This week’s Saturday’s Pick is Dickensen Academy by Christine Grabowski
About Dickensen Academy
Dickensen Academy, secluded in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, may be Autumn’s dream come true…or her worst nightmare.
Reviews
“Grabowski writes in an engaging prose that summons Autumn’s excitement and anxiety while also deftly building the tensions surrounding the school’s mysteries…” ~ Kirkus Reviews
“Young adults who enjoy boarding school stories, paranormal encounters, and stories of growth of a teen who receives lessons on romance, mistakes, and special abilities will find much to like about Dickensen Academy, an institution which specializes in making dreams come true in more than one way. Autumn’s first-person character is nicely done and inviting, and the world of Dickensen with all of its conundrums and confusion comes to life through her eyes, making for a story that is hard to put down.” — D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review’
About the Author
After graduating from the University of Washington, Christine Grabowski earned her MBA at the University at Albany. She honed her technical writing skills in marketing and consulting but attributes the creative part of the process to her passion for reading.
She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and the Pacific Northwest Writers Association (PNWA).
When she isn’t reading or writing, Christine can often be found running, skiing, or hiking. She lives in Newcastle, Washington, with her supportive husband, two avid teen readers, and their energetic wheaten terriers.
My Review
Autumn Mattison had a dream about Dickensen Academy. She’s convinced this is the school she’s meant to attend. Although she hates to go so far from her brother and mom, she’s anxious to get out from under her father’s demands.
Acceptance to the school is by invitation only. Dickensen Foundation pays the tuition costs, so money isn’t an issue. It’s a no-brainer, isn’t it?
Autumn listens intently when Principal Locke explains that the students are separated from their families so they’ll become a cohesive group. That’s fine, but the fact they have no reception for social media and cell phones is incredibly difficult in the beginning. Although she adores her roommate Aditi Singh, there is at least one girl who doesn’t seem at all impressed that Autumn’s there.
For any young person who has never felt like they ‘measured-up’ in a parent’s eyes, Autumn’s struggle to be successful at Dickensen Academy will tug at their heartstrings. In addition to Autumn’s struggle to look good in her father’s eyes, she can’t seem to concentrate on her goals. Ben, the boy in her dreams, is actually a student there too. More than anything, she wants to impress him.
This book is a great example of what life would be like in a boarding school. The characters include both friends and bullies, teachers who seem to really care about their student’s success, and security staff who appear out of nowhere to protect the kids from whatever lurks in the woods.
Teens will connect with the characters and the school’s secret curriculum will spark their imaginations.
You Can Connect with Christine
Website
Goodreads
Thank you for the wonderful review.
You are most welcome, Christine. It is a delightful book! I gave a copy to my granddaughter for Christmas!