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Foreverland
Margaret is tired of everything always changing. Middle school has gone from bad to worse. Her best friend is becoming a stranger. And her family—well, it's not even a family anymore.
So Margaret is running away to Foreverland, her favorite amusement park. Hiding out there is trickier than she expects--until she meets Jaime, a thrill-seeking, fast-thinking runaway who teaches Margaret how to stay one step ahead of the captain of security.
At first, this after-hours, all-access pass to the park is a dream come true: sleepovers in the Haunted House, nonstop junk food, and an unlimited ticket to ride. But as the runaways learn each other’s secrets, they must face the reasons they left their normal lives behind. With the Captain closing in and Jaime's future on the line, can Margaret finally take control?
So Margaret is running away to Foreverland, her favorite amusement park. Hiding out there is trickier than she expects--until she meets Jaime, a thrill-seeking, fast-thinking runaway who teaches Margaret how to stay one step ahead of the captain of security.
At first, this after-hours, all-access pass to the park is a dream come true: sleepovers in the Haunted House, nonstop junk food, and an unlimited ticket to ride. But as the runaways learn each other’s secrets, they must face the reasons they left their normal lives behind. With the Captain closing in and Jaime's future on the line, can Margaret finally take control?
256 pages, Hardcover
First published April 21, 2020
10 people are currently reading
2959 people want to read
About the author
Nicole C. Kear
13 books101 followersNicole C. Kear is the author of the memoir Now I See You (St. Martin’s Press), chosen as a Must-Read by People, Amazon, Martha Stewart Living, Parade, Redbook, and Marie Claire UK among others. Her books for children include the middle grade novel Foreverland, the chapter series The Fix-It Friends, and the middle grade series The Startup Squad, co-written with Brian Weisfeld (all published by Macmillan Kids’ Imprint). Her essays appear in the New York Times, Good Housekeeping, New York, Psychology Today, Parents, as well as Salon, the Huffington Post and xoJane. She teaches non-fiction writing at Columbia University and the NYU School of Professional Studies.
A native of New York, she received a BA from Yale, a MA from Columbia, and a red nose from the San Francisco School of Circus Arts. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, three children and two teddy bear hamsters.
A native of New York, she received a BA from Yale, a MA from Columbia, and a red nose from the San Francisco School of Circus Arts. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, three children and two teddy bear hamsters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 18, 2021
Opening Line:
“Fun fact: I am running away. To live in an amusement park.”
A beginning sentence to intrigue readers of any age! If you’ve ever wanted to go completely behind the scenes of an amusement park to find out what makes it “tick”, this is the book for you!
So spot-on with the depictions of changing family dynamics, and friendships that seem to be going in different directions. Any pre-teen could relate easily to the main characters,; Margaret, who just wants things to be the way they used to be (sounds like a familiar longing from year 2020!). And Jaime, the mysterious boy who befriends Margaret and helps her to elude capture, because he somehow knows every tiny nook and cranny of Foreverland Park.
I highly recommend this to readers of all ages!
Memorable Quotes:
(Pg. 51)-“Fun fact: I am not a fan of puberty. First of all, we need a better word for it. Priya and I used to joke that puuuuberty sounds gross, right up ther with pustule. The way it’s described in books and health class makes me feel like it’s an alien invasion.”
(Pg.162)-“Jaime is an excellent salesman. He could sell T-bone steak to a vegetarian. He’s totally transported by this speech, and so am I. I spend most of my time wishing I was in the past or worrying about the future. The idea of being sucked into the moment,completely pulled in-well, it sounds really good.”
*By the way, I cannot close without revealing why I love Margaret’s character so much. Fun fact: She’s the only book character I’ve ever met who brings a book and reads while other people go on the roller coasters; that’s me, also!*
“Fun fact: I am running away. To live in an amusement park.”
A beginning sentence to intrigue readers of any age! If you’ve ever wanted to go completely behind the scenes of an amusement park to find out what makes it “tick”, this is the book for you!
So spot-on with the depictions of changing family dynamics, and friendships that seem to be going in different directions. Any pre-teen could relate easily to the main characters,; Margaret, who just wants things to be the way they used to be (sounds like a familiar longing from year 2020!). And Jaime, the mysterious boy who befriends Margaret and helps her to elude capture, because he somehow knows every tiny nook and cranny of Foreverland Park.
I highly recommend this to readers of all ages!
Memorable Quotes:
(Pg. 51)-“Fun fact: I am not a fan of puberty. First of all, we need a better word for it. Priya and I used to joke that puuuuberty sounds gross, right up ther with pustule. The way it’s described in books and health class makes me feel like it’s an alien invasion.”
(Pg.162)-“Jaime is an excellent salesman. He could sell T-bone steak to a vegetarian. He’s totally transported by this speech, and so am I. I spend most of my time wishing I was in the past or worrying about the future. The idea of being sucked into the moment,completely pulled in-well, it sounds really good.”
*By the way, I cannot close without revealing why I love Margaret’s character so much. Fun fact: She’s the only book character I’ve ever met who brings a book and reads while other people go on the roller coasters; that’s me, also!*
April 27, 2021
Margaret’s life has been flipped upside down. Her best friend is becoming so distant. Her family is falling apart and she doesn’t know how to handle this situation. In her mind her only option is to run away.
So she does just that. The place she runs away to? Foreverland Amusement Park.
I mean who wouldn’t want to spend a night at an amusement park?
Up until now, Margaret’s had a relatively happy childhood. But middle school is changing everything, her best friend has become distant, and even her family is completely falling apart. She doesn’t know what to do and after some deliberation she decides to run away – to Foreverland Amusement Park. She meets another runaway boy by the name of Jaime whilst adventuring her favourite place. One of my favourite parts of the story was learning about the new mysterious runaway and I really enjoyed watching them go on adventures together. However Margeret soon begins to get homesick and she doesn’t know whether sticking around to learn Jaime’s story is better then going back to the place she has called home for so many years. The question is What will she decide to do? Stay in Foreverland with Jaime, or go back home to her family?
I enjoyed reading about how Margeret overcame fears such as sleeping in a Haunted House or running away from some “bad guys” but as the story continues Margeret starts to realize that running from home was not the best idea. The thing is Jaime is mysterious and she has an inherent need to know more about him seeing as they both have secrets they are trying to unfold. Will Margaret ever go back to her family? Or is her curiosity in Jaime’s story going to keep her in the park?
The two start to hang out together, going on rides, eating food provided by Jaime’s connection Belle, and keeping a low profile. Of course, since the authorities are already looking for Jaime, this is difficult, and when Margaret runs into her former best friend Priya’s family, she knows that her time in the park won’t last forever but first she wants to help Jaime make peace with his past so that he can leave the park as well.
This was a truly enjoyable middle-grade novel that pulled at my heartstrings. I think this book will be great for students to connect with – it has very realistic characters and real-life issues that most middle schoolers can relate to. Life issues such as losing friends and facing problems with your family. It’s perfect for kids who enjoy amusement parks and are on the more youthful side. I cannot wait to get my own copy so my brother can enjoy this story too!
Thank you so much to TurnThePageTours for having me on yet another tour and collaborating with the publisher to provide a free copy of this book for review VIA NetGalley. I always enjoy working with your lovely team and look forward to doing so in the future.
So she does just that. The place she runs away to? Foreverland Amusement Park.
I mean who wouldn’t want to spend a night at an amusement park?
Up until now, Margaret’s had a relatively happy childhood. But middle school is changing everything, her best friend has become distant, and even her family is completely falling apart. She doesn’t know what to do and after some deliberation she decides to run away – to Foreverland Amusement Park. She meets another runaway boy by the name of Jaime whilst adventuring her favourite place. One of my favourite parts of the story was learning about the new mysterious runaway and I really enjoyed watching them go on adventures together. However Margeret soon begins to get homesick and she doesn’t know whether sticking around to learn Jaime’s story is better then going back to the place she has called home for so many years. The question is What will she decide to do? Stay in Foreverland with Jaime, or go back home to her family?
I enjoyed reading about how Margeret overcame fears such as sleeping in a Haunted House or running away from some “bad guys” but as the story continues Margeret starts to realize that running from home was not the best idea. The thing is Jaime is mysterious and she has an inherent need to know more about him seeing as they both have secrets they are trying to unfold. Will Margaret ever go back to her family? Or is her curiosity in Jaime’s story going to keep her in the park?
The two start to hang out together, going on rides, eating food provided by Jaime’s connection Belle, and keeping a low profile. Of course, since the authorities are already looking for Jaime, this is difficult, and when Margaret runs into her former best friend Priya’s family, she knows that her time in the park won’t last forever but first she wants to help Jaime make peace with his past so that he can leave the park as well.
This was a truly enjoyable middle-grade novel that pulled at my heartstrings. I think this book will be great for students to connect with – it has very realistic characters and real-life issues that most middle schoolers can relate to. Life issues such as losing friends and facing problems with your family. It’s perfect for kids who enjoy amusement parks and are on the more youthful side. I cannot wait to get my own copy so my brother can enjoy this story too!
Thank you so much to TurnThePageTours for having me on yet another tour and collaborating with the publisher to provide a free copy of this book for review VIA NetGalley. I always enjoy working with your lovely team and look forward to doing so in the future.
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May 7, 2021Thank you, Diya, for this recommendation. I didn't know about this one! Am so happy ☕📚🎶
November 5, 2021
The perfect read aloud before our homeschool book club goes to Dollywood. Margaret runs away to an amusement park amidst her parents divorce and meets the streetwise (parkwise?) Jaime who has been there for awhile. They form a friendship, adventure through the park, work through their problems, and grow as people. It made tor a great read aloud, good plot pacing, witty writing, and lots of acrostic poems thrown in. What kid doesn’t want to think about what it would be like to live inside an amusement park?!
April 21, 2020
I have said this before, but it bears repeating: middle grade books are some of the best books. Think back to the books you read when you were in that age range (8-12). I was fortunate enough to live close to my elementary school, and their library was open year round. I’ve been a book lover for as long as I can remember, but I remember the books that I read during that time period the most fondly. If I were that age now, I would want someone to share this book with me.
Foreverland captivated me. Part of the reason it did was that it’s the type of book I loved to read as a child. I had a very happy childhood. Those of us born in the 70s were lucky enough to grow up in the pre tech days. Yes, we watched television, but we didn’t have 100s of channels from which to choose. If our shows weren’t on, we were playing and using our imaginations. And if I’d read Foreverland then, I’d have imagined running away to Foreverland just like Margaret. My sister’s and I loved to pretend that we were running away! The Boxcar Children (and other books where kids were on their own) had a big impact on our play.
Up until the point Margaret decides to run away to Foreverland, she’s had a happy childhood. But things have been and are continuing to change. Like most of us, Margaret doesn’t like change. Instead of accepting the changes, she runs away from them. I don’t blame her! Life can be tough when you’re a kid, and you don’t have control over these changes that are “ruining” your life.
Margaret thinks she’ll be fine on her own in the park. She’s wrong. Thankfully she finds Jamie, a boy who’s run away too. He knows the ins and outs of things and helps Margaret blend in at the park.
The themes of friendship, family, and more are explored in Foreverland, and your child won’t want to put it down!
Foreverland captivated me. Part of the reason it did was that it’s the type of book I loved to read as a child. I had a very happy childhood. Those of us born in the 70s were lucky enough to grow up in the pre tech days. Yes, we watched television, but we didn’t have 100s of channels from which to choose. If our shows weren’t on, we were playing and using our imaginations. And if I’d read Foreverland then, I’d have imagined running away to Foreverland just like Margaret. My sister’s and I loved to pretend that we were running away! The Boxcar Children (and other books where kids were on their own) had a big impact on our play.
Up until the point Margaret decides to run away to Foreverland, she’s had a happy childhood. But things have been and are continuing to change. Like most of us, Margaret doesn’t like change. Instead of accepting the changes, she runs away from them. I don’t blame her! Life can be tough when you’re a kid, and you don’t have control over these changes that are “ruining” your life.
Margaret thinks she’ll be fine on her own in the park. She’s wrong. Thankfully she finds Jamie, a boy who’s run away too. He knows the ins and outs of things and helps Margaret blend in at the park.
The themes of friendship, family, and more are explored in Foreverland, and your child won’t want to put it down!
November 5, 2019
My precocious 10-year old daughter ADORED this book she could not put it down and read it in 24 hours (she’s a good reader) This is her own review in her own words.
She loves all of Nicole Kear’s outstanding writing that carries wonderful and thoughtful messages.
“While I was reading Foreverland, I could not put it down. This book is a fantastic example of friendship, family and being kind to everyone you meet. It’s an amazing book”
She loves all of Nicole Kear’s outstanding writing that carries wonderful and thoughtful messages.
“While I was reading Foreverland, I could not put it down. This book is a fantastic example of friendship, family and being kind to everyone you meet. It’s an amazing book”
April 27, 2021
Have you ever imagined running away as a kid, and going somewhere totally amazing? I used to dream about leaving my house and running away to the aquarium and sleeping right under the penguin exhibit because I used to have a thing for penguins. Foreverland is like that dream of living in a spectacular place. For Margaret, the place of her dreams is the amusement park, Foreverland.
We begin the book with a desperate girl who wants nothing more than to harness her freedom and spend a stolen night in the amusement park. Something has happened at home, but we're only given tiny hints. What we do know is that she's distraught and not thinking clearly, but to Margaret, her idea of living in Foreverland is the cleverest decision she's ever made.
But her naggling worries that she's tried to push away come to a head when her backpack is found after she spends the night sleeping in a haunted house. When she realizes security is after her, or the strange boy she's been seeing around the park, she reels. She is without money, her change of clothes, and her beloved photos and lovey. This makes her choose to trust the strange boy, Jamie, and together they cook up a plan to get her backpack back from lost and Found without getting caught.
As time passes, Margaret begins to fret about how much terror she's probably caused her family. But getting out of the park isn't as easy it was getting in. Teaming up with Jamie, who has secrets of his own, she realizes she needs her loved ones and that she can't get through life by running away from her problems. To help Jamie, and herself, she narrowly outsmarts part security to find her way back home.
Get ready to be immersed in a world of rides and greasy park food. Kids-as well as adults-will absolutely love this book. This is exactly the type of book I would read as a child. The themes of friendship and forgiveness, as well as lots of adventure and heart, will captivate you. I have a feeling this will be a favorite for a lot of tweens and adults. This is one of my favorites of 2021.
We begin the book with a desperate girl who wants nothing more than to harness her freedom and spend a stolen night in the amusement park. Something has happened at home, but we're only given tiny hints. What we do know is that she's distraught and not thinking clearly, but to Margaret, her idea of living in Foreverland is the cleverest decision she's ever made.
But her naggling worries that she's tried to push away come to a head when her backpack is found after she spends the night sleeping in a haunted house. When she realizes security is after her, or the strange boy she's been seeing around the park, she reels. She is without money, her change of clothes, and her beloved photos and lovey. This makes her choose to trust the strange boy, Jamie, and together they cook up a plan to get her backpack back from lost and Found without getting caught.
As time passes, Margaret begins to fret about how much terror she's probably caused her family. But getting out of the park isn't as easy it was getting in. Teaming up with Jamie, who has secrets of his own, she realizes she needs her loved ones and that she can't get through life by running away from her problems. To help Jamie, and herself, she narrowly outsmarts part security to find her way back home.
Get ready to be immersed in a world of rides and greasy park food. Kids-as well as adults-will absolutely love this book. This is exactly the type of book I would read as a child. The themes of friendship and forgiveness, as well as lots of adventure and heart, will captivate you. I have a feeling this will be a favorite for a lot of tweens and adults. This is one of my favorites of 2021.
February 3, 2022
This book is amazing and I think it deserves much more recognition!
We follow 12 year old Margaret, who is running away to live in Foreverland, an amusement park where magic is forever. Even though she is terribly afraid of roller coasters, she loves the carrousel. She also loves reading, writing acrostics and junkfood (recognizable!). Then she meets wonder boy, who is a daredevil and knows everything about roller coasters (also recognizable!).
This book is an adventure that will make you feel like a child again and make you feel all the feels of being in an amusementpark while reading on the couch.
We follow 12 year old Margaret, who is running away to live in Foreverland, an amusement park where magic is forever. Even though she is terribly afraid of roller coasters, she loves the carrousel. She also loves reading, writing acrostics and junkfood (recognizable!). Then she meets wonder boy, who is a daredevil and knows everything about roller coasters (also recognizable!).
This book is an adventure that will make you feel like a child again and make you feel all the feels of being in an amusementpark while reading on the couch.
November 15, 2020
A charmingly quick MG read about running away to live in an amusement park. I liked the characters & the base story (it moved way too fast, but that's MG books) a lot but for a realistic fiction there was an awful lot of suspension of disbelief required. That said its a good read with an excellent gimmick, lots of adventure, & just the right amount of heart.
March 20, 2024
It was amazing this book was so intense
July 24, 2020
A perfect summer adventure book. Have you ever not wanted to leave an amusement park? Or have that one place that is always full of happy memories?
We loved reading this together.
We loved reading this together.
April 18, 2020
Have you ever felt like running away from home? Like things are seriously bad and you just have to get away? Like you want to go to punish your family? Meet Margaret - she is tired of things changing all around her so she decides to escape it all! She has lost her best friend and is having to navigate middle school on her own, her sister now has a boyfriend and doesn't have time for her, and she wakes up one morning to find a red suitcase packed by the front door. Margaret is at the end of her rope so when she finds the picture of her family from their trip to Foreverland Amusement Park, she knows just what she has to do. She packs her backpack with essentials like hand sanitizer (she is a serious germaphobe), money, sunscreen, and her favorite stuffed animal. She is supposed to be at a summer camp for computer geeks (which she is not), she buys a train ticket, and makes her way to Foreverland. She is so excited because she gets to ride rides she was never allowed to and she can eat the horrible, unhealthy, but so amazing foods like hot dogs and hamburgers. She is living the life until she accidentally chokes on the hot dog and a boy saves her life. This boy keeps popping up all around her and then he leave an origami flying saucer that has an X marking the spot where they need to meet. Jamie is like no one she has ever met. He has so much energy and knows Foreverland like the back of his hand. Margaret goes through the haunted house and decides the bed in which Dracula lays is the best hiding spot for the night. Things go alright considering she is sleeping in a haunted house, but things go all wrong. She leaves her backpack on the bed and ventures off to the kitchen to see if any of the workers happen to have left some snacks. Just at that moment the head security comes in to turn off the lights and finds her backpack. Now she has no money and no train ticket back home. The next day Jamie takes care of her and Margaret ends up having the time of her life! But Margaret learns that Jamie has a dark side too. Why is he here and who is he running away from? What happens when they are caught by the head of security? Will they be forced to go back home? And will Margaret ever find the truth about Jamie's life? Read this absolutely amazing, incredible, magnificent book for 2020!
This is the first book in a long time that has grabbed my heartstrings and pulled them so tight I thought it would burst! If you've read any of my post then you know I am a fairly slow reader so when I say I read this in less than a twenty-four hour time span, you know it was incredible! I could not put this book down! Margaret and Jamie are two peas in a pod and both have so much going on in their young lives. The friendship that forms between them in such a short time is remarkable. I was NOT ready for this book to end!! DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK!!!
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This is the first book in a long time that has grabbed my heartstrings and pulled them so tight I thought it would burst! If you've read any of my post then you know I am a fairly slow reader so when I say I read this in less than a twenty-four hour time span, you know it was incredible! I could not put this book down! Margaret and Jamie are two peas in a pod and both have so much going on in their young lives. The friendship that forms between them in such a short time is remarkable. I was NOT ready for this book to end!! DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK!!!
Follow me:
Blog - Blazer Tales - https://blazertales.com/
Facebook - Laurie’s Library Place - https://www.facebook.com/LauriesLibra...
Instagram - laurieslibrary - https://www.instagram.com/laurieslibr...
Twitter - @laurieevans27 https://twitter.com/laurieevans27?lan...
Goodreads - Laurie Purser - https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/auburngirl2...
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCulD...
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-ev...
May 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this take on the Peter Pan tale. This modern adaption is great because while the characters are there, it's only a glossing of the original tale, and instead focuses on real contemporary issues that kids go through.
Margaret is mad at her family, there are problems with everyone and she no longer feels like she belongs. She decides that she's going to run away to Foreverland, the last place that her whole family felt happy and together. Margaret has always felt like she is the odd one out in her family, she doesn't like roller coasters, she hates the healthy food her mom makes her eat, she's shy and awkward and is having a hard time at school. When she finds out her parents are getting a divorce, it's the last straw. She doesn't have a big plan, but at least she's going to be gone for a couple of days and make her family realize that they should be together. It's not a smart plan, but it's all she has right now. In Foreverland she runs into this strange boy named Jamie, who seems kind of mystical, as he's always popping in and out of places, and seems to have the run of the whole amusement park. Margaret spends the day riding the same rides over and over again as she figures out where she's going to hide for the night. Only, when she does end up hiding, she makes some mistakes and loses her backpack to the Captain. The Captain is the head of security and is really annoyed that Jaime, or as he calls him, Boy Wonder, refuses to leave the park and somehow keeps ducking his security team. Eventually, Jaime and Margaret team up in order to have a great last day in the park, before she goes home, or before Jaime convinces her to stay forever.
Foreverland focuses on growing up and dealing with not being a little kid anymore. Margaret suffers from panic attacks and is a hypochondriac, she just wants things to be the way they used to be. Jaime has his own issues and just wants to be in the one place that made him feel happy and connected. A truly enjoyable middle grade novel that has realistic characters that actually act their age. A fun and quick read, and perfect for kids who enjoy amusement parks and the desire to stay a kid.
Margaret is mad at her family, there are problems with everyone and she no longer feels like she belongs. She decides that she's going to run away to Foreverland, the last place that her whole family felt happy and together. Margaret has always felt like she is the odd one out in her family, she doesn't like roller coasters, she hates the healthy food her mom makes her eat, she's shy and awkward and is having a hard time at school. When she finds out her parents are getting a divorce, it's the last straw. She doesn't have a big plan, but at least she's going to be gone for a couple of days and make her family realize that they should be together. It's not a smart plan, but it's all she has right now. In Foreverland she runs into this strange boy named Jamie, who seems kind of mystical, as he's always popping in and out of places, and seems to have the run of the whole amusement park. Margaret spends the day riding the same rides over and over again as she figures out where she's going to hide for the night. Only, when she does end up hiding, she makes some mistakes and loses her backpack to the Captain. The Captain is the head of security and is really annoyed that Jaime, or as he calls him, Boy Wonder, refuses to leave the park and somehow keeps ducking his security team. Eventually, Jaime and Margaret team up in order to have a great last day in the park, before she goes home, or before Jaime convinces her to stay forever.
Foreverland focuses on growing up and dealing with not being a little kid anymore. Margaret suffers from panic attacks and is a hypochondriac, she just wants things to be the way they used to be. Jaime has his own issues and just wants to be in the one place that made him feel happy and connected. A truly enjoyable middle grade novel that has realistic characters that actually act their age. A fun and quick read, and perfect for kids who enjoy amusement parks and the desire to stay a kid.
May 2, 2021
I am pretty sure now that all the Middle Grade novels out there are purposely built in a way that will make me cry. There’s no other option apart from the inevitability of this whole scheme. And while we are on this topic, can someone explain me HOW IN THE WORLD do all of them somewhere kind of have the same basic structure but pop out so differently and so touching? I will never understand this beauty honestly.
Foreverland was a lot of things – different, touching, adventurous, fun, emotional, scary (in some aspects, yes it was scary) and most of all MAGICAL. They way it ended was also magical… especially the way it ended. Margaret and Jamie were one of a kind, both facing inexplicable changes and troubles in there lives and hence coming to foreverland to spend their time, to have FUN that seems to be missing from their life. There was a hint of mystery laced through the plot because it wasn’t ever explicitly made clear why both of them ran away from their home, their thoughts, feelings and what further they sought from their little runaway adventure (refuge most of all).
The thing that I liked the most about this book was how open-ended it was. The characters somehow never voiced out how they were feeling, it was through their actions that one could understood what was happening to them. And furthermore, it had mental health rep too – ADHD and it wasn’t ever explicitly mentioned but one of the characters did show some symptoms of OCD. Although as it wasn’t directly mentioned anywhere, I cannot draw my conclusion on the subject.
All in all, I really reaallllyyy enjoyed reading this book, and despite the fact that I loved the ending, I did not want to leave the characters and their story behind. This book was very well character driven which I loved with whole my heart ❤ ❤
Trigger Warnings*: Divorce, Death
Note*: I was provided with a free e-copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Foreverland was a lot of things – different, touching, adventurous, fun, emotional, scary (in some aspects, yes it was scary) and most of all MAGICAL. They way it ended was also magical… especially the way it ended. Margaret and Jamie were one of a kind, both facing inexplicable changes and troubles in there lives and hence coming to foreverland to spend their time, to have FUN that seems to be missing from their life. There was a hint of mystery laced through the plot because it wasn’t ever explicitly made clear why both of them ran away from their home, their thoughts, feelings and what further they sought from their little runaway adventure (refuge most of all).
The thing that I liked the most about this book was how open-ended it was. The characters somehow never voiced out how they were feeling, it was through their actions that one could understood what was happening to them. And furthermore, it had mental health rep too – ADHD and it wasn’t ever explicitly mentioned but one of the characters did show some symptoms of OCD. Although as it wasn’t directly mentioned anywhere, I cannot draw my conclusion on the subject.
All in all, I really reaallllyyy enjoyed reading this book, and despite the fact that I loved the ending, I did not want to leave the characters and their story behind. This book was very well character driven which I loved with whole my heart ❤ ❤
Trigger Warnings*: Divorce, Death
Note*: I was provided with a free e-copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
May 2, 2021
Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Foreverland
Author: Nicole C. Kear
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: mg readers, contemporary lovers
Publication Date: April 21, 2020
Genre: MG Contemporary
Recommended Age: 10+ (fears, running away, some scary moments)
Publisher: Imprint
Pages: 256
Synopsis: Margaret is tired of everything always changing. Middle school has gone from bad to worse. Her best friend is becoming a stranger. And her family—well, it's not even a family anymore.
So Margaret is running away to Foreverland, her favorite amusement park. Hiding out there is trickier than she expects--until she meets Jaime, a thrill-seeking, fast-thinking runaway who teaches Margaret how to stay one step ahead of the captain of security.
At first, this after-hours, all-access pass to the park is a dream come true: sleepovers in the Haunted House, nonstop junk food, and an unlimited ticket to ride. But as the runaways learn each other’s secrets, they must face the reasons they left their normal lives behind. With the Captain closing in and Jaime's future on the line, can Margaret finally take control?
Review: I really liked this book! The book was a great and I loved reading about how Margaret overcame her fears. The book was cute and very age appropriate for middle graders. The book also had well done character development and world building. The plot kept me intrigued in the book throughout the read.
The only thing that slowed my reading down was that there were some slow moments in the book.
Verdict: It was great!
Book: Foreverland
Author: Nicole C. Kear
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: mg readers, contemporary lovers
Publication Date: April 21, 2020
Genre: MG Contemporary
Recommended Age: 10+ (fears, running away, some scary moments)
Publisher: Imprint
Pages: 256
Synopsis: Margaret is tired of everything always changing. Middle school has gone from bad to worse. Her best friend is becoming a stranger. And her family—well, it's not even a family anymore.
So Margaret is running away to Foreverland, her favorite amusement park. Hiding out there is trickier than she expects--until she meets Jaime, a thrill-seeking, fast-thinking runaway who teaches Margaret how to stay one step ahead of the captain of security.
At first, this after-hours, all-access pass to the park is a dream come true: sleepovers in the Haunted House, nonstop junk food, and an unlimited ticket to ride. But as the runaways learn each other’s secrets, they must face the reasons they left their normal lives behind. With the Captain closing in and Jaime's future on the line, can Margaret finally take control?
Review: I really liked this book! The book was a great and I loved reading about how Margaret overcame her fears. The book was cute and very age appropriate for middle graders. The book also had well done character development and world building. The plot kept me intrigued in the book throughout the read.
The only thing that slowed my reading down was that there were some slow moments in the book.
Verdict: It was great!
June 11, 2021
This middle grade book is sure to be an enjoyable read for middle schoolers and for those still young at heart.
Middle school can be hard. Changing friendships, new responsibilities, and a deeper awareness of societal expectations. It's a rough point in life where you can be treated like a kid one moment and then in another you're treated like an adult. There's usually never a smooth transition from child to teen.
And protagonist Margaret knows this better than anyone. She's surrounded by constant change. Most of it not good. When things finally become too overwhelming for the socially anxious Margaret, she decides to runaway to the last place she remembers being truly happy: Foreverland.
It's in Foreverland where Margaret meets fellow runaway Jaime. As Margaret and Jaime adventure throughout Foreverland, Margaret begins to grow and learn a valuable lesson now that she's finally away from her family problems and the pressures of middle school.
Yes, change can be overwhelming. But it's impossible to live in the past. You have to confront the present to carve out a future for yourself even if it's painful to do so at first.
Which is why I believe that Foreverland will make a great addition to classroom and school libraries. Foreverland is magical, funny, and addresses common problems and emotions that children experience. Many kids often go through a tough period in middle school, but it's quirky characters like Margaret that serve as a comforting reminder that things will get better.
~I received this advance copy for a honest review.~
(Original Review: https://bookish-ramblings.weebly.com/...)
Middle school can be hard. Changing friendships, new responsibilities, and a deeper awareness of societal expectations. It's a rough point in life where you can be treated like a kid one moment and then in another you're treated like an adult. There's usually never a smooth transition from child to teen.
And protagonist Margaret knows this better than anyone. She's surrounded by constant change. Most of it not good. When things finally become too overwhelming for the socially anxious Margaret, she decides to runaway to the last place she remembers being truly happy: Foreverland.
It's in Foreverland where Margaret meets fellow runaway Jaime. As Margaret and Jaime adventure throughout Foreverland, Margaret begins to grow and learn a valuable lesson now that she's finally away from her family problems and the pressures of middle school.
Yes, change can be overwhelming. But it's impossible to live in the past. You have to confront the present to carve out a future for yourself even if it's painful to do so at first.
Which is why I believe that Foreverland will make a great addition to classroom and school libraries. Foreverland is magical, funny, and addresses common problems and emotions that children experience. Many kids often go through a tough period in middle school, but it's quirky characters like Margaret that serve as a comforting reminder that things will get better.
~I received this advance copy for a honest review.~
(Original Review: https://bookish-ramblings.weebly.com/...)
June 1, 2024
I have to admit that, not being familiar with this author, I wasn't expecting much. However, gotta tell you, this author knows how to create unforgettable characters with distinct personalities. She totally nails the voice of main character Margaret. Intelligent. Witty. Matter-of-fact. I love the way she analyzes everything.
This story has a Mixed Up Files vibe in that the main character runs away to hide, not in the MET, but in an amusement park called Foreverland. It's the last place Margaret remembers her family being happy and intact. The plot is full of "incidents" that the author spares no ink in describing. Getting past the ticket lady, choking on a hot dog, sleeping in the haunted house, stealing back her backpack. What starts out as a solo venture turns into a partnership when she meets Jaime, a boy doing what she's doing. Living in the park while dodging security. He's an enigma. Mysterious at first, but full of kind-heartedness, just like Maragaret. I loved these two kids. What starts out as a fulfilling of basic needs, getting from one moment to the next, ends up being a life altering lesson in overcoming life's challenges, realizing that most of us over-exaggerate life's challenges and most of us can get through them. With a little help from our friends, that is.
I'm sad that so many talented authors fall through the cracks, while undeserving ones succeed. I don't get it. Maybe it's luck. If so, I hope Kear stumbles upon some.
This story has a Mixed Up Files vibe in that the main character runs away to hide, not in the MET, but in an amusement park called Foreverland. It's the last place Margaret remembers her family being happy and intact. The plot is full of "incidents" that the author spares no ink in describing. Getting past the ticket lady, choking on a hot dog, sleeping in the haunted house, stealing back her backpack. What starts out as a solo venture turns into a partnership when she meets Jaime, a boy doing what she's doing. Living in the park while dodging security. He's an enigma. Mysterious at first, but full of kind-heartedness, just like Maragaret. I loved these two kids. What starts out as a fulfilling of basic needs, getting from one moment to the next, ends up being a life altering lesson in overcoming life's challenges, realizing that most of us over-exaggerate life's challenges and most of us can get through them. With a little help from our friends, that is.
I'm sad that so many talented authors fall through the cracks, while undeserving ones succeed. I don't get it. Maybe it's luck. If so, I hope Kear stumbles upon some.
June 15, 2020
*Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I really enjoyed this quick summer read. It all started with the GORGEOUS cover.
Margaret's life has been flipped upside down. Up until now, she's had a relatively happy childhood. But middle school is getting worse, her best friend has become distant, and now her family is completely falling apart. She doesn't know how to handle all of these situations other than by running away - to Foreverland Amusement Park. As she is having a great time adventuring through her favorite place, she meets another runaway boy named Jaime. I really loved learning more about this mysterious kid. They go on adventures together in Foreverland until Margaret starts to get homesick, but she also wants to learn more about Jaime's story. What will she decide to do? Stay in Foreverland with Jaime, or go back home to her family?
This was a truly enjoyable middle grade novel that pulled at my heart strings. I think this book will be great for students to connect with - it has very realistic characters and real life issues (escaping life's problems and family problems). It's perfect for kids who enjoy amusement parks and just being a kid. I cannot wait to add this to my classroom library!
I really enjoyed this quick summer read. It all started with the GORGEOUS cover.
Margaret's life has been flipped upside down. Up until now, she's had a relatively happy childhood. But middle school is getting worse, her best friend has become distant, and now her family is completely falling apart. She doesn't know how to handle all of these situations other than by running away - to Foreverland Amusement Park. As she is having a great time adventuring through her favorite place, she meets another runaway boy named Jaime. I really loved learning more about this mysterious kid. They go on adventures together in Foreverland until Margaret starts to get homesick, but she also wants to learn more about Jaime's story. What will she decide to do? Stay in Foreverland with Jaime, or go back home to her family?
This was a truly enjoyable middle grade novel that pulled at my heart strings. I think this book will be great for students to connect with - it has very realistic characters and real life issues (escaping life's problems and family problems). It's perfect for kids who enjoy amusement parks and just being a kid. I cannot wait to add this to my classroom library!
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April 29, 2021This was such a cute middle grade read - I really enjoyed Foreverland.
Margaret runs away from home and hides out in the local amusement park Foreverland. That’s were she meets The Boy Wonder - Jaime - who has also run away from home to live there.
While the two teenagers have fun together, they also share secrets and family drama, and become close friends over the course of two days. Readers can feel the hurt these two are dealing with at home.
I liked Margaret a lot - I thought she was a fun character to follow as our man character. Timid, and with a “forgettable face” but also brave and smart enough to decide to runaway and hide out at an amusement park without being caught by security.
Jaime was also a fun side kick. I loved the beginning when he was a mystery to Margaret, appearing and leaving notes, doing small things and then vanishing. I also really enjoyed the dynamic between him and the head of security - that was fun and tense!
Overall, this was a fun, fast-paced read. Definitely brilliant for middle grade readers, and readers of all ages who want to be swept up in the fantasy of living in an amusement park - even if only for a few days.
Margaret runs away from home and hides out in the local amusement park Foreverland. That’s were she meets The Boy Wonder - Jaime - who has also run away from home to live there.
While the two teenagers have fun together, they also share secrets and family drama, and become close friends over the course of two days. Readers can feel the hurt these two are dealing with at home.
I liked Margaret a lot - I thought she was a fun character to follow as our man character. Timid, and with a “forgettable face” but also brave and smart enough to decide to runaway and hide out at an amusement park without being caught by security.
Jaime was also a fun side kick. I loved the beginning when he was a mystery to Margaret, appearing and leaving notes, doing small things and then vanishing. I also really enjoyed the dynamic between him and the head of security - that was fun and tense!
Overall, this was a fun, fast-paced read. Definitely brilliant for middle grade readers, and readers of all ages who want to be swept up in the fantasy of living in an amusement park - even if only for a few days.
September 13, 2020
Who wouldn’t want to spend a night at an amusement park? Even if you did runaway there. And both kids chose that place because of all the great memories it held for them. I loved everything about this book until the final chase scene began. The ending kind of fell apart for me. Assaulting a security guard? Wasn’t anything in Margaret’s personality that made that likely and it kind of turned the story a little negative for me. And what about Jaime’s items hidden in the treehouse? I was sad he didn’t leave with those things. Also, why didn’t Margaret give Jaime her phone number or something? And I had a hard time believing, after everything that happened, that Margaret would go back into the park to ride the Shooting Star.
April 20, 2020
A lot of kids will enjoy Margaret's adventurous trip to Foreverland. The setting is perfect for the story and you can visualize the park itself, down to the not so great elements. I do wish there had been more background on Margaret's home life - I felt like I was piecing it together as the story went along, which I imagine was the intention but a less attentive reader may breeze through her reasons why she escaped to Foreverland. I enjoyed the ending; keeping everything set within the park solidified why this is a book about escaping to an amusement park and that the park itself is a character. The acrostics were a nice touch too.
July 5, 2023
Foreverland: interesting premise, and fun amusement-park setting, but didn't quite work for me. It felt like the book began too far into the plot, and ended before the plot had really resolved. And I wasn't really understanding why the blurbs were saying things like "this captures the whole experience of being twelve!" Maybe I just needed more closure about how this escapade was going to affect Margaret's and Jaime's lives going forward. I did think the acrostic poems were a cool addition, though.
I wondered at a few points if Kear was trying to imply Margaret was on the autism spectrum, or otherwise neurodivergent, but it wasn't addressed. Jaime has ADHD, though.
I wondered at a few points if Kear was trying to imply Margaret was on the autism spectrum, or otherwise neurodivergent, but it wasn't addressed. Jaime has ADHD, though.
May 14, 2020
I won a copy of Foreverland by Nicole C. Kear from Goodreads.
Many twelve year olds would love to live in an amusement park, and young readers learn what that might be like when protagonist Margaret runs away from home to one in Foreverland by Nicole C. Kear. Lots of ups and downs, twists and turnarounds in this story grip the reader even as they being to light the sweet, moving, and important messages about the merit and make-up of friendship and the structures and strengths of family. Foreverland touches the hearts of readers in surprising ways.
Many twelve year olds would love to live in an amusement park, and young readers learn what that might be like when protagonist Margaret runs away from home to one in Foreverland by Nicole C. Kear. Lots of ups and downs, twists and turnarounds in this story grip the reader even as they being to light the sweet, moving, and important messages about the merit and make-up of friendship and the structures and strengths of family. Foreverland touches the hearts of readers in surprising ways.
November 10, 2020
Loved this book. I think all of us dreamed of running away at some point in our preteen/teen years. Margaret finds the perfect place to escape in Foreverland. She meets Jamie, who seems to know the park up and down and soon she is having an adventure like no other. This was a truly touching story that touched on many struggles that I think a lot of youth can relate, too. Margaret thought she wanted to run away forever, but after awhile she isn’t so sure and she wants to know what Jamie’s story is and why he seems dead set on staying a runaway in Foreverland forever.
December 30, 2020
Who hasn't thought about having free reign in an amusement park? Margaret impulsively runs away from home to spend the day and night at Foreverland. She packs quickly and hops the train. Kear reveals further information about her family situation throughout the book but readers can tell how big an adventure this is for Margaret from the text clues provided early on. She meets someone else who seems to be hiding in the park when he saves her from choking on a hotdog. Together, they reveal more about themselves and their issues as they move toward friendship and trust. The ending stays true to the characters and lets readers decide for themselves what will happen next.
July 28, 2021
A sweet middle-grade book about a sixth grader named Margaret who runs away to her favorite amusement park. It's a great idea, mostly pulled off. I did think we needed to see a bit more of Margaret's family- while she's unhappy and dealing with unwanted changes, she does have a family who loves her. One recurring motif is the acrostic poems Margaret writes- I was thinking about those recently and how they seem like such a big thing in school, but you never hear about them again after about sixth grade!
March 2, 2020
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing a copy to our #bookexpedition group.
Set in an amusement park, kids will want to read this one.
Margaret runs away from an upsetting home situation. She eventually meets Jaime, another runaway who is hiding out in Foreverland. As they learn more about each other, they must also trust each other and themselves to do what is right, but not easy. Full of friendship and family themes, this book is perfect for elementary and middle grade kids.
Set in an amusement park, kids will want to read this one.
Margaret runs away from an upsetting home situation. She eventually meets Jaime, another runaway who is hiding out in Foreverland. As they learn more about each other, they must also trust each other and themselves to do what is right, but not easy. Full of friendship and family themes, this book is perfect for elementary and middle grade kids.
April 19, 2020
Thanks to the publisher for a free review copy.
I flew through this book in just a few hours. Margaret runs away from home to live in Foreverland, a favorite amusement park. The first person narration was real and relatable, and the amusement park setting was original and fun. Foreverland is a loose re-imagining of Peter Pan, and I loved all the fun nods to that story, especially tackling the hard parts of growing up and life in a family.
I flew through this book in just a few hours. Margaret runs away from home to live in Foreverland, a favorite amusement park. The first person narration was real and relatable, and the amusement park setting was original and fun. Foreverland is a loose re-imagining of Peter Pan, and I loved all the fun nods to that story, especially tackling the hard parts of growing up and life in a family.
November 16, 2021
3.5 stars. Read aloud with my 14 year old. This was especially fun because we’re having a kids book club day at Dollywood to discuss this book, so it’ll be fun to imagine living in the amusement park and choosing where we’d want to sleep and what we’d want to do after hours. Had we not had this plan, I’m not sure that we’d have liked this book as much, but this definitely will level up our trip to Dollywood.
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August 18, 2025Hey there! This is Charlie P! I’m ten years old and I read books to raise money for charity. I want to help moms pick out books that their kids will like! Here is another review by me!
This is a fun filled book with adventure and friendship. The book is one of my personal faves and it keeps getting more and more exciting. You will be super surprised at some parts too! Kids ages 9 to 12 would think this book is stellar
This is a fun filled book with adventure and friendship. The book is one of my personal faves and it keeps getting more and more exciting. You will be super surprised at some parts too! Kids ages 9 to 12 would think this book is stellar
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