One look at the cover and you would guess TEAM CANTEEN ROCKY ROAD is the newest YA novel from author Amalie Jahn. Her recent titles are all YA including NEXT TO LAST MISTAKE and AFTER CHECKMATE.

Upon a closer look though TEAM CANTEEN is a new series geared toward upper middle grade readers, perfect for ages 10-12. On the cover are 7th graders Claire, Billie, Raelynn, and Tasha. They met at summer camp and bonded over the fact that none of them fit into their life at home.

The story begins at the end of summer camp when they come to believe a pink feathered boa will bring them good luck. The four agree to share the boa by mailing it to each other while they are at home in different cities and schools.

Alternating chapters with the four main characters takes readers through the school year. Claire is having a hard time since her Dad lost his job and is afraid the kids at school will find out. Billie is trying to follow his dad’s wishes for him to be a hockey star, but he’d rather be a figure skater. Raelynn hides the fact she is an online gamer and is having a tough time with her twin sister as they are at odds with each other all the time. Finally there is Tasha who has two new adoptive members of the house that aren’t working out (one younger cousin and a destructive dog).

Middle school and all its drama is the focus. Our four tweens have their problems, but it seems though that the pink boa is helping each of them cope. The story may in fact help readers in this age group see the bright side of friendships and how they can help.

PAGE COUNT: 256 BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 3, 2024

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: TEAM CANTEEN ROCKY ROAD by Amalie Jahn

1. Accepting who you are is a wonderful lesson for all to experience.
2. Alternating viewpoints was the perfect choice to present this story. You have the chance to experience each character in a much more meaningful way.
3. This one looks like it might be headed toward YA territory if future books in the series also take you through a full year. Readers will be able to grow right along with Claire, Billie, Raelynn, and Tasha.
4. The challenges of middle school share the stage with those coming from siblings and parents at home. Both sides come across in a believable way.
5. The feathered boa does not take this story into the fantasy realm. Instead it provides the change in each of these characters in a contemporary, realistic fashion.

About The Author

USA Today Bestselling author Amalie Jahn is the recipient of the Literary Classics Seal of Approval and the Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal for her debut YA novel, THE CLAY LION. Her first YA contemporary, THE NEXT TO LAST MISTAKE, won the prestigious IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award in 2020. She is a contributing blogger with the Huffington Post and Southern Writers Magazine, as well as a finalist in the 2015 Kindle Book Awards. A TED speaker, human rights advocate, and active promoter of kindness, she lives in the United States with her husband, two children, and three extremely overfed cats.

When she’s not at the computer coaxing characters into submission, you can find Amalie swimming laps, cycling, or running on the treadmill, probably training for her next triathlon. She hates pairing socks and loves avocados. She is also very happy time travel does not yet exist. Stalk her right here in the present day at these social media sites:

Website – www.amaliejahn.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AmalieJahn

Twitter – @AmalieJahn

Instagram – @amalie.jahn.official

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