Title: Six Weeks to Yehidah
Author: Melissa Studdard
Genre/s: Young Adult/Middle Grade, Fantasy
Synopsis:
"The thing you would notice most was the rain, how the rain fell and fell and never seemed to stop. The sky was constantly swollen with it, then birthing it, swollen, then birthing again, and the hills, like greedy babies, suckled up all that rain. They shone and glistened green as the backs of frogs on bright green lily pads.
Annalise was ten then, old enough that she’d begun thinking about grown up things, like picking her own clothes out for school, yet young enough, still, to indulge in fanciful imaginings of enchanted trees and talking hills. Her best friends were the clouds that canopied her village and the verdant hills that hosted her most precious and outrageous dreams."
As spunky young Annalise travels from one adventure to another, she learns ancient wisdom traditions and gains deeper and deeper insight into herself and her world. Eventually she must make the most important decision she's ever faced -- whether or not to return to the self she has always known.
My Thoughts:
"Alice in the Wonderland meets Wizard of Oz"
Six Weeks to Yehidah is a Middle grade fantasy novel about a very curious girl named Annalise and her journey to the magical world of Yehidah. With the help of her sheep sidekicks, Mabel and Mimi, they travelled to so many enchanting places and overcome the challenges they encountered along the way.
"Enjoy the trip from now to now. Plant your feet firmly on a cloud. Tell the truth about everything, but sometimes tell it slant. Be kind to all living creatures, even yourself. Close your eyes before you leap. Steer your vehicle with wisdom. Make up a song to commemorate any event, no matter how big or small.”
I really like this book, it reminds me a lot of some of my favorite children's book, Alice in the Wonderland, Wizard of Oz and the Little Prince. Annalise's character is so adorable. She''s smart, funny, charming, creative, inquisitive and full of imagination. She's like Dorothy and Alice rolled into one.
I also like Mabel and Mimi because their funny, witty, and hungry all the time. They're the best companion a child could have in this kind of adventure. And I'm telling you, you will never get bored with this two.
“Always remember, that the most beautiful and authentic worlds are inside your very own self, and you can always find them.”
But my most favorite character here is Hagski. Why? Because I like her randomness that's so over the top and how she's melodramatic and grumpy. I agree to Melissa Studdard, that there's a Hagski in every person.
This book is pack of magical adventures and full of life lessons which is perfect for every kids and all the young at heart.
My Rating:
About the Author:
Melissa Studdard is the author of the bestselling novel Six Weeks to Yehidah, which also won the 2011 Forward National Literature Award for Middle Grade Chapter Books. She is also a professor, a book reviewer at-large for The National Poetry Review, a contributing editor for both Tiferet Journal and The Criterion, and the host of the radio interview program Tiferet Talk. As well, she is a member of many literary organizations, including the National Book Critics Circle and the Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators.
She loves anything related to writing and reading, whether it's sitting alone with a book and a cup of hot tea, or attending a large poetry reading or literary festival. She also loves travelling, meditating, going for walks, bicycling, practicing yoga, and spending time with family.
She currently resides in Texas with her wonderful daughter and their four sweet but mischievous cats.
Visit her website: http://www.melissastuddard.com