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The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden: The Night Flyer's Handbook
Shortlisted for the OLA Red Maple Award, 2015
SEQUEL NEWS: Everton Miles is Stranger than Me, Oct 2016
SEQUEL NEWS: Everton Miles is Stranger than Me, Oct 2016
This morning, I woke up on the ceiling ... So begins the strange story of Gwendolyn Golden. One perfectly ordinary day for no apparent reason, she wakes up floating around her room like one of her little brother’s Batman balloons.
Puberty is weird enough. Everyone already thinks she’s an oddball with anger issues because her father vanished in a mysterious storm one night when she was six. Then there are the mean, false rumours people are spreading about her at school. On top of all that, now she’s a flying freak.
How can she tell her best friend or her mother? How can she live her life? After Gwendolyn almost meets disaster flying too high and too fast one night, help arrives from the most unexpected place. And stranger still? She’s not alone.
200 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
7 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Philippa Dowding
21 books68 followersPhilippa Dowding is an author, poet, and composer/musician based in Toronto. She is the winner of the Governor General's Literary Award, Young People's Literature, Text, and the Ruth & Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award, for her book FIREFLY.
Philippa was a writer early in life, and began writing poetry and short stories at age nine. She studied English Language & Literature at Western University in London, Ontario, and completed an M.A. in English at The University of Toronto. Soon after graduating, she began her professional writing life as a copywriter in the magazine and newspaper industry, where she won many industry awards.
When she had a family, she began telling bedtime stories to her children. One story, about a lost gargoyle living in a child's backyard in downtown Toronto, became her first published book in The Lost Gargoyle series.
Philippa has won literary nominations across Canada, the U.S. and Europe, including the Diamond Willow, Hackmatack, Silver Birch, Red Cedar and Red Maple awards. Her third book, The Gargoyle at the Gates, was named a White Raven Book by the International Youth Library in Munich.
NEW BOOK: The Love Song of Mr. Byrd is coming this fall!
Visit Philippa's website for more about her books, poetry, and music: http://pdowding.com/
Philippa was a writer early in life, and began writing poetry and short stories at age nine. She studied English Language & Literature at Western University in London, Ontario, and completed an M.A. in English at The University of Toronto. Soon after graduating, she began her professional writing life as a copywriter in the magazine and newspaper industry, where she won many industry awards.
When she had a family, she began telling bedtime stories to her children. One story, about a lost gargoyle living in a child's backyard in downtown Toronto, became her first published book in The Lost Gargoyle series.
Philippa has won literary nominations across Canada, the U.S. and Europe, including the Diamond Willow, Hackmatack, Silver Birch, Red Cedar and Red Maple awards. Her third book, The Gargoyle at the Gates, was named a White Raven Book by the International Youth Library in Munich.
NEW BOOK: The Love Song of Mr. Byrd is coming this fall!
Visit Philippa's website for more about her books, poetry, and music: http://pdowding.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
November 1, 2013
This morning I wake up on the ceiling.
Gwendolyn Golden lives with her mum and her much younger siblings, twins Christopher and Christine - or as she calls them, "the Chrissies" - and her fat beagle, Cassie. Gwendolyn is already going through a rough patch: now in grade eight, she's experienced changes brought on by puberty and is still dealing with the ongoing anger management problem that she's had since her dad disappeared during a storm before the twins were born. And now, on this fateful morning, she wakes up floating on the ceiling. Several mornings in a row, Gwen wakes up bumping gently against the ceiling and then against the screen window in her bedroom.
At first, Gwen has no control over it and her body threatens to float away during class - she worries about what might happen if she floated off into the sky while walking down the street. But soon, oblique comments made to her by two unlikely adults in her small town make her realise that she's not alone; and that, in fact, her ability to fly is something she inherited. Gwendolyn's coming-of-age journey will bring her up close to the truth of her new-found skill, and the decision of a lifetime.
It's a rough age, being thirteen, fourteen years old and in the thick of all the changes that come with adolescence. Gwen has the added issue of losing her father years ago under mysterious circumstances. This detail is initially provided more as insight into understanding her anger issues, than a plot point, but as you can guess it does turn out to be very pertinent to the plot. Yet despite Gwen's habit of blowing up at small provocations at school, she narrates her story with intelligent wit and more than a dash of irony. Like many teens, the character of Gwen is a precarious and sometimes volatile balance of childlike immaturity and wisdom, naïveté and insight, adolescent foolishness and glib artfulness. Gwen is on the cusp, and this is her coming-of-age story.
What I really admired, alongside the writing itself, was Dowding's ability to maintain this fine balance. She put Gwendolyn in situations that forced her to confront her issues, thus putting her on the path to maturity, without making her grow up too fast. Gwen was able to keep hold of her childhood; it just became richer. I'm reminded of one of my favourite characters who similarly embodies this fine line between childhood and maturity: Danny from Roald Dahl's Danny the Champion of the World .
There are times when Gwen's obstinateness and suspicious nature hold her back, but that too is something she must learn: trusting her instincts, but also how to turn to others and let herself be a child in the protection of adults. Another tricky line to straddle, in life as well as fiction. And it's not helped, in Gwen's case, by the fact that her body has taken on a life of her own. In the beginning I read Gwen's sense of alienation with her body as a figurative representation of puberty; later, I came to read it as fantasy enriched with that layer of organic human matter that makes fantasy, as a genre, so appealing to us.
This is very much Gwen's story, and while there are sub-plots and supporting characters who are relevant and interesting, they're not as vividly rendered as Gwen. Rather, because we see Gwen's world through her eyes, her understanding, her adolescent perspective, we get a true-to-type view of the people in her life. Gwen is fairly self-absorbed, at times judgemental, quick to react and not very curious about other people or how they're feeling. Not every teen is like that, or like that in the same way as Gwen, but it is part of Gwen's coming-of-age narration that her world view enlarges and she becomes more sympathetic and even empathetic of others. She still has a way to go, but it's a process that takes people years if not decades to learn.
I read this as a standalone novel, and while I'm not sure if it is one or not (I have since read that it's the first in a series but I don't know if that's true or not; I should just ask the author eh?), I loved it as a standalone book. It's kind of old-school, in that way, and maybe I'm traditional, but I loved the open-endedness to this story, and how Dowding created a fascinating layer to our world without removing the mystery and magic of it by explaining too much, thereby leaving plenty up to your own imagination. Dowding successfully balances humour and a touch of silliness with a dark menace that adds a macabre atmosphere to the story.
The decision that Gwen ultimately has to make can again be read metaphorically: in this pivotal time in a person's life, many decisions we make are there to stay with us the rest of our lives. To some extent, we are shaped during our adolescence. Gwen's decision is not merely about flying, but about how she will live her life. The ending can be viewed in several lights. It touches on genetics, and how these affect our lives, especially our future health and well-being. And it touches on the self: self-esteem, the creation of a personal identity, the need to be true to yourself, and the understanding that while the way others see you can deeply hurt you, you shouldn't let it shape you.
The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden is the kind of coming-of-age story that resonates. Combining teen angst with magic and a dash of mystery creates a richly layered story, and Dowding presents a heroine that readers of all ages will surely be able to relate to. Humorous and touching, The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden is like a finely-tuned musical instrument that, when thrummed, you feel in your very bones.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Netgalley.
Gwendolyn Golden lives with her mum and her much younger siblings, twins Christopher and Christine - or as she calls them, "the Chrissies" - and her fat beagle, Cassie. Gwendolyn is already going through a rough patch: now in grade eight, she's experienced changes brought on by puberty and is still dealing with the ongoing anger management problem that she's had since her dad disappeared during a storm before the twins were born. And now, on this fateful morning, she wakes up floating on the ceiling. Several mornings in a row, Gwen wakes up bumping gently against the ceiling and then against the screen window in her bedroom.
At first, Gwen has no control over it and her body threatens to float away during class - she worries about what might happen if she floated off into the sky while walking down the street. But soon, oblique comments made to her by two unlikely adults in her small town make her realise that she's not alone; and that, in fact, her ability to fly is something she inherited. Gwendolyn's coming-of-age journey will bring her up close to the truth of her new-found skill, and the decision of a lifetime.
It's a rough age, being thirteen, fourteen years old and in the thick of all the changes that come with adolescence. Gwen has the added issue of losing her father years ago under mysterious circumstances. This detail is initially provided more as insight into understanding her anger issues, than a plot point, but as you can guess it does turn out to be very pertinent to the plot. Yet despite Gwen's habit of blowing up at small provocations at school, she narrates her story with intelligent wit and more than a dash of irony. Like many teens, the character of Gwen is a precarious and sometimes volatile balance of childlike immaturity and wisdom, naïveté and insight, adolescent foolishness and glib artfulness. Gwen is on the cusp, and this is her coming-of-age story.
What I really admired, alongside the writing itself, was Dowding's ability to maintain this fine balance. She put Gwendolyn in situations that forced her to confront her issues, thus putting her on the path to maturity, without making her grow up too fast. Gwen was able to keep hold of her childhood; it just became richer. I'm reminded of one of my favourite characters who similarly embodies this fine line between childhood and maturity: Danny from Roald Dahl's Danny the Champion of the World .
There are times when Gwen's obstinateness and suspicious nature hold her back, but that too is something she must learn: trusting her instincts, but also how to turn to others and let herself be a child in the protection of adults. Another tricky line to straddle, in life as well as fiction. And it's not helped, in Gwen's case, by the fact that her body has taken on a life of her own. In the beginning I read Gwen's sense of alienation with her body as a figurative representation of puberty; later, I came to read it as fantasy enriched with that layer of organic human matter that makes fantasy, as a genre, so appealing to us.
As soon as my body is free, it floats lazily toward the ceiling, where it bounces around for a few minutes, then settles gently, bumping up and down against the ceiling tiles.
I realize that I'm now talking about my body like an "it," like it's no longer connected to the rest of me. But that's what it feels like. As if my body is totally in charge, and I'm just going along for the ride.
Which I guess I am.
This is very much Gwen's story, and while there are sub-plots and supporting characters who are relevant and interesting, they're not as vividly rendered as Gwen. Rather, because we see Gwen's world through her eyes, her understanding, her adolescent perspective, we get a true-to-type view of the people in her life. Gwen is fairly self-absorbed, at times judgemental, quick to react and not very curious about other people or how they're feeling. Not every teen is like that, or like that in the same way as Gwen, but it is part of Gwen's coming-of-age narration that her world view enlarges and she becomes more sympathetic and even empathetic of others. She still has a way to go, but it's a process that takes people years if not decades to learn.
I read this as a standalone novel, and while I'm not sure if it is one or not (I have since read that it's the first in a series but I don't know if that's true or not; I should just ask the author eh?), I loved it as a standalone book. It's kind of old-school, in that way, and maybe I'm traditional, but I loved the open-endedness to this story, and how Dowding created a fascinating layer to our world without removing the mystery and magic of it by explaining too much, thereby leaving plenty up to your own imagination. Dowding successfully balances humour and a touch of silliness with a dark menace that adds a macabre atmosphere to the story.
The decision that Gwen ultimately has to make can again be read metaphorically: in this pivotal time in a person's life, many decisions we make are there to stay with us the rest of our lives. To some extent, we are shaped during our adolescence. Gwen's decision is not merely about flying, but about how she will live her life. The ending can be viewed in several lights. It touches on genetics, and how these affect our lives, especially our future health and well-being. And it touches on the self: self-esteem, the creation of a personal identity, the need to be true to yourself, and the understanding that while the way others see you can deeply hurt you, you shouldn't let it shape you.
The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden is the kind of coming-of-age story that resonates. Combining teen angst with magic and a dash of mystery creates a richly layered story, and Dowding presents a heroine that readers of all ages will surely be able to relate to. Humorous and touching, The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden is like a finely-tuned musical instrument that, when thrummed, you feel in your very bones.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Netgalley.
July 31, 2013
Another dose to my fun read craving.. To say the truth, if I had written this review just after reading this book, I would have give it 5 stars. But, now...
-----------------
Gwendolyn can fly. All of a sudden, she wakes up in the ceiling and she don't know how to face this. Is this normal when puberty hits? She feels already weird in the school, and is confused when this new ability shows up. Should she even tell this to her mother and her only best friend?
But, there were other people aware already about her abilities, although she has no idea how. And she soon learns she is a Night Flyer and there are people out to help her and things that will destroy her as well, just like they did her dad. Dealing with emotional problems of losing her dad and new found Flyer status, Gwendolyn is faced with situations, that she isn't ready to handle yet.
When I read the first few lines of the book, I couldn't pick another book. It's what a good middle grade book can be.
The easiness of the plot and the characters pulled me right in. The author could have done a better job at expanding the story though.
The inner voice of Gwen was hilarious and amusing to listen. The Midnight Summer’s party was brought out well and I could just imagine the scene. And the scenes where she is scared of her flying right in the middle of a class or during a friend's party made me laugh. All these are the good parts.
The bad parts are that Gwen never seem to grow up. Even at the end of the book, I still feel like she is a kid; but that's okay, I can wait if she grows in the next novel at least. And the character development is not full. So, the readers cannot get more involved with them.
The writing has some problems. Considering this is the first book in the series, there could have been more explanations, instead of simple questions and answer format type manual. I want to know more about the fantasy part. It might have been exciting.
Gwendolyn is your regular kid, with anger management issues and problems with fitting in at school. Gwen hasn't grown much and don't act like a eighth grader; but come on, not all kids have the maturity to act right when a situation presents itself. And losing her dad might have everything to do with that.
I liked all the characters including the sweet shop and Gwen's sister and brother, but there is not a complete development of the characters' world. It makes it difficult for the readers to sustain them in memory.
Strengths: I liked it maybe because at recent times, I crave for more fun-filled easy reads than emotional ones. And I suppose that is the main strength.
Weakness: The slow pace and the improper character development may bore some of the audience.
Final Verdict:
Gwen's adventures is not your Harry Potter or Percy Jackson style adventures; but more like her dealing with life and her Flyer abilities. And if you like children's book, I will definitey recommend it to you. Adults, who are not into children's books, may find problem in liking it as much as I did. But, at least, you could read it to your kids. :) I had a good time with a middle grade novel after a long time.
Note: There is one place where Gwen's crush tries to kiss her; but nothing happens.
--
More reviews at Books Are Magic.
-----------------
Gwendolyn can fly. All of a sudden, she wakes up in the ceiling and she don't know how to face this. Is this normal when puberty hits? She feels already weird in the school, and is confused when this new ability shows up. Should she even tell this to her mother and her only best friend?
But, there were other people aware already about her abilities, although she has no idea how. And she soon learns she is a Night Flyer and there are people out to help her and things that will destroy her as well, just like they did her dad. Dealing with emotional problems of losing her dad and new found Flyer status, Gwendolyn is faced with situations, that she isn't ready to handle yet.
When I read the first few lines of the book, I couldn't pick another book. It's what a good middle grade book can be.
The easiness of the plot and the characters pulled me right in. The author could have done a better job at expanding the story though.
The inner voice of Gwen was hilarious and amusing to listen. The Midnight Summer’s party was brought out well and I could just imagine the scene. And the scenes where she is scared of her flying right in the middle of a class or during a friend's party made me laugh. All these are the good parts.
The bad parts are that Gwen never seem to grow up. Even at the end of the book, I still feel like she is a kid; but that's okay, I can wait if she grows in the next novel at least. And the character development is not full. So, the readers cannot get more involved with them.
The writing has some problems. Considering this is the first book in the series, there could have been more explanations, instead of simple questions and answer format type manual. I want to know more about the fantasy part. It might have been exciting.
Gwendolyn is your regular kid, with anger management issues and problems with fitting in at school. Gwen hasn't grown much and don't act like a eighth grader; but come on, not all kids have the maturity to act right when a situation presents itself. And losing her dad might have everything to do with that.
I liked all the characters including the sweet shop and Gwen's sister and brother, but there is not a complete development of the characters' world. It makes it difficult for the readers to sustain them in memory.
Strengths: I liked it maybe because at recent times, I crave for more fun-filled easy reads than emotional ones. And I suppose that is the main strength.
Weakness: The slow pace and the improper character development may bore some of the audience.
Final Verdict:
Gwen's adventures is not your Harry Potter or Percy Jackson style adventures; but more like her dealing with life and her Flyer abilities. And if you like children's book, I will definitey recommend it to you. Adults, who are not into children's books, may find problem in liking it as much as I did. But, at least, you could read it to your kids. :) I had a good time with a middle grade novel after a long time.
Note: There is one place where Gwen's crush tries to kiss her; but nothing happens.
--
More reviews at Books Are Magic.
August 11, 2016
Phillipa Dowding has a written an intriguing and sensitive pre-teen children’s novel, The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden and it is a must add to home and public libraries.
The story is about Gwendolyn Golden who discovers she has the ability to fly. The story opens with Gwen floating at the top of her bedroom as she awakes one morning. 13 years old she is on the cusp of adulthood and she has challenges to deal with. She lives with her widowed mother and 7-year-old twin siblings and she juggles school, family, friends and puberty as she learns to deal with being a “Night Flyer”, someone very different from those around her.
Underlying the storyline the author focuses on problems 13-year-old girls face. Dowding deals with the angst of feeling different, the loss of a parent, sibling stresses. She also brings forward the issues of puberty, the change in relationships with boys and handling negative rumours about oneself. The author also touches on Gwen’s reluctance to read with humour and fosters her developing attraction to books.
Within a very enjoyable read Dowding provides hope for Gwen and helps her work through her problems in a way the teen-cusp reader can can relate to. The messages tied to the resolution includes the discovery that it is ok to be different, there are others just like you. As well it enhances the trust connection between parent and child.
Children have rough spots in their lives, as adults we don’t always perceive the immensity or the intensity of issues kids are going through. This book is a wonderful choice for mid-school girls and could serve as bridge to broaden discussion about self awareness and interpersonal relationships.
I recommend it.
4 stars
Also see other reviews at www.ebooknews.ca
The story is about Gwendolyn Golden who discovers she has the ability to fly. The story opens with Gwen floating at the top of her bedroom as she awakes one morning. 13 years old she is on the cusp of adulthood and she has challenges to deal with. She lives with her widowed mother and 7-year-old twin siblings and she juggles school, family, friends and puberty as she learns to deal with being a “Night Flyer”, someone very different from those around her.
Underlying the storyline the author focuses on problems 13-year-old girls face. Dowding deals with the angst of feeling different, the loss of a parent, sibling stresses. She also brings forward the issues of puberty, the change in relationships with boys and handling negative rumours about oneself. The author also touches on Gwen’s reluctance to read with humour and fosters her developing attraction to books.
Within a very enjoyable read Dowding provides hope for Gwen and helps her work through her problems in a way the teen-cusp reader can can relate to. The messages tied to the resolution includes the discovery that it is ok to be different, there are others just like you. As well it enhances the trust connection between parent and child.
Children have rough spots in their lives, as adults we don’t always perceive the immensity or the intensity of issues kids are going through. This book is a wonderful choice for mid-school girls and could serve as bridge to broaden discussion about self awareness and interpersonal relationships.
I recommend it.
4 stars
Also see other reviews at www.ebooknews.ca
October 10, 2019
An odd, surprisingly flat little children's novel about a 13-year-old girl who wakes up one morning on the ceiling. She is a "night-flyer" who also happens to have a host of school-related problems--not the least of which are her explosive temper and earlier rejection by a boy who was her childhood friend. Not only does Gwen have to learn whether to accept and use her gift appropriately, but she also has to find ways to deal with hostile peers and adults in the small village she lives in. Gwen also has memories, kept in the shadows, of a father who went out in a storm, and apparently died. (There is some suggestion that he may have committed suicide.) The concept of flying--both gift and dissociative state--is an interesting one, but it doesn't quite work here. The book, related in the first-person present tense, can't seem to decide whether it's a fantasy or realistic fiction. Excuse the pun, but it never seems to "get off the ground"; it's missing something, seems undeveloped. In spite of her unusual talent, Gwen, the protagonist, is not particularly interesting and seems considerably younger than her 13 years. The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden is a missed opportunity for Dowding, author of a lovely fantasy series for middle-grade children about living gargoyles. Dowding's current offering is an easy enough read, but not one I can recommend enthusiastically.
June 10, 2014
This is an excellent coming of age story about Gwendolyn Golden, a girl who wakes up one day with her head bumping against the ceiling. As if life wasn't complicated enough with hormone-induced mood swings, the onset of puberty and trying to balance being just a little bit different from everyone else.
This is a story of an outsider who finds a place to belong.
I loved it and can only recommend it to all young readers. I will be giving a copy to my 12 year old. There is no greater endorsement than that. She is also a 'less-than-willing" reader. This should help change that.
This is a story of an outsider who finds a place to belong.
I loved it and can only recommend it to all young readers. I will be giving a copy to my 12 year old. There is no greater endorsement than that. She is also a 'less-than-willing" reader. This should help change that.
December 26, 2013
Poor Gwennie....she is getting hit from all sides.
As if puberty isn't bad enough to make your world fall apart, she also starts flying one night.
I really liked this book. I think it is a good book for young girls, who will identify with Gwendolyn as they themselves struggle to make sense of the world.
I'm not sure I like the ending. I supposed there will be a sequel, but I really want to know what she chose....the book ends in a cliff hanger.
As if puberty isn't bad enough to make your world fall apart, she also starts flying one night.
I really liked this book. I think it is a good book for young girls, who will identify with Gwendolyn as they themselves struggle to make sense of the world.
I'm not sure I like the ending. I supposed there will be a sequel, but I really want to know what she chose....the book ends in a cliff hanger.
August 26, 2016
Very nicely done exploration of the harder parts of being a young teenager with an out-of-control temper and mysterious new body developments (you know, like the ability to fly). Great for tweens and quite empowering.
April 12, 2013
Spunky and believable, Gwendolyn's gift is fun to imagine.
March 8, 2014
Woven into "The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden" which I won from Goodreads Giveaways is mystery, the paranormal and interpersonal relationships in the life of a thirteen year old. It begins when Gwennie Golden on the cusp of graduating from grade eight at Bass Creek Junior School finds herself floating above her bed one morning, but instead of feeling weird or frightened about it, she accepts it as just another part of the hormonal flux her body has had to deal with. What she will discover is that floating isn't that usual for Night Flyers and that's she not the only one gifted, but if she doesn't learn to control her flying she may never have a normal life.
Written as a first person narrative, the plot sparkles with wit and humour as Gwennie discovers not only her strange ability, but that growing up with an unusual gift can spark strange reactions from her friends and family. But, being different seems to strengthen the young heroine giving her the resilience to face her problems and the rumours at school. With sensitivity and creativity Philippa Dowding deals with issues like loss of a parent, puberty, bullying and changing relationships.
The characters are well-developed and fascinating; like Gwendolyn Imogen Golden, a short-tempered teen haunted by her father's unexplained disappearance. Insecure, and struggling not to draw attention to herself at school she's bullied by a grade nine girl and labelled by false rumours. Gwennie is obstinate, impetuous and drawn to her opposite in personality; to Jezebel, her best friend, a teen endowed with a sensible, unflappable personality and a kind, motherly streak. Mrs. Forest her mentor is steadfast, wise and brave sworn to protect Gwennie like her Watcher, McGovern Everett McGillis, a bottle collector who's faithful, trustworthy and dependable. Even Martin Evells an old friend who has a crush on her is protective and caring, even after she spurns him. Realistic with all their strengths and flaws, there is no end to the colourful characters in this book who add not only to the fun and laughter in Gwennie's life but also to her frustration, troubles, and to the danger that pursues her.
This is a story that will tickle the imagination of every reader and I highly recommend it to young teens.
Written as a first person narrative, the plot sparkles with wit and humour as Gwennie discovers not only her strange ability, but that growing up with an unusual gift can spark strange reactions from her friends and family. But, being different seems to strengthen the young heroine giving her the resilience to face her problems and the rumours at school. With sensitivity and creativity Philippa Dowding deals with issues like loss of a parent, puberty, bullying and changing relationships.
The characters are well-developed and fascinating; like Gwendolyn Imogen Golden, a short-tempered teen haunted by her father's unexplained disappearance. Insecure, and struggling not to draw attention to herself at school she's bullied by a grade nine girl and labelled by false rumours. Gwennie is obstinate, impetuous and drawn to her opposite in personality; to Jezebel, her best friend, a teen endowed with a sensible, unflappable personality and a kind, motherly streak. Mrs. Forest her mentor is steadfast, wise and brave sworn to protect Gwennie like her Watcher, McGovern Everett McGillis, a bottle collector who's faithful, trustworthy and dependable. Even Martin Evells an old friend who has a crush on her is protective and caring, even after she spurns him. Realistic with all their strengths and flaws, there is no end to the colourful characters in this book who add not only to the fun and laughter in Gwennie's life but also to her frustration, troubles, and to the danger that pursues her.
This is a story that will tickle the imagination of every reader and I highly recommend it to young teens.
January 3, 2015
The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden is about a thirteen year old girl named Gwendolyn Golden who one day wakes up on her ceiling, strange right. Gwendolyn soon learns that she is not the only one who posses this "gift", and that there are others who watch over her. When she is close to death one day when she flies to high, one person, who she least expects, helps her along the way. There are many obstacles that Gwen has to face, from the death of her father to the rumors being spread about her through the whole town. Will she chose to listen, or stay true to herself.
I chose this book because of all the talk around it, The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden is a Red Maple book, so I assumed that it would be great, and I was right. Amazing. I love this book because her flying is just a symbol for things that we face in every day life. Actually this whole story is. It is telling you that no matter what you have to face in life, no matter what anybody else thinks of you, you must stay true to yourself.
I am not going to lie, this book was a little hard to finish. Not because it was to big or was hard to read, just because it was a little slow for me. In other words, it was very calm and relaxed, there was no really exciting scenarios in this book. But I think that is what made it really good to read. Even though it was not all that exciting, I still really wanted to know how Gwendolyn wanted to do with her life, if she was going to let the rumors being spread or if she just going to brush it off.Plus sometimes it is good to take a break from all those mythical creatures and demons. That is why I finished The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden.
This books is great for teenagers, I recommend you read it if you are being bullied or just have some trouble with life really. Because it definitely helped me. ENJOY!
I chose this book because of all the talk around it, The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden is a Red Maple book, so I assumed that it would be great, and I was right. Amazing. I love this book because her flying is just a symbol for things that we face in every day life. Actually this whole story is. It is telling you that no matter what you have to face in life, no matter what anybody else thinks of you, you must stay true to yourself.
I am not going to lie, this book was a little hard to finish. Not because it was to big or was hard to read, just because it was a little slow for me. In other words, it was very calm and relaxed, there was no really exciting scenarios in this book. But I think that is what made it really good to read. Even though it was not all that exciting, I still really wanted to know how Gwendolyn wanted to do with her life, if she was going to let the rumors being spread or if she just going to brush it off.Plus sometimes it is good to take a break from all those mythical creatures and demons. That is why I finished The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden.
This books is great for teenagers, I recommend you read it if you are being bullied or just have some trouble with life really. Because it definitely helped me. ENJOY!
May 11, 2014
After reading the description (you know I do that after I read the book, not before), this book exceeds that description quite a bit. It sounds extremely juvenile in that blurb, but it's not the case with this book. While the age group was on the younger side (think before puberty), it was still a pretty cute and well-written book for that younger age.
Not only does Gwen have to worry about fitting in in middle school and dealing with her first party (and first crush), she's also got this problem of just floating randomly and not being able to control it. We don't actually know that people think she's an oddball with anger issues (I actually didn't get that at all), until something happens in the book, and then I think she has every right to be angry.
It moved along pretty quickly (I think a little more backstory on the character and what happened to her family in the past would have been helpful, it was kind of confusing when things were revealed), and the book overall had a nice pacing and cute quality to it.
Read When: This would be one I would buy for my younger cousins as they're growing up and getting ready to turn 10. It had that great early reader quality to it with a little bit of meaning that I think would be a really good one for that age group to read.
Not only does Gwen have to worry about fitting in in middle school and dealing with her first party (and first crush), she's also got this problem of just floating randomly and not being able to control it. We don't actually know that people think she's an oddball with anger issues (I actually didn't get that at all), until something happens in the book, and then I think she has every right to be angry.
It moved along pretty quickly (I think a little more backstory on the character and what happened to her family in the past would have been helpful, it was kind of confusing when things were revealed), and the book overall had a nice pacing and cute quality to it.
Read When: This would be one I would buy for my younger cousins as they're growing up and getting ready to turn 10. It had that great early reader quality to it with a little bit of meaning that I think would be a really good one for that age group to read.
March 27, 2014
This book was received as the result of a First Reads giveaway.
I was really torn with this book at first as I wasn't sure what to make of it but as the tale began to unravel I was hooked.
Gwendolyn is a bit of a hot tempered main character. A bit eccentric perhaps but every bit a young teenager. She actually reminded me a bit of how my girls would act and think. With an interesting ability that makes the reader wonder if she will ever embrace who she was, is and will be. The end does leave the option for the author to pick it up again and make it into a series or to tie it off neatly...Well played!
This was a super easy read on one of my busiest stretches at work. This novel was the perfect book to start while doing this as the chapters are quite short and the story is very easy to follow and not get lost with.
It didn't have a huge conflict but the resolution was profound for young readers who feel everyone is against them or have lost a parent.
Fantastic editing rounded out the book for me.
I was really torn with this book at first as I wasn't sure what to make of it but as the tale began to unravel I was hooked.
Gwendolyn is a bit of a hot tempered main character. A bit eccentric perhaps but every bit a young teenager. She actually reminded me a bit of how my girls would act and think. With an interesting ability that makes the reader wonder if she will ever embrace who she was, is and will be. The end does leave the option for the author to pick it up again and make it into a series or to tie it off neatly...Well played!
This was a super easy read on one of my busiest stretches at work. This novel was the perfect book to start while doing this as the chapters are quite short and the story is very easy to follow and not get lost with.
It didn't have a huge conflict but the resolution was profound for young readers who feel everyone is against them or have lost a parent.
Fantastic editing rounded out the book for me.
April 21, 2015
I really did enjoy this book! At the beginning before i did even start reading i felt like i already wasn't going to like this book because of its concept. I was feeling like i wasn't really interested in the concept of a girl that can fly. But the way that the author executed this was really truly great and did end up making me interested in it as the book continued. It felt like it was really easy for me to get through because it wasn't a very long book but i felt as if the amount that was in this book was really just great because it wasn't to long or to short. Something that i would have changed about this book is that i wanted there to be more charter development on the peers of Gwen because i think that would have helped me to get to know her character better. overall i gave this book five stars because it was really easy to get through and i really did end up liking this story.
December 8, 2014
Gwennie Golden can fly. This bit of self discovery doesn't really help her figure things out. Like why did her father just up and disappear? Or why is Martin, her old childhood friend, so mean to her? Just when things begin to get worse, she discovers that there is truth to be discovered, and with the help of those who love her, she just might be able to work things out.
I picked this book up as it is one of this year's Red Maple nominees. Also, it is a book about humans who can fly. How could I resist/
I finished the book because there is a sweetness to the story. No great depth, but an overall good feeling. Perhaps it is similar to the feeling Gwennie gets when she flies?
I would recommend this to Alexa. I think she would like the tone in which the story is told.
I picked this book up as it is one of this year's Red Maple nominees. Also, it is a book about humans who can fly. How could I resist/
I finished the book because there is a sweetness to the story. No great depth, but an overall good feeling. Perhaps it is similar to the feeling Gwennie gets when she flies?
I would recommend this to Alexa. I think she would like the tone in which the story is told.
December 11, 2013
Fantastic story for middle school girls! Gwendolyn has been going through a lot of changes lately with puberty - growing breasts, getting her period and now floating to the ceiling. As she learns to deal with the fact that she is a Night Flyer, she also learns more about her father, who disappeared years ago and how to deal with her emotions and her friends and family. This is a sweet and funny book and I think that middle school girls will really enjoy it. I received this book free to review from Netgalley.
March 13, 2014
Gwendolyn Golden wakes up with the ability to fly. As if adolescents don't have enough changes to deal with! Despite this new and strange gift, Gwendolyn is very down-to-earth and believable thanks to Dowding's ability to blend the real with the magical. I wonder if Dowding is telling us that Gwen's gift is no different from the gifts that many individual children have ... gifts which mark kids as different, thus making life difficult for them as they mature. This is a new twist on a 'growing-up' story that pre-teen girls will enjoy.
January 7, 2015
The strange gift of Gwendolyn Golden is a grate book about a girl with the strange gift to fly but i think that the hole book is just trying to say one thing.It is OK to be different the way it dose this is by giving you a original story that is easy to relate to for who has never felt like they are flying some days.And i think that just makes the story just that much better.Overall i really enjoyed The strange gift of Gwendolyn Golden but i will say it is not perfect it is still a grate book
January 11, 2015
I really enjoyed this book! It really drew me in. It speaks to the awkwardness, insecurity and wanting to fit in that so many people my age seem to struggle with.I go through similar days like that. I think this book will really speak out to teens and tweens because i think they would relate well to this book. It was a really good topic and very original!
March 16, 2015
I picked up this book because it said this book talks about this girl that could fly. I was really interested.
I finshed reading this book because the author wrote this book so good that I didn't want the put down the book, I just want to keep reading.
I recommend this book to Amurta because I think she would like fantasy things like floating in mid air.
I finshed reading this book because the author wrote this book so good that I didn't want the put down the book, I just want to keep reading.
I recommend this book to Amurta because I think she would like fantasy things like floating in mid air.
February 27, 2014
I really enjoyed this work. The characters are just slightly unbelievable, but enough that it works. The story is intriguing... Wonder if there will be a sequel?
February 24, 2014
A lively narrative voice that hits the mark. The "wanna know" factor had me hurrying to get to the end and find out why and how!
July 26, 2016
Gwendolyn is a delightful character. A sweet coming of age story.
April 1, 2014
Well written. Strong storyline. You feel for Gwendolyn and remember being a teenager. and how it felt different or odd.
July 11, 2017
There are strange things in Gwendolyn's life, but nothing is stranger than learning she can fly...sometimes! Very enjoyable book and I hope listing it as the first in a series is not wishful thinking.
January 2, 2017
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 5.0 of 5
There are only a small handful of authors whose work I look for when I step into a bookstore and for whom I will purchase their newest work as soon as it is released. Philippa Dowding has just joined that small list.
In The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden, the recent-teen titular character starts the book by waking up on the ceiling, much to her own surprise and fear. She's pretty sure that this is not normal behavior and later, when she begins to leave the ground again, she worries about floating away and never getting back to the ground again. She also worries about what the kids at school will think of her if they catch her floating. Most already think she's an oddball because of her anger issues (ever since the death of her father).
But someone does notice and gives Gwendolyn tips on 'night flying' which could be even stranger than the flying itself. And just as Gwendolyn faces some tough challenges with her new talent and overcomes them through determination - finding it within herself - so too she finds it within herself to face some of the other challenges that life has thrown at her.
This is one of the most beautiful coming-of-age stories I have ever read.
For a time I wasn't sure if Gwendolyn's flight ability was 'real' or something she was imagining as an escape mechanism for the other troubles she was facing. The fact that it was real (in the world of the story) made the allegory and metaphor tremendously powerful and heart-warming.
I was going to refer to Philippa Dowding as 'a female Neil Gaiman' but then wondered if maybe Neil Gaiman wasn't a male Philippa Dowding? Then I decided that there was no need for the gender comparisons. Dowding, like Gaiman, writes extremely powerful stories with characters that could be you or me or someone we know quite well and interact in a magical world that should be real or at the very least, feels very real.
This story has a hint of darkness, just as the world that a teen is growing in to can be dark, but Dowding takes the positive view that it is within the character to face the challenges and push away the darkness.
Even the titles has multiple layers to it. On quickly reading this title and then the book, one would assume the title refers to Gwen's flying. But the title refers to the gift OF Gwendolyn Golden - a teen who doesn't have many friends and is an outcast. How can she be a gift? To whom?
To you, dear reader.
I wish every fifth-to-ninth-grade student would read this - it encourages a world of possibilities, which is as it should be.
Looking for a good book? This is it. The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden by Philippa Dowding is a fantastic, creative coming of age story that is sure to delight.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
There are only a small handful of authors whose work I look for when I step into a bookstore and for whom I will purchase their newest work as soon as it is released. Philippa Dowding has just joined that small list.
In The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden, the recent-teen titular character starts the book by waking up on the ceiling, much to her own surprise and fear. She's pretty sure that this is not normal behavior and later, when she begins to leave the ground again, she worries about floating away and never getting back to the ground again. She also worries about what the kids at school will think of her if they catch her floating. Most already think she's an oddball because of her anger issues (ever since the death of her father).
But someone does notice and gives Gwendolyn tips on 'night flying' which could be even stranger than the flying itself. And just as Gwendolyn faces some tough challenges with her new talent and overcomes them through determination - finding it within herself - so too she finds it within herself to face some of the other challenges that life has thrown at her.
This is one of the most beautiful coming-of-age stories I have ever read.
For a time I wasn't sure if Gwendolyn's flight ability was 'real' or something she was imagining as an escape mechanism for the other troubles she was facing. The fact that it was real (in the world of the story) made the allegory and metaphor tremendously powerful and heart-warming.
I was going to refer to Philippa Dowding as 'a female Neil Gaiman' but then wondered if maybe Neil Gaiman wasn't a male Philippa Dowding? Then I decided that there was no need for the gender comparisons. Dowding, like Gaiman, writes extremely powerful stories with characters that could be you or me or someone we know quite well and interact in a magical world that should be real or at the very least, feels very real.
This story has a hint of darkness, just as the world that a teen is growing in to can be dark, but Dowding takes the positive view that it is within the character to face the challenges and push away the darkness.
Even the titles has multiple layers to it. On quickly reading this title and then the book, one would assume the title refers to Gwen's flying. But the title refers to the gift OF Gwendolyn Golden - a teen who doesn't have many friends and is an outcast. How can she be a gift? To whom?
To you, dear reader.
I wish every fifth-to-ninth-grade student would read this - it encourages a world of possibilities, which is as it should be.
Looking for a good book? This is it. The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden by Philippa Dowding is a fantastic, creative coming of age story that is sure to delight.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2014
2,5Stars
Not sure if I'm rounding up or down yet...ok after thinking about this for a couple of days, i rounded it down, simply because though it was sweet... it was just that only, a quite sweet book that was ok.
Sadly this is another book, that I liked the idea of but didn't enjoy actually reading it. Seems like I've been picking those ones up allot lately.
My main issue here was the writing style. It was too simplistic. The fact that nearly every second sentence started with I & a verb kinda grated on me. It felt unpolished and immature somehow. I guess this is for middle grade kids. A fact I wasn't aware off for some reason I kinda thought this was YA. But though it's been a while since I read middle grade stuff I am sure that the books I liked were written with more.. I don't know..flair, flourish better sentence structures?
The story line is quite fun to start of with. It made me smile and the way Gwendolyn wakes up made me kinda think of Kafka's Metamorphosis. As I said I like the idea of this.
But then it got rather slow in the middle part. It was quite a struggle to get through - and I'm not sure I would have read on if this wouldn't have been an ARC. It did get more interesting towards the end. But I was left with quite a few questions. Though there was no indication of it anywhere, I assume there might be a sequel? If not, one gets seriously left hanging at the end, not that the story isn't at a cliffhanger, but as I said too many questions were left unanswered .
And actually not much impressive stuff happens, so it's sweet but not exciting or awe inspiring or anything to be amazed with.
The world building was quite sweet but not again not that impressive. In fact many of the questions I was left with are to do with the world building, so I guess it's safe to say it's incomplete at best.
The character building is pretty well done for Gwendolyn, her struggles with growing up and her strange gift are really well relatable. I like her, loved her sense of humor.. but she is also pretty immature. Sadly none of the characters did develop much, which meant I kinda lost interest.
This is a book for middle grade only.
Not sure if I'm rounding up or down yet...ok after thinking about this for a couple of days, i rounded it down, simply because though it was sweet... it was just that only, a quite sweet book that was ok.
Sadly this is another book, that I liked the idea of but didn't enjoy actually reading it. Seems like I've been picking those ones up allot lately.
My main issue here was the writing style. It was too simplistic. The fact that nearly every second sentence started with I & a verb kinda grated on me. It felt unpolished and immature somehow. I guess this is for middle grade kids. A fact I wasn't aware off for some reason I kinda thought this was YA. But though it's been a while since I read middle grade stuff I am sure that the books I liked were written with more.. I don't know..flair, flourish better sentence structures?
The story line is quite fun to start of with. It made me smile and the way Gwendolyn wakes up made me kinda think of Kafka's Metamorphosis. As I said I like the idea of this.
But then it got rather slow in the middle part. It was quite a struggle to get through - and I'm not sure I would have read on if this wouldn't have been an ARC. It did get more interesting towards the end. But I was left with quite a few questions. Though there was no indication of it anywhere, I assume there might be a sequel? If not, one gets seriously left hanging at the end, not that the story isn't at a cliffhanger, but as I said too many questions were left unanswered .
And actually not much impressive stuff happens, so it's sweet but not exciting or awe inspiring or anything to be amazed with.
The world building was quite sweet but not again not that impressive. In fact many of the questions I was left with are to do with the world building, so I guess it's safe to say it's incomplete at best.
The character building is pretty well done for Gwendolyn, her struggles with growing up and her strange gift are really well relatable. I like her, loved her sense of humor.. but she is also pretty immature. Sadly none of the characters did develop much, which meant I kinda lost interest.
This is a book for middle grade only.
December 7, 2018
I don't usually read books like this one but for some reason this book caught my attention. There were many spots where the book felt very make believe while there where many spots were I could actually relate to Gwen. this was an awesome book!
August 2, 2013
Gwendolyn Golden wakes up one morning to find herself floating on the ceiling. She's new to the whole puberty thing but she's pretty sure this isn't normal. Odder still, there are people who seem to know about this new ability of hers even though she hasn't told anyone. When her body starts to rise at school by its own accord and she can't control it, she starts to panic. Suddenly, Gwen is faced with problems no high school kid should have to face: will she ever gain control of her body's urge to fly or will she have to spend the rest of her school career locked in a stall in the teacher's washroom.
This is a rather sweet coming-of-age fantasy tale aimed at middle graders. Gwendolyn, despite having a temper known and feared throughout the school, is quite likeable as is her friend, Jez. There is very little violence other than a couple of incidences with the school bully and an unfortunate encounter with her crush but even these are rather small and are easily dealt with by teachers in the first case and by Gwen in the second. As well, for those parents who worry about profanity in the books their children read, there is none in this novel. I also liked that the chapters are quite short which may appeal to the reluctant reader. The end especially should be mentioned as it is a charming celebration of life and difference.
This is a rather sweet coming-of-age fantasy tale aimed at middle graders. Gwendolyn, despite having a temper known and feared throughout the school, is quite likeable as is her friend, Jez. There is very little violence other than a couple of incidences with the school bully and an unfortunate encounter with her crush but even these are rather small and are easily dealt with by teachers in the first case and by Gwen in the second. As well, for those parents who worry about profanity in the books their children read, there is none in this novel. I also liked that the chapters are quite short which may appeal to the reluctant reader. The end especially should be mentioned as it is a charming celebration of life and difference.
July 15, 2013
I loved the cover and the description of this story and was curious to see what would happen to a girl who discovers that she can fly, but I got to the end of the story and was still waiting to see what would happen. Lots of things are introduced, but not fully developed, and I kept waiting for Gwennie to use her flying ability to do something. This is a book about coming of age and learning to accept things about oneself...mainly by thinking about them. I can't say here what I mistakenly came to believe might be the plot conflict here for fear of spoiling the story, but what I thought would happen, didn't. I would have liked to know more about the characters - including Gwendolyn, herself. For example, apparently she has problems with her temper, but the problem really only manifests itself once. The incident with Martin seems to call for a bit more explanation - and certainly his mother's attitude could use explaining, but these things are just left hanging there. What makes someone a watcher? What purpose do the feathers serve? In what significant way has flying changed Gwendolyn's life?
March 31, 2015
The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden was a really good book that I think girls could really connect to. This book is about an ordinary girl who lives with her mom,brother, and sister, but one day realizes that she has the gift of flying. Its a week or so before school ends and she's trying to figure out how shes going to make it through the days without flying. She gets help throughout the book from people she never really knew well enough and finds out that she is a night flyer.The book was very suspenseful and had a good pace from scene to scene.I wasn't impressed with the ending because it still left me with questions about the characters and what happened to them later on.
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