Book Review: Beyond the Green by Sharlee Mullins Glenn

**Disclaimer: I received a free electronic ARC for review on NetGalley.**
Genre: Children's Fiction, Middle Grade
Description:

"Eleven-year-old Britta's big Mormon family took in little Dori—a member of the Ute tribe—as a baby. Now, four years later, Dori's birth mother, Irene, is ready to take Dori back. Blunt and feisty, Britta is filled with anger. How can Irene claim Dori when she's been gone all this time? Britta will stop at nothing to keep her sister, even if it means running away or failing to see beyond her prejudices."

When I finished this book I was pleasantly surprised that I really, really enjoyed it. 

The story gave a soft 'Little House on the Prairie"-vibe for me because it was story narrated by a young protagonist in a setting from the past that incorporated real historical issues and drama, but told in a way that was easy to understand and flowed quite smoothly. I was even surprised when I read in the authors note that this book was based on the author's real life experience with her foster sister, which makes this all the more better and touching.

I also enjoyed the characters, even feisty Britta, who even I believe might've taken things too far at some points of the story (not just the running away part), but that's okay because she's still young and it adds to her character, which only continued to develop positively throughout the story. I also really enjoyed the family dynamic, from Britta's stern, loving, strong mother, her siblings (including little adorable Dori), and her awesome grandpa. It felt comfortably warm and real. Even the culture of the Ute tribe was great because it was introduced in such a way where it was easy to understand and was not overwhelming. It could have been introduced as an information dump, but luckily it was eased in, as we are learning about it just as Britta was. 

The touching moments with the inevitable departure of Dori, how it affects the family by not only causing grief, but also strengthening them at the same time was also very well written. 

Overall, this was a very enjoyable read that had me shed a tear here and there. 😢

I highly, highly recommend this book to anyone, despite it being targeted towards a younger audience. 😊👍

Overall rating: 4.5/5