Everlasting Blue, Slam Dunk Orange, Dragon Fruit Pink…
Seven-year-old Jamie Johnson is obsessed with collecting paint cards. In fact, it’s the only thing that can distract her from fighting with her older sister, during the long, boring summer. Until, that is, a mysterious girl moves in next door. Laren Lark is almost thirteen, a homeschooler, and a passionate poet.
Despite their differences, the two girls quickly become friends and Jamie begins to think that the summer doesn’t have to be so boring. After all, Laren says that adventure can be found anywhere—it’s all about where you look.
The excerpt on the back cover, plus the cover art of Honey Butter. All credit goes to the author, Millie Florence.
Intrigued? Read On:
I first heard about Millie Florence through the YWW (Young Writer’s Workshop) Summit, where multiple published, professional authors came online and spoke on a multitude of topics.
One of the speeches that left the biggest impression came from the youngest speaker—an author named Millie Florence, barely edging into her twenties, with two books published and a third on the way. In one word, she was an entrepreneur.
She intrigued me. She was bold, dynamic, and persistent. So of course, I just had to hunt down her debut novel, Honey Butter.
Never have I read a middle grade novel so introspective and thoughtful, yet so perfectly conveyed through the mind of a child.
Honey Butter, published by Christian writer Millie Florence at age thirteen, tells of the struggles of seven-year-old Jamie, with a clever theme of paint cards and poetry. If this is what she wrote at thirteen, I can’t wait to see what she’ll do as an adult, experienced author.
What I Love:
Honey Butter is the perfect title to capture the sweet, simple beauty of this novel. Everything, from the elegant narrative and absolutely magical descriptions, is pure and pleasant.
Jamie, the main character, is only seven. Her mind is very different from that of a twelve-year-old or even an eight-year-old. Millie Florence navigates this with incredible skill. She so expertly captures the hilariously illogical, simple, and innocent mind of a child.
I’ll admit it—Millie Florence is a genius. Her use of paint cards in the story is so unique and yet so fitting. She must have actually found these paint cards, actually gone and matched them up with the views that Jamie experiences, because every detail is real and grounded. It really adds to the realism and magic of Honey Butter.
What I Don’t Love:
The disadvantage of self-publishing at thirteen—grammar. I saw some inconsistency with various aspects of stylistic elements and formatting, but honestly. Can I really complain? She was thirteen. I’d like to see myself write that well at that age.
Content Warnings:
One mention of death.
Someone mentions a sibling who died in a car accident. There is no gruesome detail, but it is sad.
Ratings:
Appropriate content: 5/5
Story construction: 4/5
Writing skill: 3.8/5
Ethics: 5/5
Other information:
Christian: Yes
Point of view: Third person limited
Tense: Past tense
Romance: No
Series: No
Conclusion:
Honey Butter is one of the most adorable, lovable middle grade stories I have ever read. It’s simple but beautiful, an enchanting story for children up to twelve. I cannot recommend it enough. Go buy it! And go check out Millie Florence’s website! This is such a heartfelt, powerful story from a heartfelt, powerful Christian storyteller. 4 out of 5 ice cream pops.
Until next we meet!
–Astor
Psst! Don’t forget to subscribe to receive access to a free short story and find more stories like Honey Butter.
Leave a Reply