Gabe never asked for an angel… Gabe Montana’s clumsy. He’s overweight, and he’s dyslexic. Worse yet, the bullies make his fifteen-year-old life even more miserable—so miserable he wants to die. Charley, his guardian angel, says no to that idea, and comes up with a different plan. He’ll give Gabe self-confidence so he can solve his problems, not run away from them. But Gabe wonders why the angel doesn’t just help with the bullies. What’s with this self-confidence stuff? Can Charley help Gabe stand on his own two feet? Will Gabe give up hope life can improve for him? Or will he finally listen to the angel’s advice?
Most of the time you'll find Beverly in front of the computer, writing stories young voices whisper in her ear. Other times she's snapping pictures of wildlife, clouds, and flowers. She has fifteen books published for children and teens, some of them award winners, like the Children's Literary Classics, Sharp Writ Awards, and Next Generation Indie Awards, as well as others.
To relax she plays the piano. Her kitties don't appreciate good music and hide when she tickles the ivories.
Happy Reading. She hopes you enjoy her novels and picture books.
Author Beverly Stowe McClure has crafted an inspiring story for teenagers (as well as adults) who are struggling with bullies and/or low self-esteem.
This is a story that deals with 15-year-old Gabe Montana who is bullied at school, has a weight problem, is dyslexic and a bit clumsy. To add to Gabe’s woes, his mother is deceased, his father is gone, and he and sister are living with his grandfather. The pressures build up to the point Gabe considers suicide. The Guardian Angel Charley intercedes giving Gabe a second chance.
The story tells of the stress and burdens teens can feel from their peers. The author weaves the story as to put the reader into the emotions of the characters. She makes the characters plausible drawing you in to cheer the protagonist on and even have compassion for the bullies.
The story flows smoothly as you navigate the pitfalls and troubles of Gabe and teens like him. The author blends despair and hope, failure and triumphs with a good dose of inspiration for a well-balanced tale. This is a story of encouragement for youth, as well as a way to help adults better understand the perils of teens and the cruelty they can inflict.
Warmth, a bit of humor, and tons of heart follow a boy as he tries to embrace himself and figure out where he belongs.
Gabe doesn't have anything going for him. He's over-weight, clumsy, and has trouble reading. The kids at school torment him daily...to the point that he always is on look-out and goes extra lengths to avoid being seen. But one day, a miracle happens. Gabe meets his guardian angel, who has an answer to help him. It's not one that Gabe really believes will work, though.
This is a book, which connects with all of those who've been bullied or simply don't feel right in their own skin. Which is basically every high school student at one time or another. Gabe might not like himself, but he's still kind and does his best. He's simply lost. His hesitation to accept the angel's advice rings familiar as well as the troubles he comes up against. The family support of his grandfather is inspiring as is the lovely relationship with his sister.
It's a book written with heart that is sure to inspire those who need it.
I received an ARC copy and enjoyed reading the tale quite a bit. So, I'm leaving my honest thought.
"Beverly Stowe McClure’s latest young adult novel, Gabe’s Guardian Angel, brings the reader into the world of Gabe Montana from the onset with incredible imagery and believable teenage angst. Adolescence is difficult in different ways for many people and in Gabe’s case he feels he has many negatives that stand in his way of achieving a “normal” life. Two bullies in school intent in harassing Gabe every day, his dyslexia, his non-existent father and his long passed mother, Gabe sees no way out and wants to die. Until the day Gabe’s guardian angel, Charley, makes his presence known. Shocked, Gabe feels he may be truly going crazy. With the patience of a true guardian angel, Charley, attempts to teach Gabe that everyone has their own battles and all may not be what it seems. Will Gabe heed his new found guardian angel’s help and pull himself out of his spiraling path or will he allow the negative events around him to determine his future? Find out the outcome in Gabe’s Guardian Angel! An important read for young adults and their families. For McClure’s expert writing will surely bring important issues to the surface for discussion."
In Gabe's Guardian Angel, Beverly Stowe McClure taps into some of our early growing pains when we don't fit into the "in" group. Gabe is definitely a kid who is the odd one out. Overweight and not able to read well, his self-confidence is in the dumpster, and some of his classmates are eager to capitalize on that.
However, he has his grandfather and Charlie, a guardian angel, in his corner. If only Gabe will pay attention and believe in himself.
This is a sweet middle-grade read with some relatable characters and a supportive message for young readers.
I was given an Advanced Copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Although not what I expected, Gabe’s guardian Angel by Beverly Stowe McClure is an excellent book for the young teen. With nothing in life going his way, Gabe struggles to make sense of his life. Enter a guardian angel, and Gabe must decide if common sense from an uncommon adult is the way to change his life.
I felt that Gabe’s idea for committing suicide came out of nowhere and was a real shock in the story, at least to this reader. He had two other people to look out for, and that should have centered him more than it seemed too. If Charley had been an actual person, someone Gabe could have genuinely relied on, this story would have won top honors from me. But since I’m not a young adult writer, I can’t argue with the plot or the imagination that created this story.
It’s still an excellent read for any child suffering from loss, dyslexia, and especially bullying. The young characters will win your heart, and the story will have you cheering for a positive outcome for all.
I’ve been reading Beverly Stowe McClure’s books for teens and children for years and they never fail to offer me hope and laughter and love and the strength of family ties. Her latest book, GABE’S GUARDIAN ANGEL gave me all the feels as it addressed issues young teens deal with every day: bullying, struggling families, body image, and learning disabilities. And while the title implies angelic intervention, I have to admit I was cheering for Gabe to discover his own strengths. Was he successful at that? You’ll have to read the book to find out. Highly recommended for schools and school libraries.
Gabe’s Guardian Angel hits all the emotions. Gabe is a sweet main character who I found myself really rooting for. He and his sister have a wonderful sibling relationship. Because Gabe is such a good guy, it broke my heart to watch him doubt himself over his learning disability as well as be on the receiving end of some serious bullying.
With the guidance of his guardian angel, Gabe navigates his challenges, and in the process ends up helping others as well. The ending was the culmination of all the emotions. I teared up and smiled until the very last, satisfying word.
Beverly Stowe McClure has a winning story that demonstrates problem solving and strength of character.
Fifteen-year-old Gabe has no self-confidence. He's overweight, clumsy, and dyslexic. The bullies at school see that he's an easy target and torment him relentlessly. It brings him to the point of wanting to commit suicide. Fortunately, his guardian angel is there to save him. Gabe takes this second chance on life and grows, not only bettering himself but the lives of the bullies.
This is a heart-warming story with likable characters and a positive message that can help teens struggling with self-esteem and being bullied.
The story of Gabe and his guardian angel is engaging read highlighting some series topics that many teens and families deal with. It is a heartwarming journey with likable characters that grow and change with a happy ending.
I volunteered to read an ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
Received a copy of this from the author that I won off of a blog. It is a children's book [middle school]. This is a good book for any kids that are being bullied to read. Not only is it recommended for the ones being bullied but also for the ones doing the bullying.