This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Ibrahim Aslan for Readers' Favorite
Strength Hidden by Sara McQuarrie tells the story of twelve-year-old Andromeda Smith (Andy) as she tries to understand her life in foster care after her parents abandon her. Andy has moved through many homes and never felt truly cared for, leaving her wary of others. Being outdoors gives her a sense of calm and control, and she learns survival skills from books and shows. Living with Gladys is hard—she has to follow strict rules, gets punished for no reason, and often feels neglected. It pushes her to plan a proper escape. She puts together some supplies, hides them, and waits for the right moment during a field trip to make her move. The story follows Andy as she takes her first steps into the Maine wilderness, revealing how scared yet determined she really is. Can she survive out there by herself? Or will the dangers of the outdoors and her old problems find her?
Strength Hidden by Sara McQuarrie is a YA novel about growing up that blends life in the foster care system with a powerful survival story. The writing made me feel like I was inside Andy’s head, noticing her careful planning and anxieties at the same time. I was impressed by how the author balances practical survival details with Andy’s emotional distress, which makes every decision she takes convincing and crucial. The story moves quickly without confusing the reader, and symbols (like the brook she crosses) are used to highlight her growth. Seeing Andy's small successes and the real risks she faces got me thinking about surviving in her place. It made me realize how determination and courage can push someone to take control of their own life, even when the odds might seem stacked against them. A very compelling story from start to finish. I highly recommend it to fans of touching coming-of-age tales.
