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The Girl from Earth's End
Gifted gardener Henna embarks from her island home to search for the plant that might save her papa’s life in this story of love, grief, and growth.
Twelve-year-old Henna loves living with her two papas and cultivating her beloved plants on the tiny island of Earth’s End—until Papa Niall grows seriously ill. Now Henna is determined to find a legendary, long-extinct plant with miraculous healing powers, even though the search means journeying all the way to St. Basil’s Conservatory, a botanical boarding school rumored to house seeds of every plant ever grown. At St. Basil’s, Henna is surrounded not only by incredible plants, but also, for the first time, other kids—including her new roommates: wisecracking, genderfluid P, who gleefully bends every rule they come up against, and wealthy, distant Lora, who is tired of servants doing everything for her, from folding her clothes to pushing her wheelchair. But Henna’s search for the fabled healing seed means she doesn’t have time for friends—or so she thinks.
Twelve-year-old Henna loves living with her two papas and cultivating her beloved plants on the tiny island of Earth’s End—until Papa Niall grows seriously ill. Now Henna is determined to find a legendary, long-extinct plant with miraculous healing powers, even though the search means journeying all the way to St. Basil’s Conservatory, a botanical boarding school rumored to house seeds of every plant ever grown. At St. Basil’s, Henna is surrounded not only by incredible plants, but also, for the first time, other kids—including her new roommates: wisecracking, genderfluid P, who gleefully bends every rule they come up against, and wealthy, distant Lora, who is tired of servants doing everything for her, from folding her clothes to pushing her wheelchair. But Henna’s search for the fabled healing seed means she doesn’t have time for friends—or so she thinks.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published March 14, 2023
About the author
Tara Dairman
6 books208 followersTara Dairman is the author of the middle-grade novels THE GIRL FROM EARTH'S END (3.14.23, Candlewick), and ALL FOUR STARS, THE STARS OF SUMMER, STARS SO SWEET, and THE GREAT HIBERNATION (all published by Penguin Random House). Tara's debut picture book, DESERT GIRL, MONSOON BOY, illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan, was named to many best-of-the-year lists. Tara is also a recovering full-time RVer (2.5 years all over North America) and a decade before that, a round-the-world honeymooner (2 years, 74 countries!).
Tara holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from Dartmouth College and is represented by Ammi-Joan Paquette of the Erin Murphy Literary Agency.
Blog: taradairman.com/blog
Facebook: facebook.com/TaraDairmanAuthor
Twitter: twitter.com/#!/TaraDairman
Instagram: instagram.com/allfourstars
Author photo credit: Tina Wood Photography
Tara holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from Dartmouth College and is represented by Ammi-Joan Paquette of the Erin Murphy Literary Agency.
Blog: taradairman.com/blog
Facebook: facebook.com/TaraDairmanAuthor
Twitter: twitter.com/#!/TaraDairman
Instagram: instagram.com/allfourstars
Author photo credit: Tina Wood Photography
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
September 6, 2022
This book broke through my pandemic brain fog and reminded me why I love reading and especially why I love reading kids' books. It's so special. I actually find it a little hard to describe this book, because it’s so many things: it’s tender and sweet and so funny, it’s an adventure, it’s a school story, a story of first friends, but also of loss and of living with the weight of anticipated grief that you’re doing absolutely everything in your power to prevent. I really can’t wait for you all to read this. (I am of course a bit biased as the editor of this extraordinary book.)
May 30, 2023
5/5 stars
Look, I’ve done the whole “I’m not crying, you are- gag” a few times with these middle-grade books that unexpectedly get me in the feelings… This time I’m not even apologizing: I was full-on in tears by the end, and I’m not even ashamed of it.
I read and review quite a wide range of genres: from high-brow literary fiction to horror, from medical memoirs to 800+ page-fantasy epics. And yet middle-grade fiction can be a league of its own, and a craft I respect to my core.
There’s this saying that if you can’t explain something to a 12-year-old, you don’t understand it well enough. Books like this exemplify that saying; they boil a story and an emotional journey down to the core, and distill it for a 12-year-old to understand (without patronizing or talking down to them!) in a way that many a literary fiction author fails to do in double the page count.
Our story begins on the titular island of Earth’s End, the smallest of the Gardenia Archipelago. So small in fact that it only has three inhabitants; twelve year old Henna and her two papa’s. As a family, they act as caretakers of the island and its lush variety of plants and gardens. That all changes, when one of Henna’s papas falls seriously ill. When Henna learns of the existence of a legendary, near-extinct plant with miraculous healing powers that used to grow on the Gardenia’s, she is determined to find the last seed to save her papa. To do so, she must apply to the St. Basil’s Conservatory; a botanical boarding school on the main isle which is rumoured to own the last seed. Along her journey, she is helped by her two roommates: genderfluid, quick-witted P, who’s nose for schemes and adventure proves more than helpful, and Lora; the self-reliant and resourceful daughter of one of the richest businessmen of the area. Will they succeed their quest before it’s too late.
In short: this book has everything I love. On the surface: it has gardening, botany and the love of nature. On a deeper level, it covers big emotions such as grief, including the specific kind of anticipated grief that comes from the illness of a loved-one, that many children’s fiction shies away from. In contrast, it’s packed to the brim with love, tender friendships, adventure and found family to keep the story from becoming too heavy.
There’s a wide range of representation; from Henna’s two-dad-family-system, to her two friends (one of which identifies as non-binary, and the other uses a wheelchair), to the staff and students at school who each come from different ethnic and financial backgrounds. All these themes are appropriately depicted and discussed in a way that’s natural and never preachy. It’s clear the author wanted readers to see themselves in these characters, rather than “be taught about them”. This is what true representation is all about. As far as the representation I can personally speak to (disability/wheelchair use, grief and loss of parent and the inequal opportunities in schools/academia): I 100% recommend this to readers of all ages 12-and-up. Especially great for fans of Ali Standish and Lisette Auton.
As for me, I’m happy to count this as the newest addition to my middle-grade favourite shelf.
As an added bonus: the physical hardback cover is one of the most beautiful books to come out this year. Stunning coverart and chapter headings.
Look, I’ve done the whole “I’m not crying, you are- gag” a few times with these middle-grade books that unexpectedly get me in the feelings… This time I’m not even apologizing: I was full-on in tears by the end, and I’m not even ashamed of it.
I read and review quite a wide range of genres: from high-brow literary fiction to horror, from medical memoirs to 800+ page-fantasy epics. And yet middle-grade fiction can be a league of its own, and a craft I respect to my core.
There’s this saying that if you can’t explain something to a 12-year-old, you don’t understand it well enough. Books like this exemplify that saying; they boil a story and an emotional journey down to the core, and distill it for a 12-year-old to understand (without patronizing or talking down to them!) in a way that many a literary fiction author fails to do in double the page count.
Our story begins on the titular island of Earth’s End, the smallest of the Gardenia Archipelago. So small in fact that it only has three inhabitants; twelve year old Henna and her two papa’s. As a family, they act as caretakers of the island and its lush variety of plants and gardens. That all changes, when one of Henna’s papas falls seriously ill. When Henna learns of the existence of a legendary, near-extinct plant with miraculous healing powers that used to grow on the Gardenia’s, she is determined to find the last seed to save her papa. To do so, she must apply to the St. Basil’s Conservatory; a botanical boarding school on the main isle which is rumoured to own the last seed. Along her journey, she is helped by her two roommates: genderfluid, quick-witted P, who’s nose for schemes and adventure proves more than helpful, and Lora; the self-reliant and resourceful daughter of one of the richest businessmen of the area. Will they succeed their quest before it’s too late.
In short: this book has everything I love. On the surface: it has gardening, botany and the love of nature. On a deeper level, it covers big emotions such as grief, including the specific kind of anticipated grief that comes from the illness of a loved-one, that many children’s fiction shies away from. In contrast, it’s packed to the brim with love, tender friendships, adventure and found family to keep the story from becoming too heavy.
There’s a wide range of representation; from Henna’s two-dad-family-system, to her two friends (one of which identifies as non-binary, and the other uses a wheelchair), to the staff and students at school who each come from different ethnic and financial backgrounds. All these themes are appropriately depicted and discussed in a way that’s natural and never preachy. It’s clear the author wanted readers to see themselves in these characters, rather than “be taught about them”. This is what true representation is all about. As far as the representation I can personally speak to (disability/wheelchair use, grief and loss of parent and the inequal opportunities in schools/academia): I 100% recommend this to readers of all ages 12-and-up. Especially great for fans of Ali Standish and Lisette Auton.
As for me, I’m happy to count this as the newest addition to my middle-grade favourite shelf.
As an added bonus: the physical hardback cover is one of the most beautiful books to come out this year. Stunning coverart and chapter headings.
April 6, 2023
3.5 rounded up. This is a good middle school novel that had the potential to be great. Laura's arc is my favorite part even though it's not the main focus.
When Henna arrived as an infant with the mail to the remote island of Earth's End, Niall and Joaquin (the island's care takers and only residents) took her in and raised her as their own. She grew up as a natural gardener with a love for plants.
At 12 years old her simple life is turned upside down when her Papa Niall falls ill. Determined to cure him she sets out on a quest to obtain the seed of a plant that's thought to be extinct but may be the key to saving his life.
Her journey takes her away from her family and the island she's called home her entire life. She forms unlikely alliances and faces impossible tasks on her mission. She learns about friendship, inclusiveness, acceptance and in the end what really matters.
When Henna arrived as an infant with the mail to the remote island of Earth's End, Niall and Joaquin (the island's care takers and only residents) took her in and raised her as their own. She grew up as a natural gardener with a love for plants.
At 12 years old her simple life is turned upside down when her Papa Niall falls ill. Determined to cure him she sets out on a quest to obtain the seed of a plant that's thought to be extinct but may be the key to saving his life.
Her journey takes her away from her family and the island she's called home her entire life. She forms unlikely alliances and faces impossible tasks on her mission. She learns about friendship, inclusiveness, acceptance and in the end what really matters.
September 3, 2022
These characters will live with me for a long, long time. Don't miss this one--you're in for something special.
October 18, 2022
This is my new favorite book from my favorite author of middle grade fiction! I read it with my 10 year old son (we alternated reading together - out loud - and independently) and we were both completely engrossed until the very end. It's such a poignant and compelling story filled with beautiful prose and complex (yet very well developed and relatable) characters that stay with you long after finishing the book. I would highly recommend to all ages!
April 11, 2023
I walked into this book blindly thinking that it would be a cute read.
Never. Again.
This book broke me in ways I didn’t know I could be broken. I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from the emotions this book brought out of me.
As much as I cried, I loved every second of this.
Never. Again.
This book broke me in ways I didn’t know I could be broken. I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from the emotions this book brought out of me.
As much as I cried, I loved every second of this.
December 18, 2023
Such a thoughtful and engaging read. Each character approaches life in a different way...and all the ways converge into a beautifully written tale. I'm not one for "magical" stories, but the magic here was in the interactions and thoughts of the characters. I think it's an excellent read for both young adults and "old" adults!
May 4, 2023
4.5 stars?
This was such a lovely story about children who try to grasp and fix adult problems, and adults who make wrong choices out of love. People do wrong things with good intentions, not out of malice but because they do not know better.
Parents that are so often the 'enemy' in middle grade books, but this book showed they were complex people too. Every character had layers that fell away as the story went on.
There are some heavier topics beautifully written into this novel, and I loved the way Henna's world grew with every new experience. Henna's friendship with P starts rocky, and Lora acts stuck up initially, but they grew together as time went on.
People are not how she thinks they are at first, situations are complex and difficult when she learns all sides of a story, and there can never be too many loving people in one's life. This is a middle grade novel I will be recommending to everyone.
I read an arc and I cannot wait to buy this once it gets published.
This was such a lovely story about children who try to grasp and fix adult problems, and adults who make wrong choices out of love. People do wrong things with good intentions, not out of malice but because they do not know better.
Parents that are so often the 'enemy' in middle grade books, but this book showed they were complex people too. Every character had layers that fell away as the story went on.
There are some heavier topics beautifully written into this novel, and I loved the way Henna's world grew with every new experience. Henna's friendship with P starts rocky, and Lora acts stuck up initially, but they grew together as time went on.
People are not how she thinks they are at first, situations are complex and difficult when she learns all sides of a story, and there can never be too many loving people in one's life. This is a middle grade novel I will be recommending to everyone.
I read an arc and I cannot wait to buy this once it gets published.
March 27, 2023
this book is literally perfect in every way i am a 21 year old woman sobbing like a little baby over a 12 year old girl and an orange tree
March 1, 2023
Tara Dairman wrote one of my favorite book series, All Four Stars. It was about Gladys Gatsby, a girl who had a passion for gourmet cooking and a dream to be a food critic. It's a wonderful book. So needless to say, I was very excited to learn about Tara's ARC book tour and happy to have an opportunity to read an early copy of her latest book, The Girl from Earth's End.
Henna was delivered to Earth's End twelve years ago on the Orange Boat, ever since she's been living there with her two loving papas, Niall and Joaquim. Their home is on the site of a former monastery with a lighthouse tower nearby. Papa Niall happily paints and meditates, while Joaquim and Henna work around the island, fishing and preparing meals. Henna has even cultivated a beautiful herb garden and is happiest among her beloved plants and trees, until Papa Niall begins to grow seriously ill. Concerned for his health, Henna enters a horticultural competition, and even lands herself a scholarship to the prestigious St. Basil's Conservatory, a boarding school that is rumored to house seeds of every plant ever grown. When Henna learns of a legendary, long-extinct plant with miraculous healing powers, she knows that she must leave the solitude of her island and venture to St. Basil's in order to save her beloved Papa Niall. However, upon her arrival to her new school, Henna is disappointed to learn that she won't have free reign to explore the school, instead she and her new friend P are to be companions to Lora Windover, so instead of receiving their horticultural education, the Headmistress informs them that they will be assisting Lora with her wheelchair and basically carrying out what ever menial task she has in mind for them. However, Lora has plans of her own, she is tired of having servants who do everything for her and instead, wants to be left alone. Free to explore the school, Henna and P begin their quest to track down the infamous Nightwalker seeds that can save her papa's life.
Tara writes these beautiful stories with children who have great passions, Gladys loved her gourmet cooking and Henna has a knack for cultivating her plants. With all the lovely details about the spices and dishes Gladys was making and the way that she describes Henna repotting a plant and washing the soil off the roots of a tree, her stories inspire me to want to bake a Creme Brule or grow an herb garden of my own. And oh, how I loved Henna's two papas. Joaquim kind of reminds me of Grandfather from the book Heidi by Johanna Spyri. Like Grandfather, Joaquim and Niall weren't ever expecting to have a child come into their lives but they all learn to adapt to the new situation and form a very tight bond. Like Heidi, Henna soon moves away from the comfort of her quiet life of her family and is at a school taking care of a Lora. Lora however is nothing like Clara, she is by no means frail, and I just love how she doesn't want people to do things for her, instead she wants to live her life to the fullest and do things for herself. I also really liked P aka Pierett do Mar, a nonbinary character who uses they as their pronoun, they were certainly full of life, adventurous and brought a lot of humor to the story. The friendship that developed between all three of these characters was truly a joy to read about. Overall, this was a beautiful setting, and lovely characters. I also really enjoyed the authors note at the back of the book, learning about the inspiration for the story, both the geographical and historical components that went into the book. Despite Nightwalker not being a real plant, it was interesting to learn about other plants with similar qualities. So, both an entertaining and informative read. Give this to a budding gardener and fans of Tara Dairman's other books, it's a gem of a book and one not to be missed.
Henna was delivered to Earth's End twelve years ago on the Orange Boat, ever since she's been living there with her two loving papas, Niall and Joaquim. Their home is on the site of a former monastery with a lighthouse tower nearby. Papa Niall happily paints and meditates, while Joaquim and Henna work around the island, fishing and preparing meals. Henna has even cultivated a beautiful herb garden and is happiest among her beloved plants and trees, until Papa Niall begins to grow seriously ill. Concerned for his health, Henna enters a horticultural competition, and even lands herself a scholarship to the prestigious St. Basil's Conservatory, a boarding school that is rumored to house seeds of every plant ever grown. When Henna learns of a legendary, long-extinct plant with miraculous healing powers, she knows that she must leave the solitude of her island and venture to St. Basil's in order to save her beloved Papa Niall. However, upon her arrival to her new school, Henna is disappointed to learn that she won't have free reign to explore the school, instead she and her new friend P are to be companions to Lora Windover, so instead of receiving their horticultural education, the Headmistress informs them that they will be assisting Lora with her wheelchair and basically carrying out what ever menial task she has in mind for them. However, Lora has plans of her own, she is tired of having servants who do everything for her and instead, wants to be left alone. Free to explore the school, Henna and P begin their quest to track down the infamous Nightwalker seeds that can save her papa's life.
Tara writes these beautiful stories with children who have great passions, Gladys loved her gourmet cooking and Henna has a knack for cultivating her plants. With all the lovely details about the spices and dishes Gladys was making and the way that she describes Henna repotting a plant and washing the soil off the roots of a tree, her stories inspire me to want to bake a Creme Brule or grow an herb garden of my own. And oh, how I loved Henna's two papas. Joaquim kind of reminds me of Grandfather from the book Heidi by Johanna Spyri. Like Grandfather, Joaquim and Niall weren't ever expecting to have a child come into their lives but they all learn to adapt to the new situation and form a very tight bond. Like Heidi, Henna soon moves away from the comfort of her quiet life of her family and is at a school taking care of a Lora. Lora however is nothing like Clara, she is by no means frail, and I just love how she doesn't want people to do things for her, instead she wants to live her life to the fullest and do things for herself. I also really liked P aka Pierett do Mar, a nonbinary character who uses they as their pronoun, they were certainly full of life, adventurous and brought a lot of humor to the story. The friendship that developed between all three of these characters was truly a joy to read about. Overall, this was a beautiful setting, and lovely characters. I also really enjoyed the authors note at the back of the book, learning about the inspiration for the story, both the geographical and historical components that went into the book. Despite Nightwalker not being a real plant, it was interesting to learn about other plants with similar qualities. So, both an entertaining and informative read. Give this to a budding gardener and fans of Tara Dairman's other books, it's a gem of a book and one not to be missed.
April 1, 2023
I would like to introduce you to Henna, the main protagonist of The Girl From Earth’s End by Tara Dairman. As an infant, she was left in a “bassinet-box” amid the mail to be delivered to Earth’s End, The Gardenia Isles. The sole occupants of Earth’s End, the last island on the Orange Boat’s delivery each month, Joaquim and Niall, two men different in physical attributes and occupational pursuits, were flabbergasted at their sudden parenthood. Earth’s End had previously been the residence of horticulturalists, Hortensians, who wandered the islands collecting and cataloging plant life. Joaquim and Niall were living there alone for reasons soon revealed to readers.
It is now twelve years later, Henna, an accomplished gardener and gathering in her own right, is learning she has been kept in the dark regarding certain secrets. A blight, a contest, a scholarship, and attendance at the prestigious St. Basil’s Conservatory School all contribute to a secret Hanna is now harboring. She needs a single seed, with near legendary properties, kept under lock and key to save a life most precious to her.
In her quest she meets “genderfluid P” a risky-taking rascal with a heart of gold and Lora, a disabled heiress to the Windover fortune, who is not as snobby as most “richy-rich” people. Thrown into a world she has only read about, Henna with the help of her new friends navigates through setbacks and triumphs toward her goal only to discover truth, acceptance, family and friends are bound together by the growth and power of love.
You will not be able to turn the 367 pages of this book fast enough as you experience Henna’s world on Earth’s End and her larger adventure on Santa Vida. You can read an excerpt at the publisher’s website. Author Tara Dairman wrote a post about this book at the Nerdy Book Club.
It is now twelve years later, Henna, an accomplished gardener and gathering in her own right, is learning she has been kept in the dark regarding certain secrets. A blight, a contest, a scholarship, and attendance at the prestigious St. Basil’s Conservatory School all contribute to a secret Hanna is now harboring. She needs a single seed, with near legendary properties, kept under lock and key to save a life most precious to her.
In her quest she meets “genderfluid P” a risky-taking rascal with a heart of gold and Lora, a disabled heiress to the Windover fortune, who is not as snobby as most “richy-rich” people. Thrown into a world she has only read about, Henna with the help of her new friends navigates through setbacks and triumphs toward her goal only to discover truth, acceptance, family and friends are bound together by the growth and power of love.
You will not be able to turn the 367 pages of this book fast enough as you experience Henna’s world on Earth’s End and her larger adventure on Santa Vida. You can read an excerpt at the publisher’s website. Author Tara Dairman wrote a post about this book at the Nerdy Book Club.
March 13, 2024
Just finished reading this book aloud with my 9 year old. She picked it out from the library. It is on the longer side and I was afraid we wouldn't make it through, but we did. It's a perfectly lovely book about an island country. Henna, the main character is a girl who lives on one of the islands farthest out. Due to some of the circumstances in the book, she begins to attend a school for gardeners on one of the main islands where she meets some friends and has some interesting adventures. Somehow in this book, the author manages to weave in themes about gender issues, disabilities, death and even conservation of resources all in a very gentle way. It's one of those books that you don't want to end.
May 16, 2023
This story was adorable -- heart-felt, beautiful, and inspiring.
March 30, 2023
It's a marvelous thing to be invited into a story by Tara Dairman who takes us readers to the magical world of The Gardenia Isles, first specifically the island of Earth's End. There we meet twelve-year-old Henna and her two papas, Niall and Joaquim. Within all the special life they live is a secret unlocked. Henna's beloved Papa Niall is very ill. After her years of gardening, she knows that there is one plant that might save his life. She finds a way, sad though it is for her, to leave to be a scholarship student at to St. Basil’s Conservatory, a botanical boarding school rumored to house seeds of every plant ever grown.
Though she thinks she only has to complete her search, she finds herself with, yes, friends, ones chosen to be her roommates. There is genderfluid P whom she has met on the Orange Boat, a boat that comes to all the islands with deliveries, and also wealthy student Lara who wants only to do things for herself, even from her wheelchair. Henna's task creates several dilemmas of right and wrong yet finding out that friends can make all the difference is a learning she never thought she needed. The world-building is wonderful to learn about as this adventure takes twists and turns with dear Henna. The love underlying all the story gives warm feelings for the way people can be. I enjoyed Tara Dairman's author's note of her own journey of writing this book, too.
Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy!
Though she thinks she only has to complete her search, she finds herself with, yes, friends, ones chosen to be her roommates. There is genderfluid P whom she has met on the Orange Boat, a boat that comes to all the islands with deliveries, and also wealthy student Lara who wants only to do things for herself, even from her wheelchair. Henna's task creates several dilemmas of right and wrong yet finding out that friends can make all the difference is a learning she never thought she needed. The world-building is wonderful to learn about as this adventure takes twists and turns with dear Henna. The love underlying all the story gives warm feelings for the way people can be. I enjoyed Tara Dairman's author's note of her own journey of writing this book, too.
Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy!
April 23, 2024
i'm fine i'm fine i'm not crying i'm fine
April 4, 2023
This book! I love everything about it--the characters, the plot, the setting--truly gorgeous!
March 14, 2023
I've read all of Tara Dairman's published books, and this is truly a special one. Loved it so much! Adventure, bold characters, vulnerability, fantastic parents, tears, emotional and physical complications~ it's got it all. Spoiler alert: bawled my eyes out at one point in the narrative. In a good way.
October 4, 2022
Plant-based Story Really Grows on You!
I love the uniqueness of the story’s setting and the plant-based story. Kids will learn about plants and young gardeners will see themselves in the main character, Henna. I loved how Dairman wove in plant words to her storytelling, enriching the language like well-fertilized soil. I thought she also did a great job with the they/their/them character. It’s hard for me to read about a singular character referred to as plural "they" because I get confused as to who is being referred to in the story, but Dairman made sure it was clear when she was talking about the “they” character (who jumps off the page BTW). I felt like there was tension that pulled you along regarding getting help for Henna’s sick papa. I loved the sweet, caring relationship of her papas, too. I could see this book as a movie, and as a great read for garden clubs. It’s rich on lots of levels - friendship, caregiving, class privilege. Sure to plant a seed for many discussions. Don't forget to read the Author Notes to find out how Dairman wove her travel experiences into the story and setting.
I love the uniqueness of the story’s setting and the plant-based story. Kids will learn about plants and young gardeners will see themselves in the main character, Henna. I loved how Dairman wove in plant words to her storytelling, enriching the language like well-fertilized soil. I thought she also did a great job with the they/their/them character. It’s hard for me to read about a singular character referred to as plural "they" because I get confused as to who is being referred to in the story, but Dairman made sure it was clear when she was talking about the “they” character (who jumps off the page BTW). I felt like there was tension that pulled you along regarding getting help for Henna’s sick papa. I loved the sweet, caring relationship of her papas, too. I could see this book as a movie, and as a great read for garden clubs. It’s rich on lots of levels - friendship, caregiving, class privilege. Sure to plant a seed for many discussions. Don't forget to read the Author Notes to find out how Dairman wove her travel experiences into the story and setting.
May 10, 2023
DNF at 23%
The writing was well done and some of the descriptions were lovely, but the characters all felt like caricatures. None of them seemed to have any depth. Also at almost a quarter of the way through the book, nothing had happened. The prologue was so quirky and promising but everything after was slow and flat. Maybe I would have powered through if I wasn’t in a semi-slump, but there is just nothing at this moment that makes me want to read on. I also can’t imagine a 12-year old me powering through either. For an almost 400 page book, especially targeted at middle schoolers, there needs to be more intrigue. It seemed in need of more editing and paring down of scenes. And for a book labeled fantasy, there was nothing fantastical about it.
The writing was well done and some of the descriptions were lovely, but the characters all felt like caricatures. None of them seemed to have any depth. Also at almost a quarter of the way through the book, nothing had happened. The prologue was so quirky and promising but everything after was slow and flat. Maybe I would have powered through if I wasn’t in a semi-slump, but there is just nothing at this moment that makes me want to read on. I also can’t imagine a 12-year old me powering through either. For an almost 400 page book, especially targeted at middle schoolers, there needs to be more intrigue. It seemed in need of more editing and paring down of scenes. And for a book labeled fantasy, there was nothing fantastical about it.
February 26, 2023
I could say this book is about childhood, gardening, friendship, love and loss - but all fall short. The story of Henna, her papas, and the fictional Gardenia Isles is wonderfully written and nothing short of magical.
June 4, 2023
I so enjoyed Tara Dairman's latest book. THE GIRL FROM EARTH'S END is the story of a brave young heroine and gifted horticulturist named Henna determined to save her ailing uncle. I loved the world building (the Islands of Gardenia are truly a magical place) and the warm, well-developed characters. I particularly enjoyed the depiction of Henna's two uncles and her mercurial and gender fluid friend P. The writing is lovely, and this is fine addition to any school library.
December 12, 2022
As someone who loves medicinal plants, I was immediately captivated by the premise of the story. I was completely drawn into the gorgeous setting, feeling tender bonds with the lovable characters, who truly come alive. Henna's quest is profound, moving, and infused with love. Her story grew and bloomed in my heart... what a beautiful journey! Highly recommended!
January 24, 2023
This book is a masterpiece. With a story that grabs you and doesn't let go, a lush setting that ignites your imagination, and characters who will live in your heart long after you close the book, GIRL FROM EARTH'S END will transport you to a different world -- one where you'll laugh, cry... and won't want to leave.
April 4, 2023
I loved this author’s All Four Stars book (& series) about cooking - and I left it more in love with food than ever before!
And then this story made me love plants even more - which is saying a lot - so it shows how passionately she writes and what awesome topics she chooses, too. :-)
What lovely books for middle grade readers!
And then this story made me love plants even more - which is saying a lot - so it shows how passionately she writes and what awesome topics she chooses, too. :-)
What lovely books for middle grade readers!
June 27, 2024
This book is all over the place. Interesting horticulture; really positive messages about adoption, friendship, and inclusion of disabled people; oddly paced yet highly predictable plot; utterly throwaway adult characters (Olivia Smythe wins the prize for most useless)... Don't know what kids would like this book but not be upset by the ending.
May 16, 2023
i thought so many things happened from one event to another, but overall i thought it was a touching and bittersweet book
May 13, 2024
This book is now my favorite children’s chapter book.a story of a girl who grew up on a secluded island with her Papas who ventures out to another island, meeting two friends, all three of the children motherless, coming from very different lifestyles, but able to love and accept each other through their differences and trials life has thrown at them. I shed many tears at the end…
February 11, 2023
Oh man...what a truly wonderful and unusual story. I was engrossed, engaged, mesmerized. So beautiful, the characters, the setting (thanks for the explanation in the author's notes), the dynamics between everyone, the surprises, and a most original tale. I was completely happy and satisfied how it wound down to the ending.
May 19, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up. Amazing story about believing in yourself and the love of friends and family! Loved Henna’s journey and how this story unfolded. Highly recommended!
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