Beans Curry, first introduced to readers in Jennifer L. Holm’s award-winning Turtle in Paradise, is back in FULL OF BEANS (Random House Books for Young Readers / on sale August 30, 2016 / $16.99), historical middle-grade fiction at its most fun and set against the backdrop of 1930s Key West, Florida, where three-time Newbery Honor winner Holm’s ancestors hail from. A descendant of the famous Curry family, Holm draws inspiration from her own family history to craft this heartwarming story about a boy making his way through the Great Depression.
Grown-ups lie. That’s one truth Beans knows for sure. He and his gang know how to spot a whopper a mile away, because they are the savviest bunch of barefoot conchs (that means “locals”) in all of Key West. Not that Beans really minds; it’s 1934, the middle of the Great Depression. With no jobs on the island and no money anywhere, who can really blame the grown-ups for telling a few tales? Besides, Beans isn’t anyone’s fool. In fact, he has plans. Big plans. And the consequences might surprise even Beans himself.
FULL OF BEANS offers a unique look into the era of the Great Depression and provides both a richly detailed account of history and a timeless story filled with all the grit and charm that readers have come to expect from Holm, one of the most beloved voices in middle-grade literature. Filled with strong characters, quick-paced adventure, and hilarious mishaps, Holm’s latest novel makes for a fantastic read for the entire family and will eagerly be snatched up by all who love an unforgettable tale.
Jennifer L. Holm is a three-time Newbery Honoree. She collaborates with her brother Matthew Holm on the Babymouse series (a 2013 Eisner Award winner) and the Squish series. Her latest novel, The Fourteenth Goldfish, is a New York Times bestseller. Jennifer lives in Southern California with her husband and two children. Find out more about her by visiting jenniferholm.com and look for her on Twitter at @jenniholm.
