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Twelve-year-old Iris Beekman loves photography, her family, and her life in Holland. She DOESN’T love having divorced parents, the panic attacks she’s had since Dad left, or the news that her mom just got a job teaching at Stanford University in America. With their beloved grandma in tow, Iris and her siblings move to California with their mom to start their new life. But can Iris’s older brother get his three-part plan to reunite their parents off the ground in time to break up Dad and his girlfriend? Will Iris be able to keep her anxiety in check when Mom starts dating a fellow professor? And will the family pull together or fall apart when tragedy strikes? Join Iris as she goes in search of her American Dream.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2015
5 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Taylor
43 books115 followersStephanie Taylor writes a romantic comedy series about a fictional island called "Christmas Key," as well as several other standalone romance, YA, and middle grade titles.
You can check out her website at: www.redbirdsandrabbits.com
You can check out her website at: www.redbirdsandrabbits.com
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 26, 2015
This was a cute book, geared more towards children. However, I would say older children from 12 and above.
The book follows Iris and her family. Iris lives in Holland and her parents have recently divorced. Iris's family dynamic has changed and she isn't too happy about it. Iris lives with her mother, Oma (grandmother in German), her siblings, Pim (oldest brother) and two younger twin sisters, Romy and Esmee. Iris's father lives near by with his new girlfriend, Britt, who no one likes.
Pim and Iris think of ways to get their parents back together. First, they wanted to create a profile on a dating site and have the emails sent to the father's email address. The second, was to deliver flowers to their house for their mother and have a note on the flowers from their father. In both instances, their ideas and efforts failed.
While they were thinking up idea for their parents, Iris's mother accepted a job in the States. Without asking and talking about this change with her children, she accepts the job and the family moves to California, San Francisco. They move in just in time for Halloween, which is a new holiday for them. Afterward, it's Thanksgiving, which is to be their first.
The book really covers the sometimes hidden emotions of children and how they handle stress. Pim, acted out for several reasons. Although bad choices, he felt like he needed to do them for several reasons, of which the author tells the reader about.
Iris, learns to make friends and get involved in activities and find things she enjoys. The twins seem more resilent and less bothered by the divorce and the move.
I love how the book included Dutch. It was nice to read in another language, even if I wasn't able to pronounce all the words. I thought it was a nice addition to the book and it also added a great way for kids to learn about another language. The author wrote the Dutch words out and then told the reader what those words meant.
I also liked how the grandmother was referred to as Oma. My family uses Oma and Opa and its a fun difference we have.
I don't want to give anything away, so I won't say what the third and final idea was that Pim and Iris came up with. The middle to end contains even more new experiences for the characters. Some happy, some sad. I liked how the author explained the feelings of all the characters and gave reasons behind them. The book was well written and enjoyable.
Overall, I liked how this book opened the door for talking about divorce and how the children feel. Throughout the entire book, the reader follows, Iris, and the author includes what she is thinking and feeling about all the changes in her life. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for those who like coming of ages books or even for older children. This book is entertaining and the characters are likable. It was fun to read about the family experiences their first Halloween and Thanksgiving. As I review this, it is Thanksgiving time.
Content: Mild language like Damn
I received this book from the author through I love YA books in exchange for an honest review.
The book follows Iris and her family. Iris lives in Holland and her parents have recently divorced. Iris's family dynamic has changed and she isn't too happy about it. Iris lives with her mother, Oma (grandmother in German), her siblings, Pim (oldest brother) and two younger twin sisters, Romy and Esmee. Iris's father lives near by with his new girlfriend, Britt, who no one likes.
"You said you had a plan. I think we need to find a way to get Mom and Dad back together as soon as possible, I said, slipping out of my coat and hanging it over the back of my chair in the warm cafe."
Pim and Iris think of ways to get their parents back together. First, they wanted to create a profile on a dating site and have the emails sent to the father's email address. The second, was to deliver flowers to their house for their mother and have a note on the flowers from their father. In both instances, their ideas and efforts failed.
"Did you really think flowers and a note were going to send her running to the phone to call him?"
While they were thinking up idea for their parents, Iris's mother accepted a job in the States. Without asking and talking about this change with her children, she accepts the job and the family moves to California, San Francisco. They move in just in time for Halloween, which is a new holiday for them. Afterward, it's Thanksgiving, which is to be their first.
The book really covers the sometimes hidden emotions of children and how they handle stress. Pim, acted out for several reasons. Although bad choices, he felt like he needed to do them for several reasons, of which the author tells the reader about.
Iris, learns to make friends and get involved in activities and find things she enjoys. The twins seem more resilent and less bothered by the divorce and the move.
I love how the book included Dutch. It was nice to read in another language, even if I wasn't able to pronounce all the words. I thought it was a nice addition to the book and it also added a great way for kids to learn about another language. The author wrote the Dutch words out and then told the reader what those words meant.
I also liked how the grandmother was referred to as Oma. My family uses Oma and Opa and its a fun difference we have.
I don't want to give anything away, so I won't say what the third and final idea was that Pim and Iris came up with. The middle to end contains even more new experiences for the characters. Some happy, some sad. I liked how the author explained the feelings of all the characters and gave reasons behind them. The book was well written and enjoyable.
Overall, I liked how this book opened the door for talking about divorce and how the children feel. Throughout the entire book, the reader follows, Iris, and the author includes what she is thinking and feeling about all the changes in her life. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for those who like coming of ages books or even for older children. This book is entertaining and the characters are likable. It was fun to read about the family experiences their first Halloween and Thanksgiving. As I review this, it is Thanksgiving time.
Content: Mild language like Damn
I received this book from the author through I love YA books in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2015
It isn't easy to strike a chord between writing for an adult audience as well as a younger reader, but this mother-daughter pair has done so with aplomb. Iris focuses on a young woman in a time of transitions, with divorced parents and a move to an entirely new country as well as the usual turmoil of growing up. The book explores these themes from Iris’ perspective, and allows us to observe the little ways in which she inches toward understanding and maturity. The characters are well developed and likable; the reader is drawn to Iris’ world with vivid descriptions in the prose. This book is the first of a series, and I for one can’t wait for the second installment. You can enjoy reading this book all on your own, or together with your younger reader. You may find some interesting differences in your take on the story vs. your middle reader. However, part of this story’s appeal is in its wide readability-readers from 5 to 95 would likely enjoy it!
July 1, 2015
I enjoyed this middle grades book about a young girl named Iris, who is dealing with many transitions in her life. Iris and her brother are still struggling with their parents divorce, when they learn their mom has taken a new job in America. Iris is scared about leaving her father, and all her friends in Holland, but she soon finds out that America is not as scary as she thought it might be. Iris makes a friend and even finds a boy that she really likes, but her brother is not willing to give up on his dream of reuniting his parents and restoring his family. The book is written well for middle grade students and they will easily relate to these characters and their struggles. Readers will appreciate the challenges Iris faces as she tries to be loyal to her brother while she adjusts to life in her new country. I would highly recommend this book for middle grade students.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
June 24, 2015
I loved this book! So much depth of feelings ...a story everyone can relate to. I was truly surprised at how well put together this story was, how real the characters were. I could see myself and my family in this book. . Looking forward to the next one. Good job Mrs Taylor and Miss Burris. What a wonderful gift you have given to each other!
June 19, 2018
What an amazing set of authors!
July 8, 2015
Our story begins with brother and sister, Iris and Pim, deciding that they want to reunite their parents. Iris wants to take the softly, softly approach and win her father back to the family by reminding him of the good times. Her brother, Pim, however, wants to discredit his father’s new girlfriend, Britt.
It’s an interesting scenario that I’m sure many children will identify with. To add to the pair’s woes They also had to suffer frequent visits from Nicholaas and Bram, two sons of their mother’s best friend, Amy. These boys are only one year apart and are forever fighting and bickering with each other, Iris and Pim, and their twin sisters.
However, their problems don’t end there. They are soon told that their mother wants to move to America for a fresh start.
It’s interesting to see how the authors managed to build the suspense in this book without adding too much anxiety. Both Pim and Iris are dreading the move to the States but, as illustrated earlier, they take a very different approach.
Having come from their native Holland the family have to learn new traditions and customs that many people take for granted. They also have to come to some sort of resolve regarding their parent’s situation.
This is a solid chapter book that will keep its readers interested from beginning to end. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review and I’m really pleased I accepted the offer. This is a well written book. The plot moves along quickly and as it touches on some pertinent issues, I’m sure a young reader will identify with them.
Do yourself a favour and grab a copy today. With its approach to so many different issues, it’s the sort of book that should be on every shelf.
It’s an interesting scenario that I’m sure many children will identify with. To add to the pair’s woes They also had to suffer frequent visits from Nicholaas and Bram, two sons of their mother’s best friend, Amy. These boys are only one year apart and are forever fighting and bickering with each other, Iris and Pim, and their twin sisters.
However, their problems don’t end there. They are soon told that their mother wants to move to America for a fresh start.
It’s interesting to see how the authors managed to build the suspense in this book without adding too much anxiety. Both Pim and Iris are dreading the move to the States but, as illustrated earlier, they take a very different approach.
Having come from their native Holland the family have to learn new traditions and customs that many people take for granted. They also have to come to some sort of resolve regarding their parent’s situation.
This is a solid chapter book that will keep its readers interested from beginning to end. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review and I’m really pleased I accepted the offer. This is a well written book. The plot moves along quickly and as it touches on some pertinent issues, I’m sure a young reader will identify with them.
Do yourself a favour and grab a copy today. With its approach to so many different issues, it’s the sort of book that should be on every shelf.
January 3, 2016
Iris and her siblings have to leave their home, Holland, to move to America. They have to relearn everything, and to find new friends. They also have to be there for each other.
The kids have to deal with their parents divorce. It helps you understand what some kids actually go through. I think that the divorce was written cleverly, and realistically.
Iris' friend is named Abby. She is the best friend that Iris has ever had. Abby helps Iris realize that she does not need Holland, or her dad, to be herself. I like how Abby stays by Iris' side, through good and bad times. I shows real friendship.
This book has a little romance, but it is mostly just teasing. In some areas, one person says that another person has a crush someone different. There is no real dating or inappropriate content, though.
I really liked the ending. At first, I thought that it would have an ending where Iris' mother and father got back together and lived happily ever after, but it wasn't. It kind of threw me off, but it didn't get confusing.
I like this book because it applies to many ages. It is hard to find a book that a child or an adult would enjoy. I would recommend this book to anyone around 12 or over.
The characters and plot are very good, yet they are not confusing. The characters mostly stay simple. The main characters are Iris, Pim, Mom, and Oma. Other characters are Abby, Dad, Evan, Britt, Felipe, and Zach. The plot is trying to get used to cultural changes, and to realize that what you think is best, isn't always.
I received a copy of this book from the We ♥ YA Books group, along with the author in exchange for an honest review.
The kids have to deal with their parents divorce. It helps you understand what some kids actually go through. I think that the divorce was written cleverly, and realistically.
Iris' friend is named Abby. She is the best friend that Iris has ever had. Abby helps Iris realize that she does not need Holland, or her dad, to be herself. I like how Abby stays by Iris' side, through good and bad times. I shows real friendship.
This book has a little romance, but it is mostly just teasing. In some areas, one person says that another person has a crush someone different. There is no real dating or inappropriate content, though.
I really liked the ending. At first, I thought that it would have an ending where Iris' mother and father got back together and lived happily ever after, but it wasn't. It kind of threw me off, but it didn't get confusing.
I like this book because it applies to many ages. It is hard to find a book that a child or an adult would enjoy. I would recommend this book to anyone around 12 or over.
The characters and plot are very good, yet they are not confusing. The characters mostly stay simple. The main characters are Iris, Pim, Mom, and Oma. Other characters are Abby, Dad, Evan, Britt, Felipe, and Zach. The plot is trying to get used to cultural changes, and to realize that what you think is best, isn't always.
I received a copy of this book from the We ♥ YA Books group, along with the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2015
A perfect book for tween girls (and anyone else who likes a good read), Iris: The American Dream Series is the story of a twelve-year-old Dutch girl who moves halfway across the world to America for her mom’s new job.
Following the break-up of their parents’ marriage, Iris, along with her older brother and twin younger sisters form an unbreakable bond.
Dealing with issues that are common for today’s youth, “Iris” touches on surviving (and thriving) as a child of divorce, first crushes, potential loss as well as navigating the ups and downs of starting life in a new country. It mildly touches on the bullying of immigrants, giving kids a glimpse into social and world issues. “Iris” gives insight into these issues without being “in your face” about them, allowing them to flow out as the story unfolds.
As a bonus, the chapters have clever or quirky titles to them, giving the book a fun and light-hearted feel.
As I was reading, I was quite worried that the ending would be a run-of-the-mill fairy-tale ending, but I felt that it was well done and fit not only the tone of the book but also the times in which we live.
I received a copy of this book from the We ♥ YA Books! group and the author in exchange for a honest review.
Following the break-up of their parents’ marriage, Iris, along with her older brother and twin younger sisters form an unbreakable bond.
Dealing with issues that are common for today’s youth, “Iris” touches on surviving (and thriving) as a child of divorce, first crushes, potential loss as well as navigating the ups and downs of starting life in a new country. It mildly touches on the bullying of immigrants, giving kids a glimpse into social and world issues. “Iris” gives insight into these issues without being “in your face” about them, allowing them to flow out as the story unfolds.
As a bonus, the chapters have clever or quirky titles to them, giving the book a fun and light-hearted feel.
As I was reading, I was quite worried that the ending would be a run-of-the-mill fairy-tale ending, but I felt that it was well done and fit not only the tone of the book but also the times in which we live.
I received a copy of this book from the We ♥ YA Books! group and the author in exchange for a honest review.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews