I’m Norma Elliot. I know what you’re thinking. Who names their kid Norma nowadays? Believe me, I feel the same as you. I’m a ginger―that means redhead. Actually, my hair isn’t red; it’s orange, but I guess redhead sounds better than orangehead. First, because it rhymes, and second, someone may get confused and think that my head is an actual orange. I’m ten years old and sharp―what my dad calls … dad calls me―that means smart, not pointy.
My story is about what I did during the winter season. No brainer; the title gave that away. It’s mostly about me learning life lessons and spending time with God when I write to him in my secret journal.
Oh, I need to mention, I’m not perfect; definitely not. Just thought I’d warn you in case you’re expecting to read a story about some cute little angel type girl. If you were, you may want to find a different story to read. But then again, if you’re up for a story about a girl who’s a work in progress―what dad says our old house is―you may just like my story. I really hope you will.
Anyway, bye for now.
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Do you know someone who thinks his or her name is horrible? If so, why do they believe this? In Author Victoria Simcox’s latest novel, ’Tis the Season (Norma Elliot’s Secret Journal Book 1) we meet 4th grader Norma Elliot, a character you won’t soon forget. Norma is not happy with her “old lady’s” name she calls it. She’s named after her dad, Norman, who really wanted a boy instead of a girl when she was born. Not a great way to begin your life. But her name is the least of Norma’s problems. Being the spunky girl that she is, Norma deals with each situation she faces in her own unique way.
One part I especially like is Norma’s journal where she writes her “true feelings” to God. A scripture is on each page to help her. She also knows that she cannot hide what she does from God. Norma is priceless, sarcastic at times, serious at times, and fun at times. Her relationship to her older sister, younger brother, and parents may remind you of your own family or families that you know. They don’t always get along with each other, but the love is there.
’TIS THE SEASON is a beautiful story about family, friendship, and following God’s will. I am so excited to see that there will be other books about Norma because I’m curious as to what she will do next. This book would be ideal for school libraries from elementary to middle school, as well as public libraries and your own personal library. Norma is a character you really should meet. You’ll never forget her. Happy Reading.
What an adorable book for youngsters! Being a ten-year-old definitely has its problems. It’s a time in a child life of trying to fit in with their peers and making lasting friendships. And poor Norma has a boatload of stress. It’s suggested that Norma start writing a journal, and she addresses the journal entries to the only person she can depend on and trust: God. Each entry has a bible theme that correlates to Norma’s day.
I highly recommend this read to children, 8+ years!
Tis the Season by Victoria Simcox is a sweet, funny book for middle-grade readers. It tells the story of ten-year-old Norma Elliot, who receives a journal for Christmas instead of the video game that she wanted. That journal soon becomes very important to her as she decides to use it to write letters to God.
Norma’s everyday worries over the boys who tease her over her “grandma” name, her older sister’s hand-me-down snowsuit, her feelings of envy when her best friend invites another friend out to the movies, and more all appear in her letters, along with the lessons she learns as she negotiates these challenging situations.
I’ve read and enjoyed all of Victoria Simcox’s Bernovem Chronicles books, which are fantasy, and it was a lot of fun to see the author use a totally different style for this more down-to-earth tale. Norma frets about her ginger hair, her family, school, and her friends, and her trials and tribulations will be very relatable for other kids her age. Norma also has a big personality, and the way she phrases things will make kids laugh. In addition kids will find food for spiritual thought as Norma confesses to her own mistakes and shortcomings when she addresses God in her letters.
’Tis the Season is a book kids can enjoy reading on their own, and also one that parents and children can have fun reading together. And if they do read it together, they’ll have a lot they can discuss after each chapter. I hope we get to hear more from Norma in the future!
“‘‘Tis the Season (Norma Elliot’s Secret Journal Book 1)” is a treat for kids of all ages! Ten-year-old Norma doesn’t like her name. It’s an old lady’s name, she says, and some of her classmates agree, making Norma the butt of their jokes. But her name is the least of her problems. Like many kids her age, Norma feels that life just isn’t fair. She has to wear hand-me-downs. Her best friend Taylor has a new friend. Norma spends a lot of time complaining about her problems, but when her parents encourage her to keep a journal, she soon realizes that her problems aren’t problems, after all. They are learning experiences, growing experiences. With each problem that Norma encounters, she writes a passage from the Bible related to a specific problem, followed by a message to God in which she is able to work through the problem. And with each problem solved, Norma and the book’s readers are given a valuable life lesson. But the book isn’t just a series of life lessons; it’s fun, and it’s funny! Kids will love it, and I’m guessing their parents will love it, as well!
Tis The Season is a delightful story told through the eyes of a ten-year old girl named Norma. She is in a family with Viola, her older sister, Antonio, her little brother, her mom and dad, a dog named Pam and her interactions with classmates, both girls and boys.
Touching segments throughout the story is Ms. Simcox’s Norma character puts scriptural entries into her journal and expresses herself to God on her shortcomings and applies the Bible verses to her life in what she has learned.
The author does a fine job of showing the world through the eyes of a girl who is growing up, what things are important to her and how she can see that she can be a better person.
It took me back to a time in my childhood when things were simpler and how children, with help, can figure things out for themselves. I highly recommend this story.
Written for a teen and tween audience, Victoria Simcox’s “Tis the Season, Norma Elliot’s Secret Journal” is entertaining for any and every age group—even adults. Norma Elliot admits to having an old woman’s name—her tormentors call her “Granny.” She hates that almost as much as the unwanted Christmas present, a scripture journal that she is expected to write in every day. She hates writing.
Norma hides the journal at the bottom of the shelf under other dust-covered items until she realizes that she can write messages to the Lord in it and keep Him up to date with her life—just in case He has missed anything.
Norma dislikes many aspects of her life; a younger brother, an older sister, and even the fat, grumpy family dog. Most of all, she hates the snowsuit passed down to her from her sister, and who could blame her? It has cat ears.
The brilliant humor in the story will keep the reader chuckling. Norma, 10, spurns sister Viola, 12, for wearing a training bra and studying herself in the mirror endlessly. “Breasts don’t have minds, so she’s not going to be able to train them to do anything.”
Norma expresses her home life as, “one sane person—me—living with a bunch of weirdoes.” With Boyd and Juan tormenting her, school is not much better.
Journal entry by journal entry, this author never fails to bring Nora’s story to life with honesty, humor, and spiritual growth. And when Nora overeats to get big enough to outgrow the horrible snowsuit with cat ears—well—you will just have to read the book yourself!