Book Review: The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson and Giveaway

Pages: 282

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Pub. Date: April 26, 2011

Source: Authors on the Web and HarperTeen

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Ginny Blackstone thought that the biggest adventure of her life was behind her. She spent last summer traveling around Europe, following the tasks her aunt Peg laid out in a series of letters before she died. When someone stole Ginny's backpack—and the last little blue envelope inside—she resigned herself to never knowing how it was supposed to end.  Months later, a mysterious boy contacts Ginny from London, saying he's found her bag. Finally, Ginny can finish what she started. But instead of ending her journey, the last letter starts a new adventure—one filled with old friends, new loves, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Ginny finds she must hold on to her wits . . . and her heart. This time, there are no instructions."

It's been a few months since Ginny's grand adventure in Europe, thanks to her Aunt Peg's letters in 13 Little Blue Envelopes.  Ginny has dealt with the fact that her aunt's last letter was stolen and she'll never really know how it all ends.  However, someone from London contacts Ginny saying that he found her last letter and Ginny then heads to London for another adventure and to ultimately find out what her aunt's last letter says.  The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson is just as exciting and fun as 13 Little Blue Envelopes.

Ginny is such an adorable main character that I've grown to really enjoy.  Who wouldn't love her adventures?  Some of her relationships from the previous novel are continued in this sequel, which I enjoyed.  She is still communicating with Keith and still harbors a crush on him, but Ginny will learn things aren't always perfect.  And as with any good adventure, the heroine always meets a new person that catches her eye, which is what happens to Ginny in The Last Little Blue Envelope.  When it comes down to it, Ginny has matured quite a bit in this novel and I enjoyed that change. 

One of the main reasons I enjoyed The Last Little Blue Envelope was for all the traveling.  I love Johnson's descriptions of Europe; it made me want to go plan another European vacation.  Ginny travels to some of her usual haunts, but also visits Ireland this time, which I loved.  Thanks to Johnson, she has reignited my travel bug.  Another aspect of this novel that I loved was her Aunt Peg. Who wouldn't want an aunt like that? I love how she guides Ginny, really pushes her to the limit and stretches her world through her letters.  I'm pretty sure every teenage girl would love this. 

Johnson is a fantastic author that holds my attention.  There's no doubt that when I bring this book to my library classroom this fall, it will fly off the shelf.  I look forward to Johnson's future novels, especially The Name of the Star, which takes place takes place in London. (Yay!) 

Thanks to Lauren from Authors on the Web and HarperTeen, I have an extra copy of The Last Little Blue Envelope to give away to one lucky US reader.  Please refer to my giveaway rules. The giveaway is open till August 21, 2011 and you don't need to be a follower in order to enter; however, I always appreciate it.  Good luck!

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*Buy The Last Little Blue Envelope

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