Hello, Future Me

by Kim Ventrella

A heart-expanding story of hope, friendship, and the power that comes with realizing that magic, like family, doesn't always look the way you expect it to.
Eleven-year-old June is a problem-solver. Some people might call her a busybody, but that's okay. Just look at all the couples she helped find love! (Grateful newlyweds Marlene and Big Vic have even promised June free hot chocolate for life at their café.)

However, when June learns that her parents are getting divorced, she has to face the fact that there are some problems too big even for her. At least, that's what the adults in her life keep saying.

But June's convinced there's a way to make her parents fall back in love. While brainstorming ideas on her new secondhand laptop -- purchased from a mysterious store in town called The Shop of Last Resort -- June gets a strange IM from someone named JuniePie28 . . . someone who claims to be an older version of June messaging her from the future.

At first, she assumes it's a prank. But JuniePie28 knows too much about June's life to be a fraud, and future June warns her against interfering with her parents' marriage. But June can't just sit around and watch her parents' marriage dissolve, not when there's a magical shop in town that could be the answer to all her problems! Will June prove her older self wrong and stop the divorce? Or will she have to accept that there are some things she can't control?

Genres: Middle Grade, Childrens

272 pages, Hardcover

Published August 4, 2020

About the author

KIM VENTRELLA loves infusing everyday settings with a touch of magic. Her works explore difficult topics with big doses of humor, whimsy and hope. Her most recent middle grade novel, THE SECRET LIFE OF SAM, was named one of Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2020. BONE HOLLOW was chosen as a Best Book for Kids 2019 by New York Public Library, and SKELETON TREE was nominated for the 2019 Carnegie Medal in the UK. She is also a contributor to the middle grade horror anthology, DON'T TURN OUT THE LIGHTS. She is a former librarian, Peace Corps Volunteer and a lover of all things strange and creepy. When she's not writing, she spends her days ruling over a seaside garbage dump and her nights helping vampires remove all that excess glitter.

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if, at the age of 12, you could communicate with both your 7-year-old self from the past (Juniepie15) and your 20-year-old self (Juniepie28) in the future. When June's dad gives her a refurbished laptop for her birthday, June starts getting messages from two other Juniepies. At the heart of the story is the impending divorce for June's parents. She is determined to make a list and stop it. That new store in town should have something that can do the trick, right? The Shop of Last Resort is like a bad garage sale with unexpected magic results. Talk about recycling! Loved the sweet friendship between June and Calvin and the relationship June has with her dad. Bigfoot fans will enjoy the town's enthusiasm for that legendary figure. This would be a great book for readers who like Kate Messner and Nikki Lenz.

Thank you to Scholastic and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephanie Fitzgerald]

Checked this one out from the library on a whim because of the cover art, and because the premise sounded interesting. Turned out to be a disappointment; the further I read the more confusing it became. Jumped ship and stopped reading when I got to the scene of June’s parents blowing raspberries on each others’ stomachs and licking each others’ toes. As June herself said, “Gross!”
This was supposedly written for a middle-grade audience. I think most readers of that age would find this one difficult to follow. Also, some of the content seemed rather mature for a middle-grade read.

[Samantha Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book! The characters are so wonderful, so hugable. Protagonist June is strong-willed, fun and smart, and her past and future Junes, who she speaks to on a magic laptop, give us a fantastic look at how people change and grow. I loved their interactions with each other.

June's best friend Calvin and her parents are equally lovely, drawn so real that I feel like I could go to Tanglewood and meet them.

The story looks at divorce, friendship and the trials of change. But perhaps the most fun part is the magic. Set in our real world, the magic infuses wonder and complications in the vein of Kim Tomsic's fun middle-grade novel THE 11:11 WISH. And both books are stuffed full of humor.

I wholeheartedly recommend HELLO, FUTURE ME with five glitter-filled, sparkly and shiny stars.

[Karen McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great middle grade book, this story tackles the topic of divorce mixed with magical hijinx. When a magical laptop sends June a mysterious message from someone named JuniePie28 warning her not to try to stop her parents' divorce, she doesn't listen and ends up learning the hard way that magic is not all its cracked up to be. I loved hearing the voices of current June as well as her older self and her younger self (messages from JuniePie15 also start showing up). The format of the message exchanges is also very reader friendly and will be appealing to students. The design of the chapter headings, chapter lengths, and overall book length are also perfect for middle grade students. The characters are complex, flawed, and lovable. The story has enough humor and heart that even though it tackles a tough topic, it is a fun read. When a magical intervention makes Junie's parents fall madly in love with each other, I was laughing out loud. June also struggles to read the signs that her best friend might be feeling a love connection of his own, adding a bit of the young love angst that rounds out this story about relationships and family. This is perfect for middle grade and an excellent addition to class libraries! #LitReviewCrew

[Cynthia Reeg · Rating 5 out of 5]

For small town girl, June, turning twelve turns into a disaster with manic magic, flying gnomes, enchanted laptops, bigfoot fanaticism, and parents gone haywire. In an effort to restore her parents to the way they were before the divorce began, ever-organized June concocts a magic plan. But things quickly go from bad to worse as she relies on advice from her past and future selves. Ultimately, June discovers that change doesn’t necessarily mean total misfortune. In this witty and wonderfully enchanting story, author Kim Ventrella, weaves a fantasy sure to entertain young readers—and bigfoot fans—with themes of determination and self-reliance. Too good to miss!

[S.A. Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brave, heart-warming journey of one girl’s hopes and fears as her family changes, the assurance of love, and of course . . . sparkly magic! Ventrella explores the reality of divorce with a delicate balance of truth and wavering emotions. June wants nothing more than to keep her parent’s marriage together. And when she’s given a magical computer, where she can connect with her past and future selves, she thinks she’s found a way. Honest and raw, this tale carries readers through all stages of June’s struggle and gifts them with a sweet ending that will stay with them for days.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, Future Me was a fun, enjoyable read that I completed in one sitting. Recommended!

[Jonathan Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm in the middle of this book and absolutely loving it! Quirky main character, fun story, and emotionally moving. Can't wait to read the rest and highly recommend!

[Kristin Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for sharing a copy of Hello, Future Me with Collabookation.
June is eagerly awaiting her mom's return from a five week artist's retreat when she learns that her world is falling apart: her parents are going to be getting divorced. June knows this is a big mistake, that if they'd just remember how and why they fell in love in the first place, all this talk of divorce will go away. So when she's given the opportunity to meddle in some magic to bring things back to the way they were, of course she seizes the opportunity. She's a planner and a problem-solver, she's been preparing for this her whole life! But you know the saying...if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. How will June cope with a life she didn't plan and could never have predicted?
There's so much to love about this book. I loved June and her confidence that she could change things. So many kids today feel that they really can't make a difference, so the fact that June was so empowered to work for what she wanted was a real treat. I loved June's friendship with Calvin, even if it did get a little complicated. And what I loved most of all was June's correspondence with her past and future selves. I remember being June's age and wishing with all my heart that I could just see one day of my future ~ would I be ok? In this book, June is able to communicate with her future self via a magic laptop, only to find that her future self sounds eerily like any other adult in her life (what a bummer, huh?).
This book is not to be missed. For readers who love magical realism, for students who may be going through some family changes, or for readers who just love great protagonists~ Hello, Future Me is a fantastic read. Recommended for students in grade 5 and up.

[Sara Magnafichi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, Kim Ventrella, for providing an advanced copy of Hello, Future Me with #Collabookation ARC reading group. In this story, we meet June, an 11-year-old girl who lives in a town known for glorifying Bigfoot and celebrating the town's history of having Bigfoot sightings. When a mystical shop appears full of odds and ends that really make no sense, things start to get a little strange. Her dad buys her a computer from the shop, and she is magically able to speak to her future self, as well as her younger self, via a magical chat room on the computer. To June's surprise, she finds out that her parents are getting a divorce. She makes it her mission to try to get her parents back together. Can she do it with a little magic and at what cost? This is a great story for any child trying to figure out life during a parents' divorce. It is so important for children to see themselves in books when it comes to this topic, as it is so difficult for children to understand. There is a little bit of everything in this story including friendship, family, divorce, and a bit of magic. Available on August 4, 2020.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review from my 11-year-old daughter: “Hello Future Me” is about a girl named June. After five months of her mother being away at art camp, she's finally coming home. June has everything planned out, The perfect sign, the perfect present, and the perfect party. But not everything can be perfect. The sign is ruined, the present is all wrong. But at least she is going to see her mom again, right? Nope. Her mom unexpectedly decides to drive home. Not fly. Which will take much longer. On the way home from the airport her father gives her some troubling news, her parents are getting a divorce. But June has a plan to get her parents to fall back in love. Then she receives a strange email on her second hand laptop from the mysterious (and possibly magical) Shop of Last Resort, from “juniepie28”. It's June, but from the future. She warns June not to interfere with the divore. But does June listen? Nope. I really enjoyed this book because of all the twists and turns. You never know what will happen next. However, I would have enjoyed some more background on the shop owner. Other than that I really enjoyed this book!"

[Jennifer Sneed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello, Future Me is a charming, pink and sparkly middle grade novel that makes the reader feel all the feels. I think it's particularly appropriate for 4th-6th graders. It's written in the loose, chatty vernacular that many kids in that age group use and they'll feel right at home. The main character June inadvertently causes all kinds of magical shenanigans as she attempts to keep her parents from divorcing, a situation that the author approaches gently and realistically, making it clear to readers that divorce isn't a child's fault. There's even a bit of low key romance, which is fun. Also, I was glad to see a loving working class father, tattoos, beer cans and all, presented in this kids novel. Those fathers, much loved by many children, are definitely underrepresented in children's lit.

[Skye Bluewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75
Plucky, tenderhearted June seeks a love spell to reunite her divorcing parents.

She acquires a magic lock and key sparked by energy that give her hope, and a surprising laptop which magically allows her to message her past and future selves.

She is patient with her naïve younger self, while her wiser older self, Junie Pie 28, cautions her against trying to fix her parents relationship, while helping her realize that the only people who can fix a relationship are the ones in it.

She recovers from magical interventions gone wonky and magic brain drain and ventures in to discoveries about her best friend Cal, who LIKE-likes her.

Whimsically wrapped in a fabulous BIGFOOT setting.

[Maria Vallejo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so thankful for this book! It has been the first physical book I’ve been able to read and focus on in awhile breaking my anxiety-induced reading slump. It’s the perfect blend of real-life (dealing with divorcing parents as a twelve year isn’t fun) and magic. And oh! How delightfully whimsical the magic is! Also...I, um, cried at the end...but in a good way. It filled my heart with all the feels and important life reminders. It moved quickly and read easily, making it completely accessible to middle grade readers while also enjoyable for adults. I read it one day because I just couldn’t put it down. I became quickly invested in June, her family, and Calvin too. Love love love this book!

[Victoria Piontek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Kim Ventrella’s middle grade novel, Hello, Future Me. In this charming book, twelve-year-old June struggles to accept her parents’ upcoming divorce. Told with heart and humor, this story deftly tackles the ups and downs of a fractured family finding their new normal. Ventrella doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff but addresses complicated issues with a light hand, spot-on middle grade humor, a dash of magic, and an endearing cast of characters making Hello, Future Me a compulsive, fun read. After reading it for yourself, hand this book to every kid you know. They’ll love it.

[LS Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, especially based on the other reviews. But I did not like June. She was so self-centered and I thought she treated her best friend horribly. I got tired of all of the miscommunication and bad communication that occurred through the whole book, especially from the parents who should have been listening and encouraging dialogue with their daughter. I also think the title is misleading. Yes June gets messages from her future self but she also gets them from her younger self. It felt very unfocused. And the current June and future June spent more time arguing with each other. I don’t think I can recommend this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many readers who desperately need this book. I loved it! June jumps off the pages of this book and my heart aches for her when her world is rocked. Desperate to solve things she turns to magic, which has strange and uncomfortable consequences. The theme of the book is a message so many need to hear: Sometimes life sucks and you will make it through. Highly recommend for those fantasy readers who like a little bit of spooky and strange too. Well done!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved Kim Ventrella’s upcoming MG, Hello, Future Me. The story brings readers into the mindset of 12 year old June as she grapples with her parents’ pending divorce and a bit of magic that goes awry. Be on the lookout for it this August!

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello Future Me is #mglit that will have readers asking themselves: how have you grown & changed in your life?

Suddenly so wishing for my own magical laptop from the local odds & ends shop- and definitely can't wait to share this with my middle grade readers!

[Gaye Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an ARC of this. I loved it! It has such a fun, fresh voice and kept me guessing the entire time. My favorite Kim Ventrella book so far!

[Ronnae · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do if your future you doesn't agree with your plan to save your parents' marriage? You will need to read Hello, Future Me by Kim Ventrella to find out. This middle-grade novel has you traveling to Big Foot Country to answer June's questions about her parents' marriage and what love and friendship looks like now and will look like in the future. I really enjoyed the twist of magic set against the real family problems of June. This book had me constantly surprised by what could happen when magic is involved and how no matter what we experience we still try to make life fit our plans.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every word of this magical adventure with Junie Pie! I can’t wait to share this one with my students!!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the book was heartwarming and fun! I like the magical aspect that was included. The friendship she has with Calvin is hard to beat. Love it!

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Fun concept and compelling story, but the main character got on my nerves with her inability to see beyond her situation.

[Clara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really like this book. It was really weird and kind of creepy. I liked some parts but others were just not good at all.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

June drove me crazy. I had to keep reminding myself that she's only 12, but still.

[Oakley Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved that I never knew what was going to happen next!

[amanda frekot · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much going on throughout the story. The plot was too hard to follow, and June was an annoying, self-centered main character.

[Svetlana · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
great cover, but depressing book

[Lisa Schmid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turning twelve is supposed to be fun, but for June, the party is over when she learns her parents are getting a divorce. Crushed, she is determined to make things right. With the help of a magical computer, June enlists the aid of her past and future selves to help get her parents back together.

Magical mischief and mayhem soon follow. But sometimes even magic can't fix what's broken, and June learns to accept change with an open heart.

Kim Ventrella weaves a well-crafted tale that is engaging and heartfelt. June is feisty and fabulous. The cast of characters are entirely lovable, especially June's best friend, Calvin. The setting is idyllic-I mean, who wouldn't want to live in Tanglewood Crossing? Best of all, the humor kept me giggling, and the magic filled me with sparkly wonder.

I love everything about this book! If you are in search of the legendary Bigfoot or a magical middle-grade novel, head on over to Tanglewood Crossing. You are sure to find both!