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Halfway to Harmony
A heartfelt middle-grade novel from New York Times bestselling author Barbara O'Connor about a boy whose life is upended after the loss of his older brother--timeless, classic, and whimsical.
Walter Tipple is looking for adventure. He keeps having a dream that his big brother, Tank, appears before him and says, "Let's you and me go see my world, little man." But Tank went to the army and never came home, and Walter doesn't know how to see the world without him.
Then he meets Posey, the brash new girl from next door, and an eccentric man named Banjo, who's off on a bodacious adventure of his own. What follows is a summer of taking chances, becoming braver, and making friends--and maybe Walter can learn who he wants to be without the brother he always wanted to be like.
Halfway to Harmony is an utterly charming story about change and growing up.
Don't miss Barbara O'Connor's other middle-grade work--like Wish; Wonderland; How to Steal a Dog; Greetings from Nowhere; Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia; The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester; and more!
Walter Tipple is looking for adventure. He keeps having a dream that his big brother, Tank, appears before him and says, "Let's you and me go see my world, little man." But Tank went to the army and never came home, and Walter doesn't know how to see the world without him.
Then he meets Posey, the brash new girl from next door, and an eccentric man named Banjo, who's off on a bodacious adventure of his own. What follows is a summer of taking chances, becoming braver, and making friends--and maybe Walter can learn who he wants to be without the brother he always wanted to be like.
Halfway to Harmony is an utterly charming story about change and growing up.
Don't miss Barbara O'Connor's other middle-grade work--like Wish; Wonderland; How to Steal a Dog; Greetings from Nowhere; Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia; The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester; and more!
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 12, 2021
About the author
Barbara O'Connor
46 books578 followersBarbara O'Connor's awards include the Parents Choice Gold and Silver Award, American Library Association Notable Books, IRA Notable Books for a Global Society, School Library Journal Best Books, and Kirkus Best Books. Her books have been nominated for children's choice awards in 38 states and voted as a state favorite by children in South Carolina, Indiana, Kansas, and South Dakota.
Barbara was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. She draws on her Southern roots to write award-winning books for children in grades 3 to 6.
She currently lives in Asheville, NC. Her latest book is Wish, a middle grade novel published by FSG.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/barbar...
Barbara was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. She draws on her Southern roots to write award-winning books for children in grades 3 to 6.
She currently lives in Asheville, NC. Her latest book is Wish, a middle grade novel published by FSG.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/barbar...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
January 1, 2021
A cherished childhood memory is seeing the Indianola, Iowa Balloon Festival. Seeing a field full of colorful balloons rise up into the sky is breathtaking and a sight you never forget. I was about the same age as Walter and Posey when I had that experience. I did not, however, have a dog named Porkchop along and I definitely did not get to ride with a good-natured a scamp named Banjo and participate in his bodacious adventure. This book will appeal to 3rd - 5th grade readers and their thirst for adventure. While we spend the summer with Walter and Posey we watch Walter's family adjust to the loss of his older brother Tank. Walter keeps dreaming about Tank telling Walter to blow out his birthday candles so he can show Walter his world. What does Tank mean and will that dream ever come true? This would make a delightful classroom read aloud and the cover could not be more engaging.
Thank you to Farrar, Straus, and Giroux and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Farrar, Straus, and Giroux and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2021
I am grateful to have received an E-ARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group through NetGalley.
What can I say? Barbara O'Connor did not disappoint with her new middle grade novel out in January.
Walter and his family are grieving. Each member of the family is dealing differently with the loss of his big brother Tank. Tank left for the Army without saying goodbye, and now Walter is navigating life without his brother and the huge hole left in his family as well as his heart.
In waltzes Posey, the girl who moved in next door, and her three-legged dog. Posey is direct and bossy and determined to teach Walter a thing or two about life. She snaps Walter out of his melancholy and leads him on adventures that are going to turn the summer into one he will not forget.
Like O'Connor's other stories, Halfway to Harmony is filled with characters that wiggle into your heart and plan to stay a while. A tale of friendship, bravery, believing in yourself, and healing from loss, this will be another popular Barbara O'Connor title on our library shelf. I can't wait to share it with our middle grade readers, especially those who championed Wish as our Maud Hart Lovelace Award Winner for 2020.
What can I say? Barbara O'Connor did not disappoint with her new middle grade novel out in January.
Walter and his family are grieving. Each member of the family is dealing differently with the loss of his big brother Tank. Tank left for the Army without saying goodbye, and now Walter is navigating life without his brother and the huge hole left in his family as well as his heart.
In waltzes Posey, the girl who moved in next door, and her three-legged dog. Posey is direct and bossy and determined to teach Walter a thing or two about life. She snaps Walter out of his melancholy and leads him on adventures that are going to turn the summer into one he will not forget.
Like O'Connor's other stories, Halfway to Harmony is filled with characters that wiggle into your heart and plan to stay a while. A tale of friendship, bravery, believing in yourself, and healing from loss, this will be another popular Barbara O'Connor title on our library shelf. I can't wait to share it with our middle grade readers, especially those who championed Wish as our Maud Hart Lovelace Award Winner for 2020.
June 6, 2021
Book Club June 2021: The girls really enjoyed the book. They rated it a 3-5 star 🌟.
Definite contender for my daughter’s book club. Laugh out loud characters, fast paced plot, and strong themes of friends and family supporting each other. I loved this book 🥰.
Definite contender for my daughter’s book club. Laugh out loud characters, fast paced plot, and strong themes of friends and family supporting each other. I loved this book 🥰.
January 11, 2021
Barbara O'Connor has this special way of building friendships between unusual and unlikely and loveable characters. Posey, Walter, and Banjo (what a great name!) will find a special place in your heart. This book is about family and loss and friendship and adventure. Oh, and of course it has a dog!
July 20, 2022
Probably my favorite Barbara O’Connor book! A cute little book!
January 31, 2021
This book made ME miss Tank, and I never even met him.
Yet again, Barbara O’Connor writes with so much heart about characters with quirk and charm galore. Just wonderful.
*that girl with grit and fortitude...*
Yet again, Barbara O’Connor writes with so much heart about characters with quirk and charm galore. Just wonderful.
*that girl with grit and fortitude...*
September 21, 2020
Barbara never fails to move me with her gentle stories about eccentric kids. She skillfully sets up stories and pulls you along as you root for the underdog. I loved Walter, but I adored Posey.
January 3, 2021
Walter Tipple is grieving the loss of Tank, his older brother who went to war but will not return home. Walter is not sure how to navigate the change, but he knows he wants to keep his brother's memory alive. And then he meets Posey, the outgoing and friendly new girl next door. She's brash, fun and pushy in a good way.
While exploring the nearby woods, the pair discover Banjo, an eccentric man on a bodacious adventure. Together, the trio works together to help Banjo achieve his dream. In the process, they grieve together and grow together. Walter even learns how to become a better friend and manage bullies at school as he sees his brother's world.
This book made me laugh out loud. The characters each came to life on the page and are honest and real with each other. I appreciated how Walter could talk about his grief with his friends and came to find healing through their adventure.
While the book is a fun and easy read, it contains real-life situations, including war, death, and mention of characters using cuss words.
While exploring the nearby woods, the pair discover Banjo, an eccentric man on a bodacious adventure. Together, the trio works together to help Banjo achieve his dream. In the process, they grieve together and grow together. Walter even learns how to become a better friend and manage bullies at school as he sees his brother's world.
This book made me laugh out loud. The characters each came to life on the page and are honest and real with each other. I appreciated how Walter could talk about his grief with his friends and came to find healing through their adventure.
While the book is a fun and easy read, it contains real-life situations, including war, death, and mention of characters using cuss words.
September 23, 2020
A boy, a girl, a three legged-dog, an eccentric old man and a hot air balloon. What else could a young reader want?
February 17, 2021
An outspoken new neighbor and a crashed hot-air balloonist set the stage for a summer of taking chances in the face of grief.
December 31, 2022
AMAZING!! ❤❤❤❤❤
November 12, 2021
A cute story to read along with my daughter.
October 8, 2020
I love all of Barbara O'Connor's books, especially Wish, so I could not wait to get started. And this book did not disappoint. I entered the world of Walter and Posey, a world seemingly so long ago yet filled with the same complexities of life today. Touching upon the themes of family, loss, friendship and adventure, I felt all the feelings of the characters throughout each page. And while the ending may have been a bit predictable, it was filled with a surge of confidence, friendship and most of all, hope.
February 11, 2021
You can find my full review on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Den, here.
Many thanks to Farrar, Straus and Giroux and Turn the Page Tours for a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about Barbara O’Connor (even from Minion, who read Wish and really enjoyed it), but I had never actually read her work myself. I always love seeing middle grade books that tackle grief and healing, though, so I decided to give this one a try, and y’all, I am so freaking glad that I did!
Halfway to Harmony is a heartwarming coming-of-age adventure about the people we lose, the people we discover, and the people that help us find ourselves. It will break your heart and give you the warm fuzzies all at the same time.
I admit that I had some misgivings going in, because I don’t read a lot of contemporary books, and I tend to want more action and forward moment in the books I read. There’s not a lot of action, per se, in this book, as it’s definitely character-driven. But with quirky, fun characters like these? That was absolutely no problem for me, and I sailed through this book without wanting to put it down.
My Thoughts:
- Halfway to Harmony is a character-driven book … so it’s lucky that it’s filled with a cast of unique characters that will pull you into their world and refuse to let go. If you’re looking for something that’s filled with action and forward momentum, this isn’t the book for you. Sure, things happen, but the focus is on the characters and their interactions with each other. Usually not the type of book I read, but these characters are absolutely fabulous.
Walter is the main character, who’s coming to grips with the death of his older brother, Tank, who he looked up to. Grief is a hard thing to deal with, especially when you’re that young.
Posey is the new girl next door, the one who seems loud and outgoing and like she has the whole world figured out. She loves spouting little nuggets of knowledge from the book by that very title that she read recently.
Banjo is a mysterious stranger they meet in the woods (no, not like that, I promise), who ends up with an immediate crush on Evaline, Posey’s mother, and spends much of the book attempting to woo her while also chasing his dreams.
These characters are packed full of personality, and they’ve all got things they’re working towards. Walter’s quiet personality is offset by Posey, and the two become fast friends. For me, though, Banjo really stole the show, and his infatuation with Evaline was both adorable and charming, and I loved seeing his antics!
- There’s a grand adventure in this. Maybe not the seeing-the-world sort of adventure, but a quieter kind that I think most readers will be able to relate to. If you live pretty much anywhere rural, you’re used to the crazy adventures that can pop up, especially if you live near a forest. For me, this raised all sorts of feelings of nostalgia, because a grand adventure for a kid might be very different than that of an adult (even though, to be fair, I think Walter’s adventure is quite the adventure for anyone!) The scale felt perfect for these characters, but also reminded me so fondly of my own childhood. I don’t want to spoil too much about the adventure, but I will say that the air balloon on the cover comes into play! More than that, though, the best part of the adventure is that the characters have to come together in order to solve it, and it seems like there are always hiccups and bumps in the road that they have to find solutions for.
- There’s a sliver of a romantic subplot, and honestly, that was one of my favorite things about this book! To be fair, there’s so much about this book to love. I’m sure you’re looking at me a little crazy right now, because romance really isn’t my thing, right? This was just so stinking cute, though. Romance may not be accurate. Banjo is so obviously stricken and is doing his very best to woo Evaline with his charms. These interactions were absolutely some of my favorites, especially the way Posey reacts to Banjo being sweet on her mother. It is just a subplot, though, so it’s not very in-your-face or at the forefront, so I think it has the ability to appeal across the ages that might read this book! A little something for everyone.
- The children in this book tackle some pretty big problems, such as grief and making friends, which I think is so important in middle grade stories! The big one, first of all, is Walter and his struggle with the grief of losing his brother and not knowing how to move on. The family as a whole has just been sort of broken and drifting apart since Tank went to war and never came home, and they’re all grieving as their own little silos. Walter has to learn what it means to not have his older brother around to look up to, but also how to continue being a part of the family now that there’s a member missing. Friendship is also a really big theme. Walter’s friendship with Posey sort of accidentally falls into his lap, and she becomes basically his only friend, because he’s not very good at making friends. Fear not, though! Like so many other things, Posey has read a book on this, and Caesar Romanoff has got their back, with his tips for how to make friends. I really enjoyed this, not only because there are some really great tips in general packed into a compelling story, but there’s also the larger narrative that Walter is already making friends, without even realizing it, which makes the struggle to learn how to make friends a teensy bit ironic.
Many thanks to Farrar, Straus and Giroux and Turn the Page Tours for a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about Barbara O’Connor (even from Minion, who read Wish and really enjoyed it), but I had never actually read her work myself. I always love seeing middle grade books that tackle grief and healing, though, so I decided to give this one a try, and y’all, I am so freaking glad that I did!
Halfway to Harmony is a heartwarming coming-of-age adventure about the people we lose, the people we discover, and the people that help us find ourselves. It will break your heart and give you the warm fuzzies all at the same time.
I admit that I had some misgivings going in, because I don’t read a lot of contemporary books, and I tend to want more action and forward moment in the books I read. There’s not a lot of action, per se, in this book, as it’s definitely character-driven. But with quirky, fun characters like these? That was absolutely no problem for me, and I sailed through this book without wanting to put it down.
My Thoughts:
- Halfway to Harmony is a character-driven book … so it’s lucky that it’s filled with a cast of unique characters that will pull you into their world and refuse to let go. If you’re looking for something that’s filled with action and forward momentum, this isn’t the book for you. Sure, things happen, but the focus is on the characters and their interactions with each other. Usually not the type of book I read, but these characters are absolutely fabulous.
Walter is the main character, who’s coming to grips with the death of his older brother, Tank, who he looked up to. Grief is a hard thing to deal with, especially when you’re that young.
Posey is the new girl next door, the one who seems loud and outgoing and like she has the whole world figured out. She loves spouting little nuggets of knowledge from the book by that very title that she read recently.
Banjo is a mysterious stranger they meet in the woods (no, not like that, I promise), who ends up with an immediate crush on Evaline, Posey’s mother, and spends much of the book attempting to woo her while also chasing his dreams.
These characters are packed full of personality, and they’ve all got things they’re working towards. Walter’s quiet personality is offset by Posey, and the two become fast friends. For me, though, Banjo really stole the show, and his infatuation with Evaline was both adorable and charming, and I loved seeing his antics!
- There’s a grand adventure in this. Maybe not the seeing-the-world sort of adventure, but a quieter kind that I think most readers will be able to relate to. If you live pretty much anywhere rural, you’re used to the crazy adventures that can pop up, especially if you live near a forest. For me, this raised all sorts of feelings of nostalgia, because a grand adventure for a kid might be very different than that of an adult (even though, to be fair, I think Walter’s adventure is quite the adventure for anyone!) The scale felt perfect for these characters, but also reminded me so fondly of my own childhood. I don’t want to spoil too much about the adventure, but I will say that the air balloon on the cover comes into play! More than that, though, the best part of the adventure is that the characters have to come together in order to solve it, and it seems like there are always hiccups and bumps in the road that they have to find solutions for.
- There’s a sliver of a romantic subplot, and honestly, that was one of my favorite things about this book! To be fair, there’s so much about this book to love. I’m sure you’re looking at me a little crazy right now, because romance really isn’t my thing, right? This was just so stinking cute, though. Romance may not be accurate. Banjo is so obviously stricken and is doing his very best to woo Evaline with his charms. These interactions were absolutely some of my favorites, especially the way Posey reacts to Banjo being sweet on her mother. It is just a subplot, though, so it’s not very in-your-face or at the forefront, so I think it has the ability to appeal across the ages that might read this book! A little something for everyone.
- The children in this book tackle some pretty big problems, such as grief and making friends, which I think is so important in middle grade stories! The big one, first of all, is Walter and his struggle with the grief of losing his brother and not knowing how to move on. The family as a whole has just been sort of broken and drifting apart since Tank went to war and never came home, and they’re all grieving as their own little silos. Walter has to learn what it means to not have his older brother around to look up to, but also how to continue being a part of the family now that there’s a member missing. Friendship is also a really big theme. Walter’s friendship with Posey sort of accidentally falls into his lap, and she becomes basically his only friend, because he’s not very good at making friends. Fear not, though! Like so many other things, Posey has read a book on this, and Caesar Romanoff has got their back, with his tips for how to make friends. I really enjoyed this, not only because there are some really great tips in general packed into a compelling story, but there’s also the larger narrative that Walter is already making friends, without even realizing it, which makes the struggle to learn how to make friends a teensy bit ironic.
February 10, 2021
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I loved “Halfway to Harmony” and thought it was the perfect middle-grade novel.
Everything about the book was just fantastic! It is whimsical, yet profound, cute, yet deep, with strange yet charming characters. Walter is a great character that makes you relate to him. He (and his family) are coping with the loss of his brother Tank. I loved the connection he has with Posey when she enters his life. She is a spark of high energy, and they complement each other very nicely. Similarly, I loved the angle of dream sequences with Tank and wondered where it was heading. At the same time, Banjo is fantastic, and I loved his storyline and his romance with Evalina. He lightened up this otherwise serious story with a sense of whimsy and humor. On a side note, I didn’t even know what a “key grab” contest was until I read this book. There were just so many moments that made the story memorable for me.
Moreover, I loved the author’s style of writing. The way she narrates the story makes you feel like you are in a beautiful dream. Although the tale targets a younger audience, I think a reader of any age would enjoy reading the story. There is a touch of mystery when they find the dead man; a touch of adventure when they search for the balloon; and many moments of love, friendship, and family. One of my favorite moments is when Walter lashes out to his family and how they deal with the situation. On a side note, I loved the cover’s colorful color, which made me want to read it immediately.
Overall, “Halfway to Harmony” is a beautiful, contemporary middle-grade novel that I highly recommend people to read.
December 20, 2020
A boy, a dream, and a truck.
Walter and his parents are grieving the loss of Tank, who joined the army and never returned to Harmony, Georgia. Tank’s younger brother, Walter, is drifting along the Chatahoochee River floating on his own despair while nightly tangled in a recurring dream. A new neighbor from Tennessee, Posey, moves in next door and just might be the kindred spirit Walter needs.
Posey is a gutsy girl with a three -legged dog named Porkchop and a near photographic memory. That phenomenal memory is an integral piece to the puzzling relationship that develops between Walter and Posey. Readers are treated to or maybe bombarded with trivia from Posey’s favorite books, Nuggets of Knowledge and Caesar Romanoff’s Rules for Making Friends. Walter and Posey become involved in the rescue and recovery of a man “that fell from the sky,” AKA “Banjo!” As the “not so subtle” Posey shares “rules for making friends” the lines of Walter’s anger and grief are slowly erased.
Readers’ hearts will ache at the quest for “normal” love and acceptance, motherly hugs and real smiles, that Walter is praying will return to his family since Tank “left.” Walter’s hopes and dreams for the future soar amidst a hot air balloon race and back to school nervousness. Meanwhile, Banjo’s eternally positive approach to life and quirky expressions along with Posey’s font of knowledge, helpful friendship hints, and determination will have young readers rushing online for a copy of Nuggets of Knowledge and practicing rules #1-7 for making friends.
“Good grief and grits” grab a copy of Halfway to Harmony for a chance to hear Tank saying, “Blow out them candles, little man, and I’ll show you my world.”
Your new friends will thank you for reading Halfway to Harmony.
Walter and his parents are grieving the loss of Tank, who joined the army and never returned to Harmony, Georgia. Tank’s younger brother, Walter, is drifting along the Chatahoochee River floating on his own despair while nightly tangled in a recurring dream. A new neighbor from Tennessee, Posey, moves in next door and just might be the kindred spirit Walter needs.
Posey is a gutsy girl with a three -legged dog named Porkchop and a near photographic memory. That phenomenal memory is an integral piece to the puzzling relationship that develops between Walter and Posey. Readers are treated to or maybe bombarded with trivia from Posey’s favorite books, Nuggets of Knowledge and Caesar Romanoff’s Rules for Making Friends. Walter and Posey become involved in the rescue and recovery of a man “that fell from the sky,” AKA “Banjo!” As the “not so subtle” Posey shares “rules for making friends” the lines of Walter’s anger and grief are slowly erased.
Readers’ hearts will ache at the quest for “normal” love and acceptance, motherly hugs and real smiles, that Walter is praying will return to his family since Tank “left.” Walter’s hopes and dreams for the future soar amidst a hot air balloon race and back to school nervousness. Meanwhile, Banjo’s eternally positive approach to life and quirky expressions along with Posey’s font of knowledge, helpful friendship hints, and determination will have young readers rushing online for a copy of Nuggets of Knowledge and practicing rules #1-7 for making friends.
“Good grief and grits” grab a copy of Halfway to Harmony for a chance to hear Tank saying, “Blow out them candles, little man, and I’ll show you my world.”
Your new friends will thank you for reading Halfway to Harmony.
September 6, 2021
First sentence: The night that Posey and Evalina moved to Harmony, Georgia, Walter Tipple had that dream again. The one about his birthday.
Premise/plot: Walter Tipple is still mourning the loss of his older brother, Tank. But his summer--and life--take a turn for the better AFTER Posey, Evalina, and Porkchop (the dog) move in next door. From the start these kids are drawn to each other and to some adventures/misadventures. Like finding a "dead" body in the woods. That turns out to be the knocked unconscious JUBILATION T. FAIRWEATHER aka "Banjo" who has dreams of his own...dreams involving a hot air balloon and a certain contest. But dreams don't always go as planned....
My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! I love Barbara O'Connor's books. I really loved the characterization of Walter and Posey. And Banjo was a hoot. The book dealt with some heavy subjects but not in an oppressive way. I felt the resolution was as happily ever after as one would expect in such a case.
I thought the book did a good job of honoring Tank.
YES, there is a dog on the cover. But it is a SAFE READ.
Premise/plot: Walter Tipple is still mourning the loss of his older brother, Tank. But his summer--and life--take a turn for the better AFTER Posey, Evalina, and Porkchop (the dog) move in next door. From the start these kids are drawn to each other and to some adventures/misadventures. Like finding a "dead" body in the woods. That turns out to be the knocked unconscious JUBILATION T. FAIRWEATHER aka "Banjo" who has dreams of his own...dreams involving a hot air balloon and a certain contest. But dreams don't always go as planned....
My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! I love Barbara O'Connor's books. I really loved the characterization of Walter and Posey. And Banjo was a hoot. The book dealt with some heavy subjects but not in an oppressive way. I felt the resolution was as happily ever after as one would expect in such a case.
I thought the book did a good job of honoring Tank.
YES, there is a dog on the cover. But it is a SAFE READ.
December 21, 2020
An unlikely trio of misfits come together to make one dream come true in this feel-good middle grade fiction.
Ten-year-old Walter is spending a hot summer lonely and grieving the loss of his older brother, when his new neighbor, Posey, an outspoken girl with a three-legged dog and all the confidence Walter wishes he possessed befriends him, things are finally looking up.
When the friends come across Mr. Jubilation T. Fairweather (a.k.a. Banjo) in the woods and learn of his dream to enter a hot air balloon race, they begin an adventure of a lifetime.
A small southern town filled with unforgettable characters, tender moments, and laugh-out-loud fun, this is story is an instant classic that families will read together for years to come.
There are few books I can recall with characters so unique that I have no comparisons. A fantastic tale of grief, loss, and hope. Of unlikely friends and making dreams come true. I can't wait to share this with my children.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Ten-year-old Walter is spending a hot summer lonely and grieving the loss of his older brother, when his new neighbor, Posey, an outspoken girl with a three-legged dog and all the confidence Walter wishes he possessed befriends him, things are finally looking up.
When the friends come across Mr. Jubilation T. Fairweather (a.k.a. Banjo) in the woods and learn of his dream to enter a hot air balloon race, they begin an adventure of a lifetime.
A small southern town filled with unforgettable characters, tender moments, and laugh-out-loud fun, this is story is an instant classic that families will read together for years to come.
There are few books I can recall with characters so unique that I have no comparisons. A fantastic tale of grief, loss, and hope. Of unlikely friends and making dreams come true. I can't wait to share this with my children.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 12, 2021
Halfway to Harmony has a timeless feel to it. Though obviously set more recently than not, I never got a full sense of when the story takes place. And that’s OK. The events surrounding these few weeks in Walter’s life focus on a sense of place instead.
From Walter and Posey to Banjo and Posey’s mom, all the characters in Halfway to Harmony have weight to them. Walter’s trepidation is balanced by Posey’s self-assurance, and Banjo’s bravado is something to behold. As the book moves forward, you see true progression in Walter and Posey. And you can’t help but smile and shake your head at Banjo’s antics.
My favorite moments in Halfway to Harmony are the simplest. When Walter allows himself to breathe, to live in the moment, there’s a beautiful calmness that envelopes you as a reader. O’Connor uses these moments for differing emotions with great ease.
Halfway to Harmony tends to be on the more quiet side as far as middle grade novels go, but it should appeal to a large cross-section of readers.
From Walter and Posey to Banjo and Posey’s mom, all the characters in Halfway to Harmony have weight to them. Walter’s trepidation is balanced by Posey’s self-assurance, and Banjo’s bravado is something to behold. As the book moves forward, you see true progression in Walter and Posey. And you can’t help but smile and shake your head at Banjo’s antics.
My favorite moments in Halfway to Harmony are the simplest. When Walter allows himself to breathe, to live in the moment, there’s a beautiful calmness that envelopes you as a reader. O’Connor uses these moments for differing emotions with great ease.
Halfway to Harmony tends to be on the more quiet side as far as middle grade novels go, but it should appeal to a large cross-section of readers.
March 31, 2021
Do you know those books you can’t stop thinking about; the ones you can’t wait to finish, but yet you know you won’t really want to say goodbye? HALFWAY TO HARMONY is one of those books! It will tug at your heart strings and make you laugh out loud as it transports you to summer in rural Georgia. You’ll fall in love with the characters, especially Walter and Posey. Walter, who is struggling to accept the death of his hero and older brother, Tank while serving overseas, is convinced he will never be as popular and as well loved as Tank was both to his family and to his town. His lonely, sad summer quickly changes when Posey, her three legged dog, Pork Chop and her mom move in next door. Posey is a pure delight! I loved her positivity, her loyalty, her spunk and her constant quoting from her two favorite books, Nuggets of Knowledge and Caesar Romanoff’s Rules for Making Friends. Suddenly, Walter has a best friend and together they have loads of adventures including finding a “dead” man, Banjo, calling 911 for the first time ever and rescuing his hot air balloon, all while Posey teaches Walter the rules to making friends (great points to spark a conversation with your class or children during a read aloud). Her friendship, her support and her understanding of Walter’s grief helps him gain confidence in himself and to begin to accept Tank’s death.
I have been a fan of Barbara O’Connor’s books for a long time. WISH is one of my all time favorites, so I was so excited to receive an ebook of #halfwaytoharmony to review. It proved to be just as special and memorable as I hoped. It was the perfect book to lift my spirits this week and to transport me to a different world full of fun and warmth. It’s a book that needs to be in school libraries for grades 4-6 and is also a perfect read aloud.
I have been a fan of Barbara O’Connor’s books for a long time. WISH is one of my all time favorites, so I was so excited to receive an ebook of #halfwaytoharmony to review. It proved to be just as special and memorable as I hoped. It was the perfect book to lift my spirits this week and to transport me to a different world full of fun and warmth. It’s a book that needs to be in school libraries for grades 4-6 and is also a perfect read aloud.
November 21, 2020
First I would like to thank NetGalley and Macmillan's Children Publishing for an E-arc of this story. As a fifth grade teacher I love finding new books my students will love. I added her other book Wish to my classroom in Spring and I jumped at the chance to read another story of hers.
With having read so many middle grade books, I say this book is very reminiscent of Because of Winn Dixie, Bridge to Terabithia, and The Tiger Rising. If you like those books... you will enjoy this book too.
This story is beautiful. The friendship between Walter and Posey is amazing. The way she adds emotion and mood to her story gives me such empathy for Walters grief and this story was so enjoyable.
My only critic is I wish it was more diverse - I feel like we have so many stories with these exact main character, give ir take a name or trait. I wish there could have been a little more depth to the main characters in which my students could see themselves. That being said I will still recommend this book to my kiddos and add it to my classroom library upon publication for its colorful story of a hot air balloon adventure and it’s themes of friendship, family, war, and grief.
With having read so many middle grade books, I say this book is very reminiscent of Because of Winn Dixie, Bridge to Terabithia, and The Tiger Rising. If you like those books... you will enjoy this book too.
This story is beautiful. The friendship between Walter and Posey is amazing. The way she adds emotion and mood to her story gives me such empathy for Walters grief and this story was so enjoyable.
My only critic is I wish it was more diverse - I feel like we have so many stories with these exact main character, give ir take a name or trait. I wish there could have been a little more depth to the main characters in which my students could see themselves. That being said I will still recommend this book to my kiddos and add it to my classroom library upon publication for its colorful story of a hot air balloon adventure and it’s themes of friendship, family, war, and grief.
April 24, 2021
Ten-year-old Walter Tipple misses his older brother Tank terribly. While he once dreamed of adventure with his hero, now he just feels lost because Tank died during military service. All that Walter has left are memories, nightmares, and Tank's truck, which he carefully keeps just as clean and shiny as when Tank left home. Walter has been subject to quite a lot of bullying from classmates due to his quietness. Life changes for Walter when Posey moves in next door. She has a three-legged dog named Porkchop, loves sharing what she calls "nuggets of knowledge," and quoting advice about how to make friends from a book by Caesar Romanoff. Hanging out with Posey would surely provide adventure enough as she and her mother have just moved into the house left vacant after Posey's maternal grandparents' death. But things get even more exciting when a tall tale-telling man named Banjo drops out of the sky. Banjo plans to compete in the local hot air balloon contest, but he needs help finding his balloon and getting it up in the air. Naturally, Posey and Walter are eager to help. This sweetly-told story of a slowly-unfolding friendship contains plenty of life lessons as Walter realizes that he is far more capable than he has realized and comes to terms with his loss. Although Banjo is hard to like (or trust) and the whole balloon adventure and various related mishaps are hard to stomach, his story serves as a counterpoint to Walter's as he too is dealing with challenges. As it turns out, so is the seemingly-confident Posey. Some of the characters' names such as Kudzu and Jubilation and Banjo's attempts to court Posey's mother add humor to this tale. Author Barbara O'Connor continues to show why she's such a gifted storyteller who knows how to pluck the heartstrings of her readers in surprising ways.
January 9, 2021
A heart-warming read. Walter and Posey will have you laughing at their antics and thinking back to when you were a kid. Equal parts light-hearted goodness and the difficulty of processing grief. Love that it’s set in my home state!
June 2, 2021
This is the story of a small town where a young boy is missing his brother who joined the service. A young girl moves next door and they become friends and have adventures that concern a balloon. I really enjoyed this book (as I do most books by Barbara O'Connor). I both listened and read it.
June 11, 2021
Bodacious little growing up, missing a loved-one story.
Elementary (2nd grade+)
Loved the characterization and diction!
Would be a great student book group book: excellent vocab, strong story sequence, + good STEM connections!
Elementary (2nd grade+)
Loved the characterization and diction!
Would be a great student book group book: excellent vocab, strong story sequence, + good STEM connections!
August 7, 2021
I am never disappointed in Barbara O'Connor! Quirky, loving characters and a sweet story.
December 20, 2022
We’ll written and reminded me a lot of Kate DiCamillo’s writing style. This would make a good kids or family book club choice if you could plan it around a hot air balloon festival.
October 18, 2020
I loved the characters in this book as well as the dog! I look forward to sharing this one with students.
DRC provided by NetGalley.
DRC provided by NetGalley.
May 9, 2021
Beautiful book! Loved Walter, Posey, and Banjo, each in their own way! Posey's character reminded me of Kate DiCamillo's characters, but I was fine with that. I do wish there is a sequel to that story, especially as they return to school, and that the book covers more of Posey and Evalina's background.
Usually I anticipate how plots develop, especially in books for students in this age group, but this one brought along parts I did not anticipate. I must admit that I shed tears here and there, but those were tears because of having experienced the main character's experiences. Those parts were written in similar ways that grieving family members react.
Totally recommend this book.
Usually I anticipate how plots develop, especially in books for students in this age group, but this one brought along parts I did not anticipate. I must admit that I shed tears here and there, but those were tears because of having experienced the main character's experiences. Those parts were written in similar ways that grieving family members react.
Totally recommend this book.
September 16, 2021
I love the characters in this book full of heart and hope and hot-air balloons. And bodacious adventure.
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