A headstrong Jopsehine gets a bee in her bonnet and she is determined to bring this young girl back to her mother, which could mean going behind her own mother’s back and running off to Florida.
The best parts of Sweetness All Around is the friendship between Josephine and Lisa Marie and between Josephine and her mother. Author Suzanne Supplee crafts a true, deep and loving bond between this mother-daughter duo and a true, honest friendship between Lisa and Josephine. They have their disagreements when Josephine gets a bit jealous, but the connection between these two is clearly there and is likely to be lifelong. And it’s sweet to see Josephine’s mother dote on Lisa Marie, who has never had a mother figure in her life.
Where I think Supplee's story dips a bit is with Josephine’s investigation into Molly’s disappearance. Within days it goes from hearing about what happened to trying to snag more details from Lisa Marie’s family to a postcard that could hold a hidden message to then suddenly Josephine is using some money to grab a bus ticket on a hunch for where Molly might be held. With that plan thwarted, Josephine’s mother agrees to take Josephine, Molly’s mom and Lisa Marie on a car trip to see if this idea holds weight. Also, with barely any money in their pockets, I don’t think it’s likely they would have the finances for gas, lodgings and food - even with a bit of pocket change from the other trailer park residents.
Sweetness All Around begins as a tale of friendship and then quickly shifts to a mystery that must be solved. Turn the pages to become the third wheel in Josephine and Lisa Marie’s friendship and stick around to see if Molly makes it home.
Josephine is not happy. She’s recently been forced to move into a trailer park called Happy World with her mother, a seamstress, after losing their home from financial troubles. She misses her former life desperately, but thankfully she gets a distraction in the form of a teenage girl as her neighbor, Lisa Marie. Lisa Marie explains that Happy World isn’t so happy as one of their neighbors, ten-year-old Molly, was kidnapped by her father and his mother, leaving this young girl’s mom distraught and penniless. A headstrong Jopsehine gets a bee in her bonnet and she is determined to bring this young girl back to her mother, which could mean going behind her own mother’s back and running off to Florida.
The best parts of Sweetness All Around is the friendship between Josephine and Lisa Marie and between Josephine and her mother. Author Suzanne Supplee crafts a true, deep and loving bond between this mother-daughter duo and a true, honest friendship between Lisa and Josephine. They have their disagreements when Josephine gets a bit jealous, but the connection between these two is clearly there and is likely to be lifelong. And it’s sweet to see Josephine’s mother dote on Lisa Marie, who has never had a mother figure in her life.
Where I think Supplee's story dips a bit is with Josephine’s investigation into Molly’s disappearance. Within days it goes from hearing about what happened to trying to snag more details from Lisa Marie’s family to a postcard that could hold a hidden message to then suddenly Josephine is using some money to grab a bus ticket on a hunch for where Molly might be held. With that plan thwarted, Josephine’s mother agrees to take Josephine, Molly’s mom and Lisa Marie on a car trip to see if this idea holds weight. Also, with barely any money in their pockets, I don’t think it’s likely they would have the finances for gas, lodgings and food - even with a bit of pocket change from the other trailer park residents.
Sweetness All Around begins as a tale of friendship and then quickly shifts to a mystery that must be solved. Turn the pages to become the third wheel in Josephine and Lisa Marie’s friendship and stick around to see if Molly makes it home.
November 9, 2023
Sweetness All Around is a new middle grade book by author Suzanne Supplee. Ten-year-old Josephene is unhappy when financial troubles force her to move with mother from a nice rental into the Happy World Trailer Park, " The Dandiest Little Place on Earth!" It is neither happy nor dandy and Josephine is mad that her world has turned upside down. She makes friends with Lisa Marie, a young girl who lives with her grandfather and fatally ill uncle. The girl tells her about another girl, Molly, who was kidnapped by her father and grandmother the year beforehand. Josephine becomes obsessed with Molly and is convinced that somehow, she must find the girl and bring her home. Although the book centers around the main character’s obsession with the missing girl, this is not a mystery. The reader knows the identity of the kidnappers and the motive, just not the location of the girl. This novel is actually a coming of age story. Josephine comes to realize that although her new circumstances are not ideal, unlike Lisa Marie and Molly, she is with a mother who loves her and takes care of her. At times, she is embarrassed by Lisa Marie’s clothes and manners, but she grows to consider her a true friend. She grows a lot during the time frame of the story and learns to “appreciate the sweetness all around.”
Supplee has created a large cast of characters who populate the trailer park. They each have details included that help bring them to life. The author has done a fantastic job of setting time and place in this historic novel. Set in 1974, the kidnapping and brainwashing of Patty Hearst on the television news and discussed in conversations sets a backdrop for the kidnapping closer to home. Supplee recreates her youth with mentions of icons from that era. Richard Nixon, Donny Osmond records, Tiger Beat magazine, slip and slides, Barbie doll play sets and “Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific" shampoo all set the stage with nostalgic accuracy. These details may go unheeded by a young reader, but as someone who lived through the era, they brought a smile to my face.
I was fortunate to receive an advanced review copy of this book from the publisher Holiday House, Peachtree through NetGalley. I am so glad that I did. I loved this fantastic book and recommend it for girls in third grade and above. Parents may want to know that the book does deal with death of a loved one and missing children. The afterward includes a frank note about missing and exploited children along with some contacts available to those in need.
Supplee has created a large cast of characters who populate the trailer park. They each have details included that help bring them to life. The author has done a fantastic job of setting time and place in this historic novel. Set in 1974, the kidnapping and brainwashing of Patty Hearst on the television news and discussed in conversations sets a backdrop for the kidnapping closer to home. Supplee recreates her youth with mentions of icons from that era. Richard Nixon, Donny Osmond records, Tiger Beat magazine, slip and slides, Barbie doll play sets and “Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific" shampoo all set the stage with nostalgic accuracy. These details may go unheeded by a young reader, but as someone who lived through the era, they brought a smile to my face.
I was fortunate to receive an advanced review copy of this book from the publisher Holiday House, Peachtree through NetGalley. I am so glad that I did. I loved this fantastic book and recommend it for girls in third grade and above. Parents may want to know that the book does deal with death of a loved one and missing children. The afterward includes a frank note about missing and exploited children along with some contacts available to those in need.
August 29, 2024
I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book.
Personally as an adult I really enjoyed it. I think the characters were plucky, and the sense of imperfect found family I was a fan of. I loved that Josephine’s mom does try and get her to behave. So many middle grade books have children running amuck with no real consequences. I also appreciate that Josephine’s plans to run away and solve things on her own are thwarted forcing her to rely on adults. She does get a hero moment, but still has to suffer consequences there too.
My mixed feelings come from the fact that when I was the age of middle grader, I would have found this book fascinating, but I’m not sure as a responsible adult I can recommend it for a middle grade audience.
First, there are so many 70s references that will go over kid's heads (some went over my head and I had to look them up). This isn’t a content issue, I just think it might take them out of the story.
Second, this book deals with HARD topics. Terminal cancer, kidnapping, running cons, absent parents, hoarding, and more. While I’m not for shielding kids from hard things completely, this felt like a lot for this age group. Specifically the kidnapping elements.
Lastly, the tone felt more mature than a middle grade book. I even looked up if this was indeed middle grade or if it was adult fiction with a middle grade protagonist. Maybe it was the references or the subject matter making me think that, but either way, I would only hand this only to more mature/older middle grade readers.
Overall, if you are planning on handing this to a middle grader, read it prior so you know what you are getting them into and you can discuss it with them.
Content Note: This book loosely follows the kidnapping of Patty Hearst, deals with another kidnapping, terminal cancer, parental absence, childbirth, con men, hoarding, and bullying.
Thanks to Holiday House for the digital copy. All opinions are my own.
Personally as an adult I really enjoyed it. I think the characters were plucky, and the sense of imperfect found family I was a fan of. I loved that Josephine’s mom does try and get her to behave. So many middle grade books have children running amuck with no real consequences. I also appreciate that Josephine’s plans to run away and solve things on her own are thwarted forcing her to rely on adults. She does get a hero moment, but still has to suffer consequences there too.
My mixed feelings come from the fact that when I was the age of middle grader, I would have found this book fascinating, but I’m not sure as a responsible adult I can recommend it for a middle grade audience.
First, there are so many 70s references that will go over kid's heads (some went over my head and I had to look them up). This isn’t a content issue, I just think it might take them out of the story.
Second, this book deals with HARD topics. Terminal cancer, kidnapping, running cons, absent parents, hoarding, and more. While I’m not for shielding kids from hard things completely, this felt like a lot for this age group. Specifically the kidnapping elements.
Lastly, the tone felt more mature than a middle grade book. I even looked up if this was indeed middle grade or if it was adult fiction with a middle grade protagonist. Maybe it was the references or the subject matter making me think that, but either way, I would only hand this only to more mature/older middle grade readers.
Overall, if you are planning on handing this to a middle grader, read it prior so you know what you are getting them into and you can discuss it with them.
Content Note: This book loosely follows the kidnapping of Patty Hearst, deals with another kidnapping, terminal cancer, parental absence, childbirth, con men, hoarding, and bullying.
Thanks to Holiday House for the digital copy. All opinions are my own.
November 24, 2024
This book is loosely based on real events in the early 70s in the southern US. Although I wasn’t around in the 70s and haven’t spent a lot of time in the southern part of the United States, this book felt like being picked up and transported to that time and place.
Josephine is the kind of character that is both lovable and infuriating at the same time — in a good way. I completely understand why the adults around her, especially her mother, and sometimes exasperated by her attitude and antics. She’s grappling with big emotions in a real, relatable way. Her level of understanding of the world around her is age-appropriate, with her sometimes not understanding the complexity of the situations around her. This naivety, however, allows her to accomplish things and make friends in a way that only an eleven-year-old could. She’s angry, judgmental and impulsive — and yet hopeful, determined, and kind. She makes up a beautiful, complicated package that makes her jump off the page like she’s a real person.
The setting too is vivid and complex. There are lots of little mentions about what life in the trailer park or in their nice home before was like. The characters surrounding them mention details that make the world feel lived in with great parts and disappointing or unfair elements.
I had two minor qualms with the book. I’m not sure how many kids are clamoring to read about the 1970s, and the nostalgia elements are likely to be lost on them. That and the darker elements, particularly the author’s note about the real-life events involving children going missing and being murdered, are pretty dark.
Overall, I enjoyed this book because of the vividness of the characters and setting, but sensitive readers should be aware of the subject matter.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for my honest review. The opinions are my own and were not influenced by receiving a copy.
Josephine is the kind of character that is both lovable and infuriating at the same time — in a good way. I completely understand why the adults around her, especially her mother, and sometimes exasperated by her attitude and antics. She’s grappling with big emotions in a real, relatable way. Her level of understanding of the world around her is age-appropriate, with her sometimes not understanding the complexity of the situations around her. This naivety, however, allows her to accomplish things and make friends in a way that only an eleven-year-old could. She’s angry, judgmental and impulsive — and yet hopeful, determined, and kind. She makes up a beautiful, complicated package that makes her jump off the page like she’s a real person.
The setting too is vivid and complex. There are lots of little mentions about what life in the trailer park or in their nice home before was like. The characters surrounding them mention details that make the world feel lived in with great parts and disappointing or unfair elements.
I had two minor qualms with the book. I’m not sure how many kids are clamoring to read about the 1970s, and the nostalgia elements are likely to be lost on them. That and the darker elements, particularly the author’s note about the real-life events involving children going missing and being murdered, are pretty dark.
Overall, I enjoyed this book because of the vividness of the characters and setting, but sensitive readers should be aware of the subject matter.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for my honest review. The opinions are my own and were not influenced by receiving a copy.
September 8, 2023
Almost 11 years old, and bright beyond her years, Josephine is deeply unhappy with her situation. And who can blame her really? What her mother euphemistically refers to as their change in circumstances has meant that they have had to leave their beautiful home and move into a trailer park.
And contrary to what the sign at the entrance to the Happy World trailer park says, Josephine does not think that it is indeed one of the dandiest places out there! But a devastating warehouse fire has badly impacted Josephine's mother's finances and her business as a seamstress, so there is no option but for the mother and daughter duo to get used to these unwelcome new surroundings.
Which, by the way, turn out to be more interesting than Josephine initially thought. Because in addition to meeting Lisa Marie, who is the same age as she is and lives in a nearby trailer, Josephine also hears about the kidnapping of 10-year-old Molly sometime ago, from another neighbouring trailer. So maybe her own life isn't the worst after all?
Be that as it may, Josephine becomes obsessed with the idea that she is meant to find Molly and bring her home. But in the course of her efforts, what she discovers is that the person she might most unexpectedly bring home is in fact herself...
Suplee does a wonderful job of bringing time and place alive in this book. Josephine is a memorable MC - smart, headstrong and full of character. But the trailer park is also inhabited by a whole bunch of interesting characters, and this story is full of heart. Clearly, when you know where to look for it, sweetness IS all around. I loved this story.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review
And contrary to what the sign at the entrance to the Happy World trailer park says, Josephine does not think that it is indeed one of the dandiest places out there! But a devastating warehouse fire has badly impacted Josephine's mother's finances and her business as a seamstress, so there is no option but for the mother and daughter duo to get used to these unwelcome new surroundings.
Which, by the way, turn out to be more interesting than Josephine initially thought. Because in addition to meeting Lisa Marie, who is the same age as she is and lives in a nearby trailer, Josephine also hears about the kidnapping of 10-year-old Molly sometime ago, from another neighbouring trailer. So maybe her own life isn't the worst after all?
Be that as it may, Josephine becomes obsessed with the idea that she is meant to find Molly and bring her home. But in the course of her efforts, what she discovers is that the person she might most unexpectedly bring home is in fact herself...
Suplee does a wonderful job of bringing time and place alive in this book. Josephine is a memorable MC - smart, headstrong and full of character. But the trailer park is also inhabited by a whole bunch of interesting characters, and this story is full of heart. Clearly, when you know where to look for it, sweetness IS all around. I loved this story.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review
October 3, 2023
Sweetness All Around
by Suzanne Supplee
Pub Date 24 Oct 2023
Holiday House / Peachtree / Pixel+Ink,Holiday House
Children's Fiction| Middle Grade| Mystery & Thrillers
Using Netgalley and Holiday House, I reviewed Sweetness All Around:
Josephine is not pleased about moving into the Happy World trailer park over the summer of 1974. Missing her beautiful bedroom with ballerinas on the wall and her pretty, well-dressed friends. Happy World isn’t happy. It's dark and depressing! This isn't the world that headstrong Josephine envisioned.
When Josephine learns that her neighbor in Happy World was kidnapped months ago, she develops a begrudging interest in the house. Clearly, Josephine is meant to find Molly, ten years old, after her kidnapping.
Josephine investigates Molly's disappearance with help from the eccentric characters living in Happy World. It turns out the rough edges of her community are softer and sweeter than they appear. The unexpected friendships she forms might be more valuable than anything she owns.
A small Tennessee town and its memorable residents come alive in Suzanne Supplee's extraordinary middle grade debut. Dreamers and unstoppable imaginations will love it. Fans of Kate DiCamillo's Raymie Nightingale series will love this book.
I give Sweetness All Around five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by Suzanne Supplee
Pub Date 24 Oct 2023
Holiday House / Peachtree / Pixel+Ink,Holiday House
Children's Fiction| Middle Grade| Mystery & Thrillers
Using Netgalley and Holiday House, I reviewed Sweetness All Around:
Josephine is not pleased about moving into the Happy World trailer park over the summer of 1974. Missing her beautiful bedroom with ballerinas on the wall and her pretty, well-dressed friends. Happy World isn’t happy. It's dark and depressing! This isn't the world that headstrong Josephine envisioned.
When Josephine learns that her neighbor in Happy World was kidnapped months ago, she develops a begrudging interest in the house. Clearly, Josephine is meant to find Molly, ten years old, after her kidnapping.
Josephine investigates Molly's disappearance with help from the eccentric characters living in Happy World. It turns out the rough edges of her community are softer and sweeter than they appear. The unexpected friendships she forms might be more valuable than anything she owns.
A small Tennessee town and its memorable residents come alive in Suzanne Supplee's extraordinary middle grade debut. Dreamers and unstoppable imaginations will love it. Fans of Kate DiCamillo's Raymie Nightingale series will love this book.
I give Sweetness All Around five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
December 5, 2023
I am definitely NOT the target demographic for this book. So why did I enjoy it so much?
First of all, the 1974 setting in a fictional Tennessee town much like my own hometown rang true for me and was a such a fun throwback. Suzanne Supplee has recreated a time and place I remember so well. The references to everything from Patty Hearst to previously forgotten brand names were a trip down Memory Lane. I'm glad that young readers will get a sense of appreciation for that bygone era.
Beyond that, stories written about kids for kids can have their own appeal for adults. This one has a great cast of characters, southern vernacular that made me smile, mystery and adventure, and lots of wisdom. It also reminded me that kids have complex emotions and often have to deal with a lot of complicated situations. The grimy trailer park where Josephine and her single mom have to move after some major setbacks seems like the end of her world, but becomes the setting for a journey of discovery, growth, and acceptance.
I'm glad I took this detour and I hope this book finds readers of all ages!
First of all, the 1974 setting in a fictional Tennessee town much like my own hometown rang true for me and was a such a fun throwback. Suzanne Supplee has recreated a time and place I remember so well. The references to everything from Patty Hearst to previously forgotten brand names were a trip down Memory Lane. I'm glad that young readers will get a sense of appreciation for that bygone era.
Beyond that, stories written about kids for kids can have their own appeal for adults. This one has a great cast of characters, southern vernacular that made me smile, mystery and adventure, and lots of wisdom. It also reminded me that kids have complex emotions and often have to deal with a lot of complicated situations. The grimy trailer park where Josephine and her single mom have to move after some major setbacks seems like the end of her world, but becomes the setting for a journey of discovery, growth, and acceptance.
I'm glad I took this detour and I hope this book finds readers of all ages!
December 5, 2023
Almost-eleven-year-old Josephine is NOT pleased to be moving into the Happy World trailer park over the summer of 1974. She misses her beautiful bedroom with ballerinas on the wall and her pretty, well-dressed friends. Happy World isn’t happy. It’s dingy and depressing! Nothing like the world that headstrong Josephine wants for herself. But when Josephine learns that her would-be next door neighbor in Happy World was kidnapped months ago, she develops a begrudging interest in her new home. A kidnapping is exciting--and all signs point to Josephine being meant to find ten-year-old Molly. Despite her efforts to stay detached, Josephine investigates Molly’s disappearance with help from the eccentric cast of characters living in Happy World. It turns out the rough edges of her community are softer and sweeter than they first seemed. And the unexpected friendships she forms might be more precious than anything she's ever owned.
September 16, 2024
𝘚𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘈𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 by Suzanne Supplee was a good book. I’d say it’d work for 3rd or 4th grade + though a grown up would either have to read it with the kid or the reader would have to be a good one—just because the book is longer at almost 300 pages. I think ultimately the story is about friendship and hope.
Josephine and her mom have come across some hard times after a fire. And Josephine is not happy about moving away from her comfortable home and two best friends and into a trailer park where she looks with disdain on its inhabitants. Eventually, though, she and a girl named Lisa Marie become friends and Josephine especially becomes fixated on solving a mystery of a missing girl.
Lisa Marie was my favorite. I thought the mom was a good mom and showed and tried to teach her daughter empathy. Supplee left the ending open for a series possibility.
4 / 5 stars
Josephine and her mom have come across some hard times after a fire. And Josephine is not happy about moving away from her comfortable home and two best friends and into a trailer park where she looks with disdain on its inhabitants. Eventually, though, she and a girl named Lisa Marie become friends and Josephine especially becomes fixated on solving a mystery of a missing girl.
Lisa Marie was my favorite. I thought the mom was a good mom and showed and tried to teach her daughter empathy. Supplee left the ending open for a series possibility.
4 / 5 stars
December 13, 2023
I bought this for my niece and thought I'd give it a try - and I was transported back to a time when I could become so completely absorbed by a book that the rest of the world just fell away. The setting and time (early 70's Tennessee) spoke to my own childhood but the characters, the story and the mystery would speak to anyone. I couldn't put it down and once finished I wanted to go back and spend time with my new friends. This will be a big hit for my niece and anyone with the ability to lose themselves in a book.
March 17, 2024
What a FANTASTIC YA novel! I'm 53 and still I loved reading this book!
Josephine is devastated to be torn from her beloved home, only to be living in a trailer park. But soon after moving in, she becomes wrapped up in a new friendship w a sweet but ill mannered girl, and a mystery, too! There is a missing girl she is DETERMINED to find!I
Wonderful characters, and I loved revisiting things from the past, with this story set in the 70's.
I will be recommending this story to anyone I possibly can!
Josephine is devastated to be torn from her beloved home, only to be living in a trailer park. But soon after moving in, she becomes wrapped up in a new friendship w a sweet but ill mannered girl, and a mystery, too! There is a missing girl she is DETERMINED to find!I
Wonderful characters, and I loved revisiting things from the past, with this story set in the 70's.
I will be recommending this story to anyone I possibly can!
November 5, 2025
I have a lot of thoughts about this story, scrambled deep in my mind. I really, throughly, enjoyed this story. The only spoiler I will be posting in this review is about Molly's kidnapping. Being a near-kidnapping victim myself (a family member came to the rescue just in time), I really felt like I connected to the story. While it is fiction, its interesting to see a kidnapping through a child's eyes. You meet a plethora of characters here and a town so heavily detailed, you could feel yourself in the story as well. I do hope to see more "who dunnit" stories with these characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2024
I've been thinking a lot lately of what I desire most in a book - descriptive writing, complex characterization, page turning plot? This middle grade book with a beautiful cover has it all. I wasn't sure how a sensitive topic would be portrayed for children, but 11 year old Josephine is full of heart and compassion even as she is going through her own hardships. The historical references to the 70s add to the appeal. Highly Recommend!
December 15, 2023
This is a beautiful book about growing up, but mostly it’s about compassion. Josephine is fun and a little wild, but also thoughtful and caring. We learn through her that life isn’t about what we have, but how we treat the people in our lives—and everyone else around us. A lovely middle grade historical fiction for a reader any age can enjoy!
April 1, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and its cast of complicated, imperfect, lovable characters. Over the course of the story, the determined main character, Josephine, learns a lot about herself and life and friendship. As the book’s title suggests, she also discovers that even when it feels as though your world is falling apart, there is sweetness to be found—if you remember to look for it.
May 15, 2024
It’s pretty cool that this middle grade Neville takes place in the 70s. And yet… it doesn’t feel unrelatable somehow.
I love that despite living in a trailer park, and despite having lived through much heartbreak and loss, the message of this story is despite the terrible moments overall life is sweet.
I love that despite living in a trailer park, and despite having lived through much heartbreak and loss, the message of this story is despite the terrible moments overall life is sweet.
June 30, 2024
Absolutely LOVED this sweet book! I couldn’t put it down once I got about halfway through. I appreciated the inner monologue of the main little girl because she reminded me of myself as a kid, and I think her determined spirit is inspiring to readers of all ages.
I will definitely be keeping this book on the shelf for when my own daughter grows up and can enjoy it as well!
I will definitely be keeping this book on the shelf for when my own daughter grows up and can enjoy it as well!
August 27, 2023
Both heartwarming and filled with suspense, Sweetness All Around is a wonderful story that will appeal to readers of all ages.
Note: I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher to review in preparation for an interview with the author on the Middle Grade Matters podcast.
Note: I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher to review in preparation for an interview with the author on the Middle Grade Matters podcast.
September 25, 2023
I received an eARC from NetGalley and feel so lucky to have discovered this book. Absolutely beautiful writing, every moment felt necessary, important exploration of poverty, interesting characters, suspense, and a super groovy 1970s setting.
July 5, 2024
This is a coming of age book, with some hard life lessons. Josephine is almost 11 & moves into a trailer park with her Mama, becomes friends with Lisa Marie & they search for a kidnapped kid named Molly.
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