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Junebug #1
Junebug
Reeve McLain, Jr.--Junebug--has a big dream that keeps him going. He dreams that someday he and his younger sister and mother will move from the awful housing project where drugs, gangs, and guns are part of everyday life. Junebug's 10th birthday is coming up, and he knows the gangs and drug dealers will be after him to join them. But he has a big birthday plan to keep his hope alive.
112 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 1995
26 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Alice Mead
28 books11 followersAlice Mead is the author of many books for young readers, as well as a painter and human rights advocate. Though confined to a wheelchair, she lives independently in Maine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 16, 2018
Sometimes authors use a dystopian setting to highlight problems in our world today. Thus, I was shocked that this 112 page children book has a writing style and storytelling aspects that are superior to many of the thick YA novels I've read. From page one, I was astonished by 9 year old Junebug's imagination and the phenomenal way Alice Mead wields words.
Although, Junebug's biggest issue does not involve a love interest or talking down a totalitarian government, the matter of surviving in the projects with an Aunt who makes juvenile decisions and the inevitable gang invitation awaiting him as early as age 13 - make a dystopian world sound cozy.
I'm reluctant to elaborate further on the challenges Junebug faces since the book is so brief and because I really really want you to read this. I spent a couple summers at camps working with kids who live in the NYC projects, not far from where I live, that bear a striking resemblance to the projects Junebug lives in. I feel like I understand those kids I looked after better.
I don't understand why books like these were not in my school library from pre-k to 6th grade. Looking back all I remember are having access to books with white characters who were never worried about money or any of the problems POC in my neighborhood face. This is especially confounding since, there were no white students at my at my K-8 school. My school was comprised of Black American, Guyanese, Jamaican, Trinidadian, Bengali, Indian, and a few Latino students. Often the students, like me, had parents who were immigrants or immigrated from the aforementioned locations themselves. I was a bit of an oddball being the only person in my year with parents who immigrated from Africa, but that's a long story for another time.
I just hope kids have access to books they can see themselves in at their schools today.
Although, Junebug's biggest issue does not involve a love interest or talking down a totalitarian government, the matter of surviving in the projects with an Aunt who makes juvenile decisions and the inevitable gang invitation awaiting him as early as age 13 - make a dystopian world sound cozy.
I'm reluctant to elaborate further on the challenges Junebug faces since the book is so brief and because I really really want you to read this. I spent a couple summers at camps working with kids who live in the NYC projects, not far from where I live, that bear a striking resemblance to the projects Junebug lives in. I feel like I understand those kids I looked after better.
I don't understand why books like these were not in my school library from pre-k to 6th grade. Looking back all I remember are having access to books with white characters who were never worried about money or any of the problems POC in my neighborhood face. This is especially confounding since, there were no white students at my at my K-8 school. My school was comprised of Black American, Guyanese, Jamaican, Trinidadian, Bengali, Indian, and a few Latino students. Often the students, like me, had parents who were immigrants or immigrated from the aforementioned locations themselves. I was a bit of an oddball being the only person in my year with parents who immigrated from Africa, but that's a long story for another time.
I just hope kids have access to books they can see themselves in at their schools today.
October 10, 2014
I thought that this book was a good book to read. It teaches you to always stay strong even through hard times and bad influences.
plot: Junebug is a young boy of the age of 9. He has a dream to collect mini bottles. Although he has a hard childhood, he tries his hardest to make the best of things even in the situations that he is in. From gang affiliation, to hard family matters, Junebug doesn’t give up on his dream.
characterization: Junebug is a young boy who is trying to fulfill his dream of collecting small glass bottles, Tasha is Junebug’s sister. She is just learning how to read, and enjoys hanging out with her brother.
Setting and impact: The setting is in a run down town. (where exact is
unknown) This story takes place in the past. The setting had to be in a run down town, because there are gangs involved and a lower view on life. The book is in the past, because the way that the story is being told.
Thematic connection: The author’s message in this story, is to always make the best of things. No matter what bad things you may deal with, if you have a dream, follow the dream and make something of your life.
Who and why: I would recommend this book to anyone looking to learn from the young. If you are older than Junebug, and reading this book, you can learn from someone who is younger than you are.
August 17, 2024
Junebug? What a name. Let me start off by informing Miss Mead and fellow readers that I am a 36 year old Black, Man. I hope everyone can appreciate the sensitive, honest and responsible approach one must have when deciding to write children's literature due to the impact it can have on the way they view themselves. So I thought I would give the readers a little more accurate depiction of how the real life as a Black person goes. So anyway, I stumbled upon "JUNEBUG" at my nephew's Elementary school while visiting for family lunch day. Lunch was great! Time went so fast that it was over before i knew it. So, with a somber feeling I packed up and said "See you later man. I Love You!". On my way out I noticed that the school staff even had cookies along with free novels for the children to enjoy at home. Wonderful, I thought. Naturally I gravitated towards the one titled, Junebug. I mean, I was excited just seeing the cover noticing the boy with a face similar to mine when I was attending grammar school. A thought came to mind, " This would be a great read for a 5th grader."
Now that the day is able to picture in your minds, I would like to say how completely inaccurate, negative, false, and insensitive felt it was for a elderly white woman to describe the life as a 10 year old black kid. I hope everyone is able to see my underlying point. The future has to be better!
Now that the day is able to picture in your minds, I would like to say how completely inaccurate, negative, false, and insensitive felt it was for a elderly white woman to describe the life as a 10 year old black kid. I hope everyone is able to see my underlying point. The future has to be better!
April 13, 2015
Personal reaction: I thought Junebug was kind of heartbreaking because of what Junebug had to deal with growing up in the projects. I also thought it was heartwarming the way he decided to be strong and overcome obstacles to finally get his wish of learning more about boats.
Purpose: I think this book would be especially good for individual reading of kids in the 3rd to 5th grade range because it shows how a young boy fights against the odds and doesn't end up a victim of the projects like most other boys when they turn 10 years old. I believe it could give children that grow up in especially difficult neighborhoods where gangs and drugs run rampant the motivation to find a better life for themselves and show them it does not have to be that way. I also like how it shows Junebug setting a goal and then actually taking steps to achieve it. For example, he wants to be a captain of a sailboat someday so he writes notes and puts them in jars so hopefully someone will see them. While one could argue he is leaving a lot up to chance, at least he is not being completely passive in achieving his goal.
Purpose: I think this book would be especially good for individual reading of kids in the 3rd to 5th grade range because it shows how a young boy fights against the odds and doesn't end up a victim of the projects like most other boys when they turn 10 years old. I believe it could give children that grow up in especially difficult neighborhoods where gangs and drugs run rampant the motivation to find a better life for themselves and show them it does not have to be that way. I also like how it shows Junebug setting a goal and then actually taking steps to achieve it. For example, he wants to be a captain of a sailboat someday so he writes notes and puts them in jars so hopefully someone will see them. While one could argue he is leaving a lot up to chance, at least he is not being completely passive in achieving his goal.
June 23, 2008
This is a somber but heartwarming story of 9-year old Reeve McClain, whose friends and family call him Junebug. It is just before his 10th birthday and Junebug is busy filling empty glass bottles with his birthday wish, which is to sail on a boat, as he hopes one day to be a sea captain. He’s also struggling with surviving in the projects of New Haven, Connecticut, where daily life is rough. He is helping his little sister Tasha learn to read, watches her after school when their aunt finds better things to do, helps his mom with dinner and chores, and dreams of a better life outside of the projects, where there are no gangs and no violence. The author actually spent time teaching art in this neighborhood.
November 26, 2015
I generally liked this book overall. There are a lot of complexities in Junebugs life that are well reflected through Mead's writing. However, if you look at this book through a cultural lens, it was very stereotypical and in some ways over generalized "life in the projects". I think it's a great book for students to read particularly when you are trying to examine stereotypes and why people join gangs.
October 6, 2016
Surprised the ratings for this book aren't higher. Absolutely loved this story and I know my students will too.
June 21, 2023
I have some feelings about this one. Like, on the surface, it's a seemingly accurate depiction of a young black boy's life dealing with being vulnerable and disadvantaged, and overcoming these. Standard sort of stuff for these stories.
Author is almost definitely Not Black.
I'm not saying people can't write convincingly outside one's own experiences, including racial, but... already trying to come to terms with a realisation that ALL of my childhood books about Asian culture... white people wrote them. It feels inauthentic, even if they were written with all the cultural sensitivity they could muster. Why do I have ZERO childhood books about Asian culture... from Asians??
(okay, one I eventually retrieved was, Dragonwings, but that was a library book vs. one we actually owned)
Not exactly my parents' fault, as they likely just bought us whatever without considering who wrote/drew them, but it's something I've become increasingly aware of in recent times. It's getting much better, but it's definitely a thing I notice when I see it.
THAT SAID THOUGH, it's not like the Underprivileged Black Experience is terribly mystifying these days. I read a few books like The Hate U Give and even *I* could possibly write a story about an "authentic" Black Experience. (I won't, though, or at least I wouldn't advertise it as such.)
The book is cute, though, between the sad parts, though the one part that grates my nerves a little is where he doxxes himself in sending out his message, which feels extremely unsafe from today's perspective. I don't know how many kids would copycat this nowadays, but it's worrisome.
Author is almost definitely Not Black.
I'm not saying people can't write convincingly outside one's own experiences, including racial, but... already trying to come to terms with a realisation that ALL of my childhood books about Asian culture... white people wrote them. It feels inauthentic, even if they were written with all the cultural sensitivity they could muster. Why do I have ZERO childhood books about Asian culture... from Asians??
(okay, one I eventually retrieved was, Dragonwings, but that was a library book vs. one we actually owned)
Not exactly my parents' fault, as they likely just bought us whatever without considering who wrote/drew them, but it's something I've become increasingly aware of in recent times. It's getting much better, but it's definitely a thing I notice when I see it.
THAT SAID THOUGH, it's not like the Underprivileged Black Experience is terribly mystifying these days. I read a few books like The Hate U Give and even *I* could possibly write a story about an "authentic" Black Experience. (I won't, though, or at least I wouldn't advertise it as such.)
The book is cute, though, between the sad parts, though the one part that grates my nerves a little is where he doxxes himself in sending out his message, which feels extremely unsafe from today's perspective. I don't know how many kids would copycat this nowadays, but it's worrisome.
July 27, 2017
This is another YA book that was recommended to me so I picked it up. I enjoyed it. Junebug is a tad younger in this book (10 years old) , and I point that out because I thought a slightly older kid might get more out of it and I wasn't sure a twelve or thirteen year old kid would read about a 10 year old. But I thought it just seemed a bit beyond a 10 year old in interest and in the style. But I could be wrong here, and not a good judge of that. However, I really thought this book had merit and interest, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. He's living in a very bad neighborhood, and in not good circumstances (since he's going to be 10, kids in the neighborhood want him to join a gang --- already!) He is worried about this birthday, and he would much rather pursue his dream --- to collect enough bottles and put notes in each one, asking people to support his interest in sailing away somewhere. It's nice how that finishes off. I liked this a lot. Tons of dialogue! Mostly dialogue, so easy read for kids, and it has a lot of action going on. Warning: it deals with a gun -- Junebug learns a lot about the problem with carrying guns, and it's a good lesson, in my opinion.
April 25, 2022
Everyday after school Junebug is in charge of taking care of his little sister Tasha. He was a kid who just wanted out of the projects where he and his mom and sister Tasha were forced to live. Away from the gangs and violence and become a captain. He wants to man his own ship and sail far far away. In exchange for a place to stay there aunt Jolita is supposed to take care of them. Aunt Jolita brought home a man which caused her and the mom to get into a fight and get hurt. Junebug had to step in and take care of his little sister. When his mom was released she stopped the job at the nursing home and got a new one. I gave this book 5 stars because it does a great job introducing hard topics for children. It shows the Responsibilities that are put on church at an early age and how big and how it can affect them.
May 20, 2018
One of my students brought this book to me because he noticed a lot of similarities to “Dear Martin” by Nic Stone. He read it back in 5th grade and wanted to see if I noticed similarities as well. It definitely alludes to a lot of the same trials that Justyce goes through in “Dear Martin,” and it makes me happy that these books have the ability to be in younger readers’ hands. It is imperative to expose children to books of all kinds, especially books that are diverse and cause its reader to think critically. Junebug, a boy, is only 10, yet he experiences many trials that push him to mature much quicker than he needs to. This is a great read and it makes me so happy that I have students who are connecting books & recommending them to me!
April 6, 2018
Short but engaging tale of a young African-American boy in the projects, I would guess circa 1987. He is street-smart and protects his kidergartener sister while his mom works long hours. The description of the high-rise project he lives in could allow kids a glimpse of a world they are unfamiliar with. The boy's ability to watch and evaluate people around him as well as his own choices in life are life lessons to be shared with all.
May 6, 2017
This was a re-read from my childhood. I couldn't get rid of it when i was weeding last year because I remember loving it. It was worth taking the time to read again, just wish I thought my kids would like it.
December 26, 2017
The premise of the book was what first encouraged me to read it. Junebug is a role model for strength in the face of adversity. There could have been more substance to it but I’m also aware of the audience the author is trying to capture. A good quick read in between novels.
March 20, 2020
Decent little book -- Junebug is a very winning young man. It does feel a bit dated, which makes sense, since it was published in 1997. A little whiff of after school special, but also a kid who knows what he likes (sailboats) and has a plan to make that wish happen.
August 28, 2018
This book was very interesting , I’ve read it plenty of times . It has very good parts & it paints a vivid picture in your mind . I recommend you read
April 24, 2019
This is a great read. In spite of everything that life has thrown at him, Junebug makes lemonade out of lemons. The story will break the reader's heart, but hope shines through.
February 23, 2020
Great read for some frank discussions with students about modern topics.
October 1, 2020
I have read so many books lately that can only be called eye openers
January 10, 2023
A lovely book about not giving up on your dreams, and standing strong in your convictions. :)
November 11, 2024
4.5
Didn't know that this will take a dark route in the middle; it really captures the mundane tho and I'm in love with the siblinghood also
Didn't know that this will take a dark route in the middle; it really captures the mundane tho and I'm in love with the siblinghood also
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2017
Living in the housing projects in New Haven, Connecticut, about-to-be-ten-year-old Junebug is trying desperately to avoid be initiated by gangs. His mother works hard to support him and his little sister and depends on Aunt Jolita to care for the kids when she isn't home. But, Jolita is falling in with some questionable characters herself and often leaves the kids to fend for themselves.
When Junebug's mom confronts Jolita, disaster strikes leaving the little family no choice but to move out of the projects. Fortunately, Junebug's mom has been offered a promotion that will allow this family a choice. Yet, Junebug and his little sister, Tasha are sad to leave their beloved volunteer reading teacher behind. Choices are tough sometimes.
Junebug is a quick read full of situations that some kids don't have to deal with in their neighborhoods. Maybe not entirely realistic, it still offers a glimpse into struggles and choices some kids are met with frequently.
When Junebug's mom confronts Jolita, disaster strikes leaving the little family no choice but to move out of the projects. Fortunately, Junebug's mom has been offered a promotion that will allow this family a choice. Yet, Junebug and his little sister, Tasha are sad to leave their beloved volunteer reading teacher behind. Choices are tough sometimes.
Junebug is a quick read full of situations that some kids don't have to deal with in their neighborhoods. Maybe not entirely realistic, it still offers a glimpse into struggles and choices some kids are met with frequently.
May 16, 2017
Junebug by Alice Mead is about the boy was do the game and he was happy. They was play with his brother. I recommendation my sister and brother because they fight a lot. Need to learn how to be nice. My sister and brother can be nice.
October 29, 2011
Format/Length: Chapter Book; 102 pages
Award(s)/Distinction(s):
Black Eyed Susan Award (Maryland)
Bluebonnet Award (Texas)
Theme(s): Dreams, Values, Family, Inner Struggles, Negative Influences
Review:
Surrounded by ugliness and negativity- gangs, drugs, and violence, Junebug is full of positivity and high hopes. He dreams of one day moving out of the projects with his mother and sister Tasha and sailing the waters. Junebug helps watch over his little sister because his aunt Jolita is too busy hanging out with girls who fight and dating a drug-dealer. While reading this book, I just wanted to scream at the aunt for being such a horrible person, especially to her own family. Junebug notices the young, neighbor boys hanging on the block to, some of them even carrying guns now. One of his best friends Darnell, who is a couple years older than him, got involved with some drug-dealer and decided to use some money he stole from that guy to get away from the projects. While the people around him were either being consumed by the streets or running away from them, Junebug continued to be there for his family. In this story, Junebug turns 10, and even at that young age, he is faced with tough decisions because of the environment around him. I love the way the story ends because Junebug birthday wish came true, as well as his dream of moving out of the projects. It is a happy ending for a boy who deserves to have a normal, safe life. By the end of the book, I wanted to hear more about Junebug.
Award(s)/Distinction(s):
Black Eyed Susan Award (Maryland)
Bluebonnet Award (Texas)
Theme(s): Dreams, Values, Family, Inner Struggles, Negative Influences
Review:
Surrounded by ugliness and negativity- gangs, drugs, and violence, Junebug is full of positivity and high hopes. He dreams of one day moving out of the projects with his mother and sister Tasha and sailing the waters. Junebug helps watch over his little sister because his aunt Jolita is too busy hanging out with girls who fight and dating a drug-dealer. While reading this book, I just wanted to scream at the aunt for being such a horrible person, especially to her own family. Junebug notices the young, neighbor boys hanging on the block to, some of them even carrying guns now. One of his best friends Darnell, who is a couple years older than him, got involved with some drug-dealer and decided to use some money he stole from that guy to get away from the projects. While the people around him were either being consumed by the streets or running away from them, Junebug continued to be there for his family. In this story, Junebug turns 10, and even at that young age, he is faced with tough decisions because of the environment around him. I love the way the story ends because Junebug birthday wish came true, as well as his dream of moving out of the projects. It is a happy ending for a boy who deserves to have a normal, safe life. By the end of the book, I wanted to hear more about Junebug.
October 16, 2012
I don't know how I haven't read this before. It was brilliant. Not only is this an extremely well-written book, it is so relatable to students who are going through a similar situation.
Junebug is a 9 year old boy, anticipating his 10th birthday. He lives in the projects in New Haven with his mother, little sisters, and, more recently, Aunt Jolita, who would rather hang out with her friends than watch her niece and nephew when they get home from school. Junebug has a plan for getting out of the projects, but he faces a new challenge at every turn, leaving him feeling hopeless.
The general theme of struggling for something better is something all students can relate to at one time or another. For students who are living this life, it's nice to know somebody else is struggling too. For students who don't live this life, it's good to have their eyes opened to a different part of the United States. The author is honest about gang activity, acknowledging that there are bad people there that Junebug should stay away from, but she's not so in-your-face that fourth-graders shouldn't be reading it.
I highly recommend this book for any teachers from advanced fourth graders through sixth graders. The figurative language might make it difficult for English Language Learners, but definitely adds something special to the story, so it's worth the struggle.
Junebug is a 9 year old boy, anticipating his 10th birthday. He lives in the projects in New Haven with his mother, little sisters, and, more recently, Aunt Jolita, who would rather hang out with her friends than watch her niece and nephew when they get home from school. Junebug has a plan for getting out of the projects, but he faces a new challenge at every turn, leaving him feeling hopeless.
The general theme of struggling for something better is something all students can relate to at one time or another. For students who are living this life, it's nice to know somebody else is struggling too. For students who don't live this life, it's good to have their eyes opened to a different part of the United States. The author is honest about gang activity, acknowledging that there are bad people there that Junebug should stay away from, but she's not so in-your-face that fourth-graders shouldn't be reading it.
I highly recommend this book for any teachers from advanced fourth graders through sixth graders. The figurative language might make it difficult for English Language Learners, but definitely adds something special to the story, so it's worth the struggle.
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December 7, 2016Summary: Junebug, whose real name is Reeve McLain, Jr. wants nothing more than his family to be able to get out of the housing projects in Connecticut. He is constantly surrounded by gangs, drugs and violence and knows that when his tenth birthday arrives, they will be looking to recruit him. He has a plan for his birthday which helps to keep hope for his life afterwards.
Review: 'Junebug' is such a real-life story as told from a fictional point of view. This is an important topic that is so overlooked and should be addressed for people of all ages. Many children do live in the midst of gang violence in bad neighborhoods, and reading books like this will spread awareness to hopefully make a change for the future.
Related Books: 'Any Small Goodness: A Novel of the Barrio' by Tony Johnston, 'Under the Same Sun'
by Sharon Robinson
Social Justice Issue: Classism, Race, Socio-economic status
Review: 'Junebug' is such a real-life story as told from a fictional point of view. This is an important topic that is so overlooked and should be addressed for people of all ages. Many children do live in the midst of gang violence in bad neighborhoods, and reading books like this will spread awareness to hopefully make a change for the future.
Related Books: 'Any Small Goodness: A Novel of the Barrio' by Tony Johnston, 'Under the Same Sun'
by Sharon Robinson
Social Justice Issue: Classism, Race, Socio-economic status
July 2, 2011
It about a boy Junebug who as a dream that his young sister and mom leave his awful home. So humbug write to whom and they can help and find. Junebug live in a place were there drug gangs and other. Junebug has alot of thing plan for his birthday. So Junebug picks up his and see if she got a sticker and she did because she can read. So one day ms robert come and teach her how to read. So Junebug tell there mom and she was happy and told Junebug to tell ms Robert thank you for helping my little girl and sister. Then there a boy Trevor and people say he has a gun. Then it this other boy Darnell he meet this guy that rich and gave him money and know the guy looking for him but he left and Darnell told Junnbug if a guy come and looking for me tell him I don't know were he went. That is all I can remember.
April 30, 2013
Junebug is about a young boy, Junebug, who lives in the projects. Every boy at the age of ten in the projects is forced to join a gang for “survival”. Junebug does not want to join a gang, he wants to move away with his mother and sister to have a better life away from the gangs and violence. Junebug refuses to give up on his dream for a better life. This book is good addition to the text set because Junebug is being forced to be “a man” and join a gang. He knows that isn’t right and wants a better life. Students will be able to see how other kids in different parts of the country deal with being their age, what comes with being 10? Different things come with that age for different people. This book shows that even though you are growing older you can still hold on to your dreams. I would use this with an interactive read aloud.
April 10, 2009
A cute story about a boy with big dreams!
From back cover:
"Reeve McLain, r - Junebug - has a big dream that keeps him going. Junebug dreams that someday he and his younger sister and mother will move from the awful housing project where drugs, gangs, and guns are part of everyday life. Junebug's tenth birthday is coming up, and he knows the gangs and drug dealers will be after him to join them. But Junebug has a big birthday plan to keep his hope alive. He's going to launch his collection of glass bottles filled with notes about his dreams and wishes. Maybe someway, somehow, Junebug's big dream will come true."
From back cover:
"Reeve McLain, r - Junebug - has a big dream that keeps him going. Junebug dreams that someday he and his younger sister and mother will move from the awful housing project where drugs, gangs, and guns are part of everyday life. Junebug's tenth birthday is coming up, and he knows the gangs and drug dealers will be after him to join them. But Junebug has a big birthday plan to keep his hope alive. He's going to launch his collection of glass bottles filled with notes about his dreams and wishes. Maybe someway, somehow, Junebug's big dream will come true."
March 27, 2011
This was a really good book that I feel does a decent job of capturing the projects. It could be a YA pick based on theme, but it's clearly written at an elementary level with a 4th grader as the main character. This child is afraid of drug lords and gangster thugs that are part of his apartment complex, and seem inexcapable. I feel for him. I think it could have been longer, and I'd love to find out what happened to Junebug. Wanted to slap the aunt. The author does a pretty good job of characterization. Off to see if there's a sequel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews