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Paper Chains
From the author of critically acclaimed Like Magic comes another sweet middle grade story about friendship, family, and discovering where you fit in the world.
Katie and Ana are the kind of friends who share everything with each other. But there are some things you can’t even share with your best friend.
Katie has always known she was adopted, but recently she’s been wondering about her birth parents and her birthplace. She worries that saying this out loud—even to her best friend—could mess up the perfect family she has now.
Ana’s family has been falling apart ever since her dad left, and it’s up to her to hold it together. But Ana fears no matter how hard she tries, her family may never be whole again.
At a time when they need each other the most, the links between the girls are beginning to break. Before they lose each other, they must work through the tangles of secrets to the shining truth underneath: friendship, just like family, is worth fighting for.
Katie and Ana are the kind of friends who share everything with each other. But there are some things you can’t even share with your best friend.
Katie has always known she was adopted, but recently she’s been wondering about her birth parents and her birthplace. She worries that saying this out loud—even to her best friend—could mess up the perfect family she has now.
Ana’s family has been falling apart ever since her dad left, and it’s up to her to hold it together. But Ana fears no matter how hard she tries, her family may never be whole again.
At a time when they need each other the most, the links between the girls are beginning to break. Before they lose each other, they must work through the tangles of secrets to the shining truth underneath: friendship, just like family, is worth fighting for.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published October 17, 2017
9 people are currently reading
783 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Vickers
10 books154 followersElaine Vickers lives with her family in Southern Utah, where she writes books and teaches college chemistry. She always wanted to be a writer and a teacher, except when she wanted to be an architect, an artist, a pediatrician, a judge, or a famous actress. Visit her at elainevickers.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 17, 2018
Pros: realistic friendship with enough conflict to be interesting but not so much that I just wanted them to quit being friends. The aftermath of parental abandonment is handled well. Adorable sibling relationship, with bonus friendship between the little boy and his sister's best friend, which is sweet. An actually nuanced portrayal of international adoption that honors the adopted character's "origin story" and her complicated feelings about that without invalidating the love she feels for her adoptive family and the significance of those relationships.
Cons: Yet another story in which a character has a chronic health issue but it turns out that the real problem was everyone else acting like she should in any way accommodate this issue instead of being Free To Live. The story continually tries to acknowledge that yes, her heart defect is real and she should be careful, but the actual narrative only ever rewards her for taking risks and in the end it's mostly just about how her mom needs to let go and our heroine can ice skate if she just Believes In Herself and I dunno, I was kind of frustrated by the whole thing. Also, seriously, what's with middle-grade setting up so many compelling and nuanced conflicts and then suddenly everything gets tied up in a neat bow over the last two chapters?
Cons: Yet another story in which a character has a chronic health issue but it turns out that the real problem was everyone else acting like she should in any way accommodate this issue instead of being Free To Live. The story continually tries to acknowledge that yes, her heart defect is real and she should be careful, but the actual narrative only ever rewards her for taking risks and in the end it's mostly just about how her mom needs to let go and our heroine can ice skate if she just Believes In Herself and I dunno, I was kind of frustrated by the whole thing. Also, seriously, what's with middle-grade setting up so many compelling and nuanced conflicts and then suddenly everything gets tied up in a neat bow over the last two chapters?
May 17, 2017
Paper Chains is a charming companion story to Vickers' excellent LIKE MAGIC, following Grace's friend Katie to Boston, where Katie struggles to find her place and worries that voicing questions about her adoption might upset her family dynamics. Her neighbor Ana also worries: worries about the hole left when her father left, and her mother's spiral into depression. The two girls need each other--but first they have to learn to trust each other.
Vickers writes wonderful friendship stories, and the two girls in this story are no exception. A lovely, sweet look at what it means to be a friend and part of a family.
Vickers writes wonderful friendship stories, and the two girls in this story are no exception. A lovely, sweet look at what it means to be a friend and part of a family.
October 15, 2019
ARC Review (9/27/17, received from Sarah Prineas)
Actual rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Elaine Vickers impressed me with her debut last year, and she did it again with her follow-up! That's worthy of a round of applause.
Paper Chains easily showcases Vickers' continued strengths as a writer: strong characters that feel real, beautiful writing that's figurative and full of cool symbols, and a deep nuance that reflects how serious the issues she explores are even if they're subtler for a younger audience. However, what really surprised me this time around is what direction she took this novel in. This book may be a little bit darker and inspire loneliness both protagonists feel in their lives, but it also shows just how strong hope can be as well. It's found in the links that hold the paper chains of friendship together.
See what I did there?
Okay, let's move on before people get annoyed at how clever I try to be.
This story follows two great protagonists: Ana and Katie. Katie is Grace's friend that had to move away at the beginning of Like Magic (from Salt Lake City to Boston), and she lives under the comfortable wing of adoptive parents that love her dearly. She's a little shy and not willing to do as many courageous things as Ana, particularly because she had heart surgery when she was young (this is revealed early on in the book in the subtlest way possible; a spoiler, maybe, but I was not expecting that at all and was pleasantly surprised that Vickers effectively weaved it in and made it work). However, her curiosity about a box full of items from Russia has her curious. What happened to her birth parents? Where does she come from? How can she tell her parents without hurting their feelings?
Meanwhile, Ana lives in a broken family. Although she's brave and loves to do things that take her out of her comfort zone, she lives in a state of holding everything up. Her dad, a famous hockey player, left to join a different team without a word, and her mom has been left shattered and barely leaves her room. As such, Ana bears the responsibility of taking care of her house and her little brother, Mikey, a sweet boy who loves pairs. When her grandmother, Babushka, comes to live with them over the holiday season, Ana finds herself longing for something other than Babushka's harsh lectures and unfamiliar cooking. How can she make her family whole again?
Unfortunately, these best friends aren't telling each other their worries. Watching them fumble with the truths they're hiding while trying to stay close is heartbreaking, even though they're incredibly close. But the novel also shows how they grow to learn to let these secrets go to make their friendship stronger. Ana grows closer to her grandmother and realizes she doesn't have to keep everything together on her own. Katie learns to be brave and make decisions that will benefit her development. It was very touching to see this growth throughout the book, even though I feel like Ana's was kind of sudden.
The other characters are also wonderful. Mikey is another precious cinnamon roll to add to my precious cinnamon roll pile. He was adorable and really loved spending time with his older sister and her best friend. One of my favorite subplots revolves around him . Others, including Katie's loving parents, Ana's lonely mom, the biting but loving Babushka, and even mentions of Grace showed the relationships that exist all around us. I love how Vickers makes this the touchstone of the titles she's written so far.
And once again, to top this wonderful story off, Vickers continues to be an absolutely wonderful writer. Her alliteration game is on point, but I also really liked how many things she uses as symbols throughout. Like with Like Magic, there are plenty of things that represent deeper meanings: pocket watches, the Firebird, paper chains (which is why I mentioned them above), and even a picture frame made in class that's falling apart. Everything has a deeper meaning, and it was like an additional adventure on top of the storyline.
Although the catalyst between the girls may be viewed as a little contrived and the ending a little unrealistic , Paper Chains is another strong novel from Vickers. It's a sadder read (thank you for adding to that effect, wintry background and when this book is set), but it's another one that will inspire. There's friendship, family, and fitting in all wrapped up in captivating prose and hidden depths. Ana and Katie's friendship tale is another winner. I can't wait to see what Vickers does next. I'll be waiting with baited breath.
Before Reading:
A new Elaine Vickers book? Heck yes! I didn't hear about this at all until today, when I got the ARC at Prairie Lights. I can't wait! It looks like another great one.
Actual rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Elaine Vickers impressed me with her debut last year, and she did it again with her follow-up! That's worthy of a round of applause.
Paper Chains easily showcases Vickers' continued strengths as a writer: strong characters that feel real, beautiful writing that's figurative and full of cool symbols, and a deep nuance that reflects how serious the issues she explores are even if they're subtler for a younger audience. However, what really surprised me this time around is what direction she took this novel in. This book may be a little bit darker and inspire loneliness both protagonists feel in their lives, but it also shows just how strong hope can be as well. It's found in the links that hold the paper chains of friendship together.
See what I did there?
Okay, let's move on before people get annoyed at how clever I try to be.
This story follows two great protagonists: Ana and Katie. Katie is Grace's friend that had to move away at the beginning of Like Magic (from Salt Lake City to Boston), and she lives under the comfortable wing of adoptive parents that love her dearly. She's a little shy and not willing to do as many courageous things as Ana, particularly because she had heart surgery when she was young (this is revealed early on in the book in the subtlest way possible; a spoiler, maybe, but I was not expecting that at all and was pleasantly surprised that Vickers effectively weaved it in and made it work). However, her curiosity about a box full of items from Russia has her curious. What happened to her birth parents? Where does she come from? How can she tell her parents without hurting their feelings?
Meanwhile, Ana lives in a broken family. Although she's brave and loves to do things that take her out of her comfort zone, she lives in a state of holding everything up. Her dad, a famous hockey player, left to join a different team without a word, and her mom has been left shattered and barely leaves her room. As such, Ana bears the responsibility of taking care of her house and her little brother, Mikey, a sweet boy who loves pairs. When her grandmother, Babushka, comes to live with them over the holiday season, Ana finds herself longing for something other than Babushka's harsh lectures and unfamiliar cooking. How can she make her family whole again?
Unfortunately, these best friends aren't telling each other their worries. Watching them fumble with the truths they're hiding while trying to stay close is heartbreaking, even though they're incredibly close. But the novel also shows how they grow to learn to let these secrets go to make their friendship stronger. Ana grows closer to her grandmother and realizes she doesn't have to keep everything together on her own. Katie learns to be brave and make decisions that will benefit her development. It was very touching to see this growth throughout the book, even though I feel like Ana's was kind of sudden.
The other characters are also wonderful. Mikey is another precious cinnamon roll to add to my precious cinnamon roll pile. He was adorable and really loved spending time with his older sister and her best friend. One of my favorite subplots revolves around him . Others, including Katie's loving parents, Ana's lonely mom, the biting but loving Babushka, and even mentions of Grace showed the relationships that exist all around us. I love how Vickers makes this the touchstone of the titles she's written so far.
And once again, to top this wonderful story off, Vickers continues to be an absolutely wonderful writer. Her alliteration game is on point, but I also really liked how many things she uses as symbols throughout. Like with Like Magic, there are plenty of things that represent deeper meanings: pocket watches, the Firebird, paper chains (which is why I mentioned them above), and even a picture frame made in class that's falling apart. Everything has a deeper meaning, and it was like an additional adventure on top of the storyline.
Although the catalyst between the girls may be viewed as a little contrived and the ending a little unrealistic , Paper Chains is another strong novel from Vickers. It's a sadder read (thank you for adding to that effect, wintry background and when this book is set), but it's another one that will inspire. There's friendship, family, and fitting in all wrapped up in captivating prose and hidden depths. Ana and Katie's friendship tale is another winner. I can't wait to see what Vickers does next. I'll be waiting with baited breath.
Before Reading:
A new Elaine Vickers book? Heck yes! I didn't hear about this at all until today, when I got the ARC at Prairie Lights. I can't wait! It looks like another great one.
June 5, 2017
Elaine Vickers, author of Like Magic, has written a wonderful story of family and friendship. Neither are ever perfect and both need constant attention to stay healthy. Those ideas are crystal clear in this heart-warming novel written from the perspectives of two very different fifth grade girls--There's Ana, the hockey playing, active big sister who feels like she has to fix everything and Katie, adopted, heart transplant recipient who feels powerless and like something is missing from her life. Readers will see events from the perspectives of both girls and will get additional insight from other well-developed supporting characters like Ana's sensitive little brother Mikey, tough and unattractive Babushka, Katie's over-protective mom and Ana's falling apart mother. While some may feel that the ending is predictable, I found it complete and totally satisfying and will absolutely be buying Paper Chains for my 4th and 5th grade libraries. This book should be popular with strong 3rd grade readers up through 7th graders who enjoy a good "sad-happy" read. It will also be a great resource for any child who might be having some conflicted feelings about being adopted. (Review of digital ARC from EdelweissPlus)
Read
December 30, 2017This book was beautiful. I absolutely loved it.
January 12, 2019
Katie is haunted by the fact, that although she has very caring and loving parents, she doesn’t know her history, her beginning. This is because she was adopted in Russia when she was two years old. Although the scent of some her mother’s baking bring back some feelings and images from long ago, she knows nothing about her background. She has recently moved to Massachusetts and found a best friend in Ana, a neighbor, who has some struggles of her own. Ana’s father suddenly abandoned the family a few months earlier and her mother has rarely left her bedroom since that time. As a result, it’s up to ten year old Ana to look after her kindergarten brother and to prepare the meals.
I loved this story that provides so many windows for the reader. It helps us to understand the feelings that an adopted child experiences when she has no knowledge of her background. We all wonder where we got our smile, our brown eyes or our curly hair, so it must be so hard for a child to have these questions go unanswered. Paper Chains also helps us to see into the life of a child who is being forced to grow up so quickly, because her parent suffers from depression. Ana has not only lost her father and her happy family, but also has had to give up her passion, hockey, in order to have the time to care for her brother.
Luckily, though, Katie and Ana have each other and their friendship, as told in this story of alternating voices.
I loved Ana’s support of her little brother and her determination to bring her family back together. I loved Katie’s fierce protection of her adoptive parents, even though she ached to learn about her birth parents and her history. But I especially loved their realization that although it may not always be easy to trust your friends, the links of friendship is something that is definitely worth fighting for.
This is definitely a book that needs to be added to every elementary library collection!
I loved this story that provides so many windows for the reader. It helps us to understand the feelings that an adopted child experiences when she has no knowledge of her background. We all wonder where we got our smile, our brown eyes or our curly hair, so it must be so hard for a child to have these questions go unanswered. Paper Chains also helps us to see into the life of a child who is being forced to grow up so quickly, because her parent suffers from depression. Ana has not only lost her father and her happy family, but also has had to give up her passion, hockey, in order to have the time to care for her brother.
Luckily, though, Katie and Ana have each other and their friendship, as told in this story of alternating voices.
I loved Ana’s support of her little brother and her determination to bring her family back together. I loved Katie’s fierce protection of her adoptive parents, even though she ached to learn about her birth parents and her history. But I especially loved their realization that although it may not always be easy to trust your friends, the links of friendship is something that is definitely worth fighting for.
This is definitely a book that needs to be added to every elementary library collection!
November 23, 2021
Od tejto knižky som očakávala príbeh v detskom duchu, keďže obe hlavné hrdinky, Katie a Ana, majú 10 rokov. Nepoznajú sa dlho, pretože sa Katie presťahovala do mesta len nedávno a skrýva svoje rôzne tajomstvá najmä pred všetečnou novou kamarátkou Anou. Ana má otca hokejistu, čiže dcéra, ktorá vzhliada k svojmu otcovi bola tiež šikovnou hráčkou,no ale otec ich opustil. Mama sa s jeho odchodom vyrovnáva len ťažko a Anna na sebe nesie bremeno zodpovedného člena rodiny a stará sa o mladšieho brata. Celý príbeh sa odohráva v čase Vianoc čo je magické a zároveň, ja ako dospelý človek a ako matka,ma celý tento príbeh neuveriteľne rozcítil a bolo mi veľakrát až do plaču z osudov malých dievčat. Tým ako sa pasovali so situáciou, v ktorej sa ocitli nie vlastným pričinením, so svojimi túžbami a rozhodnutiami, za ktoré niesli zodpovednosť, boli pre mňa dokonalými silnými knižnými hrdinkami. Autorka nám tu ukazuje na životnom príklade Katie, aké to môže byť frustrujúce keď neviete odkiaľ ste a kam patríte.
Elaine si dokonale naštudovala náboženstvá a krásy ruskej kultúry, ktoré perfektne zakomponovala do deja.
Aj keď sa kniha odporúča čitateľom od 9 rokov, myslím si, že nejednému dospelému by mohla zanechať nejaké to posolstvo, pretože bola plná krásnych myšlienok.
~
"Môžete byť, čo len chcete, aj keď ste sa narodili v maštali alebo v nemocnici na druhom konci sveta. Dôležité je to, čo urobíte so svojím životom. A ako pomôžete ľuďom."
Elaine si dokonale naštudovala náboženstvá a krásy ruskej kultúry, ktoré perfektne zakomponovala do deja.
Aj keď sa kniha odporúča čitateľom od 9 rokov, myslím si, že nejednému dospelému by mohla zanechať nejaké to posolstvo, pretože bola plná krásnych myšlienok.
~
"Môžete byť, čo len chcete, aj keď ste sa narodili v maštali alebo v nemocnici na druhom konci sveta. Dôležité je to, čo urobíte so svojím životom. A ako pomôžete ľuďom."
July 7, 2017
Katie and Ana are getting to know each other. Katie has secrets since Birth. Ana has secrets since her dad left. They lean on each other to navigate rough waters of family, story, and sense of belonging!
December 24, 2017
A touching and soulful story of two friends, each trying navigate their way through family struggles. Lovely writing and interweaving of two viewpoints. Can your friends be like your family? Ana and Katie show us this.
January 27, 2018
nterest Level: 3-6; Reading Level: 4.7
@kidlitexchange #partner Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.
What if you had not one, but two big secrets from your best friend? Should you tell her and not keep it from her, or keep it to yourself knowing that one day it may be a problem? This is the difficult situation that Katie faces. She wants to tell her best friend, Ana, that she is adopted and that she has a heart issue, but it just never seems to be the right time. Ana has problems of her own. Her dad, a hockey player, has left her, her mom, and her younger brother. Ana's mom has not taken the break up very well and Ana's family is falling apart. To make things worse, her grandmother from Russia comes for the Thanksgiving holidays and makes things even worse. While Katie is trying to find out about her real parents without her adopted family finding out, Ana is trying to put her family back together before it completely falls apart. When Katie and Ana get into a fight and quit speaking to each other things go from bad to worse with these two friends. As Ana's younger brother, Mikey, is rushed to the hospital with a life-threatening injury, will Katie and Ana be able to overcome their issues and work together to mend both of their families?
I loved this story about two best friends and the issues they go through. Throw in a feisty, Russian grandmother and you have a story that you can't put down.
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@kidlitexchange #partner Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.
What if you had not one, but two big secrets from your best friend? Should you tell her and not keep it from her, or keep it to yourself knowing that one day it may be a problem? This is the difficult situation that Katie faces. She wants to tell her best friend, Ana, that she is adopted and that she has a heart issue, but it just never seems to be the right time. Ana has problems of her own. Her dad, a hockey player, has left her, her mom, and her younger brother. Ana's mom has not taken the break up very well and Ana's family is falling apart. To make things worse, her grandmother from Russia comes for the Thanksgiving holidays and makes things even worse. While Katie is trying to find out about her real parents without her adopted family finding out, Ana is trying to put her family back together before it completely falls apart. When Katie and Ana get into a fight and quit speaking to each other things go from bad to worse with these two friends. As Ana's younger brother, Mikey, is rushed to the hospital with a life-threatening injury, will Katie and Ana be able to overcome their issues and work together to mend both of their families?
I loved this story about two best friends and the issues they go through. Throw in a feisty, Russian grandmother and you have a story that you can't put down.
Follow me:
Facebook - Laurie’s Library Place - https://www.facebook.com/LauriesLibra...
Instagram - laurieslibrary - https://www.instagram.com/laurieslibr...
Twitter - https://twitter.com/lauriepurser27
Goodreads - Laurie Purser - https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
Blog - Blazer Tales - https://blazertales.weebly.com/
January 16, 2018
I enjoyed this poignant book about friendship, family, and the importance of being honest. It's a sweet tale. A little far-fetched but still a good read that deals realistically with some of the challenges that kids in today's world face and how they can be overcome -- or at least dealt with -- through talking about them openly and honestly.
July 19, 2018
I absolutely loved this one! Elaine Vickers has such a distinctive style; I never get the feeling, reading one of her books, that it could've been written by anybody else. PAPER CHAINS has a lovely, pensive voice, and the snowy winter setting was perfect to read in the middle of an Oregon heat wave. Both Katie's and Ana's stories snuck into my heart and stayed there. I enjoyed Vickers' debut, LIKE MAGIC, but I liked this one even more.
October 10, 2017
Loved this book. It's going to be well-read by middle graders.
My favorite was the ending. It could have been predictable, but instead it was just perfect.
My favorite was the ending. It could have been predictable, but instead it was just perfect.
January 6, 2021
Táto knižka sa ku mne dostala úplnou náhodou v rámci štafety. Bolo mi povedané, že je to skôr detský príbeh, ale tá osoba sa nemohla väčšmi mýliť. Dej samotný je delený na dve časti, dva odlišné životné príbehy dvoch malých kamarátok. Obidve majú desať rokov, čiže chápem, prečo je táto knižka považovaná za detskú, nemá ani veľa strán, ale tomu správnemu čitateľovi ponúkne mnoho múdrostí a rád. Katie aj Ana sa musia vyrovnávať s rôznymi udalosťami v ich živote a zároveň sa na svet stále dívajú tými krásnymi očami detí, ktoré nevidia veľa prekážok. Niektoré časti sa niesli v takmer až dospeláckom duchu, ale predsa aj deti majú právo premýšľať a filozofovať. Nesmierne sa mi páčil fakt, že autorka si dala námahu a naštudovala si informácie o ruskej kultúre, tiež aj to, že predstavuje rôzne náboženstvá, ich zvyky a tradície. Celý príbeh sa odohráva počas Vianoc, určite odporúčam prečítať si ho počas sviatkov. Nezaberie veľa času a poteší dušu, prinesie tú rodinnú atmosféru a skutočnosť, že nech sa deje, čo sa deje, stále je tu niekto pre nás. A to, že rodinná láska je veľmi silné puto.
August 31, 2017
We all have that friend. You know the one. Super fun, a little wacky, would do anything for you, might get you to do something you wouldn't otherwise do... They make great book characters! I like to think of these sorts of characters as the catalysts to the great chemical reaction that becomes a fabulous book.
BOOM! Enter Ana-- she storms through your bedroom door, or crashes through a puddle splashing you both, or slams into you as you both excitedly round the hallway corner in search of one another. Friendships with Ana demand attention.
We all have the other friend. You know the one. Lovely, but quiet. Dreaming, but reserved. You never quite know what she thinks about something; she's too nice to be cruel, and too modest to gush. Friendships with Katie are felt, not heard. They're spent and enjoyed, no demands or stipulations. She is necessary and you know it most when she's not there. She is reliable, steady, the constant.
The best books pair these two friends together. Great literature, cinema, and even real honest-to-goodness history are filled with great pairs of women, young and old, who realize just how much they enjoy and combine to complement one another. Stronger together, better combined, balanced out.
When I guide my students or daughter towards books with females of variety, I'll show them Paper Chains. This novel is anything but sappy sweet girly sleepover fluff. We're talking adoption, divorce, deception, danger, injury, disaster, depression. Don't let the precious cover fool you. The pages turn themselves. Full of other characters, round with complexity themselves, and plot tangles that resemble the links of the paper chain itself, it's a pretty perfect read.
I love that the setting time is those magical weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas; those days when the whole world glitters and surprises find us. I'm so excited to have received this in ARC form before it's release on October 17, 2017. It was an honor, and I wish these girls all the best as they tell a wonderful story to the world this fall.
It's worth noting that talented author Elaine Vickers is actually a science professor, something I DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE WHEN I MADE MY EARLIER ANALOGY TO CHEMISTRY! How cool is that?! Soooo, do you, um, like, do extra credit? (LOL, jk. Teacher joke, #firstweekofschool)
BOOM! Enter Ana-- she storms through your bedroom door, or crashes through a puddle splashing you both, or slams into you as you both excitedly round the hallway corner in search of one another. Friendships with Ana demand attention.
We all have the other friend. You know the one. Lovely, but quiet. Dreaming, but reserved. You never quite know what she thinks about something; she's too nice to be cruel, and too modest to gush. Friendships with Katie are felt, not heard. They're spent and enjoyed, no demands or stipulations. She is necessary and you know it most when she's not there. She is reliable, steady, the constant.
The best books pair these two friends together. Great literature, cinema, and even real honest-to-goodness history are filled with great pairs of women, young and old, who realize just how much they enjoy and combine to complement one another. Stronger together, better combined, balanced out.
When I guide my students or daughter towards books with females of variety, I'll show them Paper Chains. This novel is anything but sappy sweet girly sleepover fluff. We're talking adoption, divorce, deception, danger, injury, disaster, depression. Don't let the precious cover fool you. The pages turn themselves. Full of other characters, round with complexity themselves, and plot tangles that resemble the links of the paper chain itself, it's a pretty perfect read.
I love that the setting time is those magical weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas; those days when the whole world glitters and surprises find us. I'm so excited to have received this in ARC form before it's release on October 17, 2017. It was an honor, and I wish these girls all the best as they tell a wonderful story to the world this fall.
It's worth noting that talented author Elaine Vickers is actually a science professor, something I DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE WHEN I MADE MY EARLIER ANALOGY TO CHEMISTRY! How cool is that?! Soooo, do you, um, like, do extra credit? (LOL, jk. Teacher joke, #firstweekofschool)
September 25, 2017
Good story for mid grade school kids! I like that the story has a Russian orphan in it; I rarely find books with Russian children in them and I have some Russian children in my community. Good addition to a library collection, in my opinion.
January 30, 2018
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Paper Chains By Elaine Vickers
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Katie recently moved to Boston and became unlikely friends with Ana. Katie seems perfect. She has a loving family, exemplary school grades, and always knows the right thing to say. Ana isn’t even close to perfect. Her family’s falling apart, and her fast temper and adventurous spirit seem to land her in trouble far too often.
But perfect Katie hasn’t told Ana the whole truth- she is adopted and longs to learn about her birth parents and birth country, Russia. Plus, she had a heart transplant as a young girl and must take medication and be careful not to get overexcited or push her body too much. All Katie wants is to feel like she belongs: to learn about her heritage and birth parents, and go ice-skating with the other fifth graders.
Meanwhile, the weight of the world seems to be bearing down on Ana. Her Dad, a professional hockey player, left her family a few months ago and barely calls. And since then, her mom has spiraled down into depression and her younger brother cries all the time. The house is a mess and family mealtime has become non-existent. When her Russian grandmother, Babushka, arrives to help, Ana doesn’t think things could get much worse. The foreign food tastes funny and the household chores seem never-ending. She has to think of a plan to reunite her parents and fast.
Ana longs for Katie’s perfect life. Katie longs for Ana’s freedom. Jealous of each other and engrossed in their personal struggles, their friendship falls apart. But luckily the girls realize, before it’s too late, that they are stronger together and can help each other.
Paper Chains is a sweet, page-turning story about fitting in and finding your place in the world, with beautiful elements of Russian heritage woven in. Cozy up with a hot chocolate and enjoy!
Paper Chains By Elaine Vickers
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Katie recently moved to Boston and became unlikely friends with Ana. Katie seems perfect. She has a loving family, exemplary school grades, and always knows the right thing to say. Ana isn’t even close to perfect. Her family’s falling apart, and her fast temper and adventurous spirit seem to land her in trouble far too often.
But perfect Katie hasn’t told Ana the whole truth- she is adopted and longs to learn about her birth parents and birth country, Russia. Plus, she had a heart transplant as a young girl and must take medication and be careful not to get overexcited or push her body too much. All Katie wants is to feel like she belongs: to learn about her heritage and birth parents, and go ice-skating with the other fifth graders.
Meanwhile, the weight of the world seems to be bearing down on Ana. Her Dad, a professional hockey player, left her family a few months ago and barely calls. And since then, her mom has spiraled down into depression and her younger brother cries all the time. The house is a mess and family mealtime has become non-existent. When her Russian grandmother, Babushka, arrives to help, Ana doesn’t think things could get much worse. The foreign food tastes funny and the household chores seem never-ending. She has to think of a plan to reunite her parents and fast.
Ana longs for Katie’s perfect life. Katie longs for Ana’s freedom. Jealous of each other and engrossed in their personal struggles, their friendship falls apart. But luckily the girls realize, before it’s too late, that they are stronger together and can help each other.
Paper Chains is a sweet, page-turning story about fitting in and finding your place in the world, with beautiful elements of Russian heritage woven in. Cozy up with a hot chocolate and enjoy!
August 25, 2017
I had the opportunity to read an ARC of this book that was provided to my #BookRelays group. This middle grade novel tells the stories of two fifth grade girls who are neighbors and best friends.
Katie is new to this Boston neighborhood and she has carried several personal secrets with her from Utah. She was adopted as a baby from Russia and has had a heart transplant. She's starting to wonder about her birth parents and her former life in Russia.
Ana lives nearby and envies Katie’s perfect home and family. Her professional hockey player father has left her, along with her mother and younger brother, Mikey. Her paternal grandmother, or babushka, has come to stay with them to help them get their home back together.
The story is told from alternating points of view between Katie and Ana. Both girls feel stressed and unhappy in their circumstances, but have a difficult time communicating that to each other and to their families. I like that this book shows that nobody really has a “perfect” life and that everyone is dealing with stuff. There's a note that Katie carries from a friend back in Utah that reminds her that she is not alone. But that message is true for everyone.
The book also has some great messages for young readers. The importance of telling the truth and being open and honest with the people that love you is stressed throughout the story. Both girls are unhappy, but aren't open with each other, and they don't share their true feelings with their families. They also are learning how to be truthful with themselves. There are also great themes about families and what constitutes them, and overcoming past disappointments and circumstances to march forward into one’s best life.
Katie is new to this Boston neighborhood and she has carried several personal secrets with her from Utah. She was adopted as a baby from Russia and has had a heart transplant. She's starting to wonder about her birth parents and her former life in Russia.
Ana lives nearby and envies Katie’s perfect home and family. Her professional hockey player father has left her, along with her mother and younger brother, Mikey. Her paternal grandmother, or babushka, has come to stay with them to help them get their home back together.
The story is told from alternating points of view between Katie and Ana. Both girls feel stressed and unhappy in their circumstances, but have a difficult time communicating that to each other and to their families. I like that this book shows that nobody really has a “perfect” life and that everyone is dealing with stuff. There's a note that Katie carries from a friend back in Utah that reminds her that she is not alone. But that message is true for everyone.
The book also has some great messages for young readers. The importance of telling the truth and being open and honest with the people that love you is stressed throughout the story. Both girls are unhappy, but aren't open with each other, and they don't share their true feelings with their families. They also are learning how to be truthful with themselves. There are also great themes about families and what constitutes them, and overcoming past disappointments and circumstances to march forward into one’s best life.
June 21, 2017
"Because every story has a beginning. And the rest of my story can be whatever I want it to be." This quote fits both Katie and Ana perfectly in @elainebvickers latest book, Paper Chains.
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Katie is adopted, and she is starting to get more curious about who her birth parents are and where she was born. Ana's family hasn't been the same since her dad left, and she is trying her best to keep things together for the sake of her little brother and her mom. But when tensions begin to rise and secrets are kept between these two best friends, the one constant thing in their lives, each other, begins to break. Can they repair the link of friendship before it's too late?
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Paper Chains was a good book about family, friendship, and forgiveness. I enjoyed the dual perspectives it was told from, the mentions of a variety of Russian food, and that it was set in one of my favorite cities: Boston. You'll want to add this book to your classroom library when it's released in October 2017.
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Katie is adopted, and she is starting to get more curious about who her birth parents are and where she was born. Ana's family hasn't been the same since her dad left, and she is trying her best to keep things together for the sake of her little brother and her mom. But when tensions begin to rise and secrets are kept between these two best friends, the one constant thing in their lives, each other, begins to break. Can they repair the link of friendship before it's too late?
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Paper Chains was a good book about family, friendship, and forgiveness. I enjoyed the dual perspectives it was told from, the mentions of a variety of Russian food, and that it was set in one of my favorite cities: Boston. You'll want to add this book to your classroom library when it's released in October 2017.
May 21, 2017
Paper Chains is an engaging middle grade story about the bonds of family and friendship. After unearthing hidden treasures, Katie embarks on a quest for more information about her birth family -- but at what cost to her adoptive family and friendship with her neighbor, Ana? Brave Ana is on her own quest to fix her family after her father left them, but she's convinced that she must undertake this task alone. Driven apart by their secrets, Katie and Ana risk losing each other until they realize that their friendship means that they are family too. This story alternatively wrenched and warmed my heart. I adore the charming storytelling style of Elaine Vickers and cannot recommend this one enough!
October 15, 2019
This story is one that tugged on my heart strings significantly. Katie, who is adopted, struggles with ensuring that her identity is enough. All while her best friend Ana, whose dad left her family, struggles with comparing her life to Katie's "perfect" family. Katie keeps secrets from Ana and finds herself in a few predicaments where she learns the truth is the better way. Ana has a plan to win her dad back, but when something happens that interferes with that plan, she has to accept what family truly is. This is a story I will recommend to students who need a feel good family story, who are struggling with being enough for others, or for those with different family issues who feel alone in the world. This is going to be a story I talked about immediately with my students. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 17, 2017
This is such a sweet fun loving book of two friends, Ana and Katie. Their story starts out with two big secrets they are keeping from each other. To start, I love how the same story is being told from both Katie and Ana's point of view. Ana is so strong willed and kind at the same time. She misses her dad, but soon realizes him leaving is not all a bad as she thought. Kaite also kind, but hates the way her mother treats her as if she's going to break. Both Ana and Katie believe the grass is greener on the other side, but end up seeing they have everything they need right in front of them including and especially their friendship.
August 24, 2017
Ana and Katie are best friends. They are both struggling with family issues; Ana has to be Mom to her little brother Mikey and Katie is internally struggling with being adopted and not knowing her "beginning".
I loved how the story was told with duel perspective, and was drawn in immediately to both girl's struggles, thanks to Elaine Vicker's fabulous and emotion-grabbing writing. Vicker's characters were developed wonderfully and each had an impact on others.
A truly great story about how a family can look different to others, but as long as you have people who care for you and are there for you, and you let them, you will be okay.
Will be recommending this book to my 5th graders!
I loved how the story was told with duel perspective, and was drawn in immediately to both girl's struggles, thanks to Elaine Vicker's fabulous and emotion-grabbing writing. Vicker's characters were developed wonderfully and each had an impact on others.
A truly great story about how a family can look different to others, but as long as you have people who care for you and are there for you, and you let them, you will be okay.
Will be recommending this book to my 5th graders!
July 18, 2017
Every story has a beginning, but what main characters, Ana and Katie realize is that it's not how your story starts, but what you do with the rest of it that matters. The themes running through this book were profound not only for children, but adults as well. Vickers was writing from the heart as she told the stories of adoption, the meaning of family, loss, mental struggles and much more. Can't wait to share this story with students.
August 8, 2017
What a beautiful story of friendship, finding yourself, inner strength, and that family can mean so many different things. I loved the story of Ana and Katie and how their points of view were portrayed. Elaine is becoming one of my favorite writers to share with students because she has such a knack for pulling at your heartstrings and leaving you with a great story!
July 18, 2018
Thank you @kidlitexchange for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This middle grade story is about friendship, adoption, broken families and trust. It’s told from two different perspectives. Katie is shy, hesitant and a people pleaser. She has very loving parents who provide her with a stable, comforting life. She knows she’s adoptive, but it’s never really discussed and she definitley hasn’t shared that secret with anyone. While reflecting about thankfulness during the holidays combined with stumbling across a box of intriguing Russian treasures in the attic, Katie begins to wonder about her past and must learn to have the courage to talk about it with her loved ones.
Ana is bold, courageous and in charge. She lives across the street and has recently taken on a lot of responsibilities. Her famous hockey player dad has walked out on his family leaving Ana’s mom incredibly sad and lost. Ana looks after the household, takes care of her younger brother and plots ways to bring her family back together again. She’s completely taken by surprise when her grandmother, Babuska, shows up for an extended stay.
This story touches on depression, a heart transplant, bullying and traditions. I enjoyed watching the girls work through real situations and worries. Both had to learn how to express their thoughts and feelings while also telling the truth. The side relationships were really sweet too. I loved Babuska, Mikey and Katie’s parents. I learned that this is a spin off story of Vickers first book, Like Magic. The two can definitley be read as stand alones, but would make wonderful companion books.
This middle grade story is about friendship, adoption, broken families and trust. It’s told from two different perspectives. Katie is shy, hesitant and a people pleaser. She has very loving parents who provide her with a stable, comforting life. She knows she’s adoptive, but it’s never really discussed and she definitley hasn’t shared that secret with anyone. While reflecting about thankfulness during the holidays combined with stumbling across a box of intriguing Russian treasures in the attic, Katie begins to wonder about her past and must learn to have the courage to talk about it with her loved ones.
Ana is bold, courageous and in charge. She lives across the street and has recently taken on a lot of responsibilities. Her famous hockey player dad has walked out on his family leaving Ana’s mom incredibly sad and lost. Ana looks after the household, takes care of her younger brother and plots ways to bring her family back together again. She’s completely taken by surprise when her grandmother, Babuska, shows up for an extended stay.
This story touches on depression, a heart transplant, bullying and traditions. I enjoyed watching the girls work through real situations and worries. Both had to learn how to express their thoughts and feelings while also telling the truth. The side relationships were really sweet too. I loved Babuska, Mikey and Katie’s parents. I learned that this is a spin off story of Vickers first book, Like Magic. The two can definitley be read as stand alones, but would make wonderful companion books.
September 11, 2018
Paper Chains is one of the few middle grade or YA books I've read that addresses the complex feelings of adoption loss in a way that honors the adoptee's natural curiosity about and connection to her first family while acknowledging the emotional weight the adoptee feels obliged to carry in avoiding alienating or hurting her adoptive parents. This storyline was handled beautifully, with sensitivity and insight.
I think the storyline of having two best friends alienated by the secrets they keep from each other rang true and is relatable to so many middle grade readers, and a character trying to hold her family together with after a parent leaving is also realistic and relatable.
But the author lost me by adding SO many more dramatic and unrealistic conflicts to each character's story. So Ana not only faces her mother's depression and her father's abandonment, but also has a parent who is an international hockey star and has to deal with the sudden arrival of a live-in grandmother from another country and culture. Katie doesn't just struggle with her complex feelings of curiosity and guilt about her first family and adoptive family, but also must navigate life after a heart transplant. (!) Oh, and lets's add in a show-stealing little brother with a medical crisis. Oh, and a mystery box of mementos in an attic. And mysteriously matching antique pocket watches.
It was too much going on at once. Pick one challenge for each main character. But this many all together just created a hodgepodge of mini-conflicts, none of which were completely or meaningfully resolved by the end...there was just too much.
I think the storyline of having two best friends alienated by the secrets they keep from each other rang true and is relatable to so many middle grade readers, and a character trying to hold her family together with after a parent leaving is also realistic and relatable.
But the author lost me by adding SO many more dramatic and unrealistic conflicts to each character's story. So Ana not only faces her mother's depression and her father's abandonment, but also has a parent who is an international hockey star and has to deal with the sudden arrival of a live-in grandmother from another country and culture. Katie doesn't just struggle with her complex feelings of curiosity and guilt about her first family and adoptive family, but also must navigate life after a heart transplant. (!) Oh, and lets's add in a show-stealing little brother with a medical crisis. Oh, and a mystery box of mementos in an attic. And mysteriously matching antique pocket watches.
It was too much going on at once. Pick one challenge for each main character. But this many all together just created a hodgepodge of mini-conflicts, none of which were completely or meaningfully resolved by the end...there was just too much.
April 23, 2018
Despite their differences Katie and Ana enjoy their new found friendship and are looking forward to Thanksgiving Break, but it is tested by the unshared pains of each girl as they struggle with personal and family problems. Ana’s family is emotionally broken with the sudden absence of her father and appearance of her strict Babushka while Katie struggles with being adopted and being a heart transplant survivor with an over protective mother. Each girl must learn to trust each other with their pain and eventually come together to overcome a crisis situation.
Told in alternating voices, this middle grade novel delves much deeper than most into what builds the bonds of friendship in Ana and Katie’s relationship. Young chapter book readers will be pulled into the emotional story and will root for each to persevere through their struggles even if they don’t end with a “tied in a shiny bow” ending. Readers will also fall for supplemental characters like Ana’s brother and even the strict grandmother is more understandable in the end. I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
Told in alternating voices, this middle grade novel delves much deeper than most into what builds the bonds of friendship in Ana and Katie’s relationship. Young chapter book readers will be pulled into the emotional story and will root for each to persevere through their struggles even if they don’t end with a “tied in a shiny bow” ending. Readers will also fall for supplemental characters like Ana’s brother and even the strict grandmother is more understandable in the end. I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
June 17, 2018
@KidLitExchange #partner
Thank you to the #KidLitExchange network for the review copy of Paper Chains. All opinions are my own.
Ana and Katie are best friends, but there are secrets that neither girl has shared. Katie was adopted as a baby, but she's worried that talking about it makes it seem like she's not grateful for the parents she has. She also hasn't told Ana about her heart condition, which is becoming harder and harder to make excuses for.
Meanwhile, Ana's parents have split up and she worries about finding a way to get them back together. She's worried she will never have a real family again.
The stresses in the two girls' lives threaten to pull their friendship apart, but can they learn to share what's on their mind and save their friendship?
This book was a very easy to read middle grade novel that I would definitely recommend to girls in grades 3-5. It teaches lessons such as telling the truth, listening to your parents, and respecting those who are older than you. The girls learn a lot about friendship and which boundaries are okay to push. The characters were relatable and real. This story makes you thankful for your family and the friends who become family
#books #bookstagram #ARC #reviewer
Thank you to the #KidLitExchange network for the review copy of Paper Chains. All opinions are my own.
Ana and Katie are best friends, but there are secrets that neither girl has shared. Katie was adopted as a baby, but she's worried that talking about it makes it seem like she's not grateful for the parents she has. She also hasn't told Ana about her heart condition, which is becoming harder and harder to make excuses for.
Meanwhile, Ana's parents have split up and she worries about finding a way to get them back together. She's worried she will never have a real family again.
The stresses in the two girls' lives threaten to pull their friendship apart, but can they learn to share what's on their mind and save their friendship?
This book was a very easy to read middle grade novel that I would definitely recommend to girls in grades 3-5. It teaches lessons such as telling the truth, listening to your parents, and respecting those who are older than you. The girls learn a lot about friendship and which boundaries are okay to push. The characters were relatable and real. This story makes you thankful for your family and the friends who become family
#books #bookstagram #ARC #reviewer
October 4, 2018
Katie and Ana are best friends with secrets.
Both girls may be of Russian decent but Katie hides the fact she's adopted and has had a heart transplant whilst Ana hates the fact her dad had left her family and her mum is a shell of her former self leaving her kids to rely on each other.
Throughout the book we see how family can be many forms as well as how secrets can be revealed at the best of times to help a situation and just how dangerous life can be too. The title was really interesting and the reference we discover early on is the idea Katie's family use in the lead up to Hannuka as they right on them things they're thankful for. It was full of thoughtful moments and empathetic meaningful moments too as the girls struggles show how harsh the realities of their issues are to them.
Both girls may be of Russian decent but Katie hides the fact she's adopted and has had a heart transplant whilst Ana hates the fact her dad had left her family and her mum is a shell of her former self leaving her kids to rely on each other.
Throughout the book we see how family can be many forms as well as how secrets can be revealed at the best of times to help a situation and just how dangerous life can be too. The title was really interesting and the reference we discover early on is the idea Katie's family use in the lead up to Hannuka as they right on them things they're thankful for. It was full of thoughtful moments and empathetic meaningful moments too as the girls struggles show how harsh the realities of their issues are to them.
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