A Tinfoil Sky - Cyndi Sand-Eveland

Book Description:

Mel's family wasn't like the families she read about in books, the stories that had fueled the thoughts she'd carried up the stairs that first day she and Cecily arrived back in Riverview. That day there had been hopes of baked cookies, warm hugs, and kind words. But those dreams had tumbled down the stairs, and Mel had no intention of picking them up again - ever.

A Tinfoil Sky is a hard-hitting novel that literally aches with longing. At its heart is a twelve-year-old girl determined to beat incredible odds and steer her own destiny, as she sweeps the read along with her to that one special place called home.

Cyndi Sand-Eveland’s experiences with homeless youth gives her characters an authenticity no reader will forget. Ultimately, a story of hope and acceptance, A Tinfoil Sky is a powerful, can’t-put-it-down novel.

Review

Overall Feel 

I hope no one has to go through a bit of what Melody did (even though I am aware that nothing actually happened to her). The worst part of having an unstable parent (or relative or friend, whatever) is the uncertainty. Although the book's not depressing, it does make you think and for those reasons alone, I give this story 5 stars. The funny thing is, the book's written as if for kindergarten-ers but the content's so mature. That makes sense because while Melody is 12 and although in some ways very mature, she's never experienced things most 12 year-olds have and the tone of the story reflects that. 

Strongest Moment 

When Paul and Mel go to view that homeless guy's place and Paul starts kicking his shopping cart and Mel says: "Stop! Those are someone's things!"...That made me realize that just because you're homeless, doesn't mean you can't belong somewhere. 

Peeves & Likes 

I did believe Gladys changed her attitude a bit too suddenly for me and I never understood why Cecily left in the first place. That remains a mystery but I guess you can't solve everything. The small perks that Mel has, e.g: Counting days down and evaluating money before she's even started a job sounded just like me (and getting excited to be in a library), just like a normalkid (apart from the library part :P) . A recommended read for everyone, young and old alike!