Recent Reads: Lena, the Sea, and Me by Maria Parr

Source: From Librarything Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Lena, the Sea, and Me by Maria Parr, Guy Puzey (translator) 

Series: Vaffelhjarte #2
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Date:  August 3, 2021

 

Format: Hardback


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

In a charming sequel to Adventures with Waffles, Trille and Lena navigate the rough waters of friendship when a new soccer coach and a new girl in school disrupt their seaside escapades.

Trille and Lena may be getting older, but they still find everyday adventure--and trouble--in their coastal village, including sinking every raft they build, getting little sisters stuck up flag poles, and attending those dreaded music lessons. But that's not all. The arrival of a less-than-encouraging new soccer coach is putting twelve-year-old Lena's goalkeeping career in doubt. And Trille is wondering how to impress the girl who has just joined his class. As the best friends battle the elements and their own emotions, one thing is for sure: they're not giving up, not if Lena has anything to do with it! In Maria Parr's follow-up to Adventures with Waffles, the acclaimed author returns to Mathildewick Cove with a rib-tickling story of growing up.

Review: 

I didn't even realize this was a sequel until I starting putting together a post for this review. That being said, you did not have to read the first book to follow along with this story. 

The book follows Trille and Lena best friends and a year together as they learn more about themselves and their friendship. It is a very cute almost day-to-day showcase of their lives in Mathildewick Cove. Lena is experiencing issues with the new soccer coach, there is a new girl in town and Trille really wants to be her friend, Trille's mom isn't feeling great, there is a raft adventure, and a boat adventure - so there is a lot to take in while reading this book. 

The book is divided up into 4 parts: Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring and follows Trille as the narrator of their times together and apart. There is a lot of emotion throughout this book and Trille and Lena's friendship is threatened at times as they want to do different things and try new things, but all in all it is a wonderful book that chronicles what a real friendship is like.

I really enjoyed the characters and learning about Norway from their adventures and descriptions. Overall, I think that middle grade readers will really like this book and all the fun that these friends have along the way.