Share Faire Famous by Stephanie Henson is the perfect balance between a lighthearted, entertaining story and addressing deeper themes such as bullying. With the start of sixth grade quickly approaching, Marshall Hope has a lot to be anxious about. He’s been internet famous since his mother posted baby pictures of him on an app called Share Faire and is struggling to find his identity apart from his internet persona. Yet another challenge arises when Marshall receives messages from an unknown bully. Marshall must decide what kind of person he wants to be.
REVIEW
The story is told from Marshall’s point of view, and I love how his character develops throughout the book. He has to learn to choose to do what is right instead of what is easy. Middle schoolers today can identify with Marshall’s struggles and learn from his choices. I think this book is especially relevant with the prevalence of social media today, as readers can see Marshall’s struggles with being internet famous and how he learns to unplug from social media. Other characters in the book develop, including Marshall’s oldest sister Ruby and his dad. These secondary characters are important to the story, and readers can learn from their development as well.
“Will I be able to have a normal middle school experience or will I have to deal with invasions to my pride and privacy from minute one? I am not even sure who I am at this point. I could just embrace the fame and popularity. Or I can try to carve out my own path, on my own terms” (18).
The author also does a good job of incorporating vivid details and comparisons in the story to help readers understand how Marshall is feeling, and several passages stuck with me. The similes used throughout the story make it especially memorable and convey the author’s points effectively. Marshall’s sense of humor and sarcasm added lighthearted moments to the story and kept me reading. I found Marshall’s relationship with his mother especially interesting.
I really enjoyed reading this story and recommend it to both boys and girls ages ten through twelve.
OUR GUEST BLOGGER
Kathryn Dover lives in South Carolina with her family including five cats, a dog, three fish, and many house plants. She recently graduated from Presbyterian College with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and was a valedictorian of the Class of 2024. She’s not sure what she wants to do as a career, only that she wants to write, but is trusting that God has a plan for her life to use her in a powerful way. In her free time, she enjoys reading, photography, playing with her pets, and growing plants.
GIVEAWAY
Leave a comment by December 10 to enter the contest. Stephanie is offering an autographed copy PLUS swag to one fortunate winner. With the holidays coming up, this will make a great gift! U.S. addresses only. Share this on social media for an extra chance to win.
Find more middle grade reviews on Greg Pattridge’s MMGM blog on Monday!
Great book review, Kathryn! This sounds like an interesting and relatable story.
Thanks, Marci– your name starts the list!
Great book. I wonder if my 10-year-old grand boy is asking these questions!
thanks, Hewi. Your name goes in the list–I was thinking about your grandson!
This looks like a great book for my twin 6th grade grands! And the author is so young and from SC, my home for 32 years!
Kathryn Dover is a developing writer herself. THanks for your comment, Gail.
Interesting modern day problem. I often see parents featuring their kids on websites but never thought how it might effect them later. Thanks for including the story on this week’s MMGM. I’ll once again let someone else win who has time to read it in the next 6 months.
Thanks, Greg! I know you’re swamped with books!
Great book review Kathryn. So glad that the topic of internet fame via parents of minors is addressed.
I agree, Beth. Thanks for your comment. I’ll add your name to the giveaway list.
Great review! This sounds an interesting book, and I love the theme! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your comment, Valinora.
Ooops. I guess I was too late to the dance. My bad.
thanks for commenting though, Rosi!