Review by Devalsodha -- Chase Found Grit by Jeanne Evelyn

[Deval Sodha]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Chase Found Grit" by Jeanne Evelyn.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Childhood is a wonderful age in which kids are all free to go to school, enjoy different activities, play outdoors with their friends, and move around with their classmates. Alas! This current pandemic situation has changed childhood life a lot. Going to school, meeting teachers, and doing projects with friends, has been replaced by virtual classes and finishing online projects before the due date. Chase Found Grit by Jeanne Evelyn is a heart-touching children’s book that resembles the current era. It is an excellent way to express a child’s experience with remote learning, and it shows the way to handle his exasperation and discover his vigor.

The current situation has taken a toll on a child’s life. Chase, a young boy, is badly missing his school days and his friends. He was overwhelmed and bored to take his virtual lessons in a closed room. But like a boon, Ms. Serrano, a supportive school teacher, reaches out to him. She encourages Chase to share his emotions. Chase, soon felt his shoulders light, and in no time he finished his pending essay. He was again in a bright mood, and his whole outlook had shifted. The timely support, from his teachers, parents, and trusted elders, helped Chase, rediscover his lost courage and persevere him to come out of his stress.

I loved the amazing use of rhyming words to present the tale. This makes it a delightful, interesting read. The beautiful illustrations by Vidya Vasudevan, add a visual class to the book. The pictures very well display Chase’s feelings, to which, kids can easily connect to in the current time.

There is nothing to dislike about the book. It is a perfect opportune read, which can be a support for kids, to obtain grit and achieve their academic success in this adverse situation.
The book is exceptionally well edited. I recommend this book to kids above 7 years of age, who are doing homeschooling. Schools must encourage the teachers and parents to read this book, to motivate them, to help kids like Chase, overcome their stress. This beautiful tale, narrated in the form of a verse, expressed through colorful pictures, will capture the young reader’s mind till the end.

I rate Chase Found Grit by Jeanne Evelyn 4 out of 4 stars. The author is a master in Child and Adolescent Psychology, and she is very well aware of a child’s emotions while coping up with the new normal. She has brilliantly described a child’s stress, and how a supportive hand from his adult can turn over a bad day into a success story. Through this book, she wants to encourage kids to find their grit in unfavorable situations, seek support from trusted elders, and finally come out with flying colors.

My favorite lines from the book are, “Amused now by the spinning wheel, Chase felt the comfort of his room. This will be over soon, he thought, and the school he once knew resume.”

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Chase Found Grit
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[Amy Luman]

Chase is a very lucky boy to have people that support him. I know that online school has been especially hard on some.