Official Review: SandPeople by Cheryl Kerr

Tayna Harrison · Post by **Tayna Harrison** » 05 Apr 2025, 19:54

SandPeople by Cheryl Kerr is a heartfelt middle-grade novel that weaves mystery, history, and emotional growth into a beautiful coming-of-age story. Set in a small Texas coastal village in 1998, the book follows 12-year-old Lea McKinney. After her parents announce their separation, Lea is sent to spend the summer with her Aunt Meg while her mother travels to Europe and her father focuses on an archaeological dig.

Feeling abandoned and lonely in an unfamiliar environment, Lea’s summer takes an unexpected turn when she encounters a mysterious ghostly figure a girl in a long blue dress along the beach. She also notices strange sand figures that seem to vanish in the wind. Determined to uncover the truth behind these haunting experiences, Lea teams up with new friends and local historians to dig deeper into the village’s past. This journey leads her to participate in a beach excavation, connecting her not only to the physical history buried in the sand but also to her own emotional resilience.

Kerr excels at blending the paranormal with historical fiction, keeping the reader engaged while subtly guiding Lea through her internal struggles. The setting is vividly described; readers can almost feel the ocean breeze and the coarse texture of the sand. Lea’s emotional arc coping with family separation and adjusting to change is portrayed with authenticity and sensitivity, making her relatable to young readers.

The book appears well-edited, with only minor errors that do not affect the reading experience. The pacing is balanced, with moments of introspection spaced nicely between scenes of mystery and discovery. SandPeople is particularly suited for middle grade readers who enjoy a thoughtful blend of mystery, history, and emotional storytelling.

However, readers looking for a fast-paced or action-heavy mystery might find the story a little slow at times. The focus here is more on Lea’s personal growth than on high-stakes adventure.

Overall, SandPeople is a charming and meaningful novel that I highly recommend for young readers and anyone who appreciates a story about healing, history, and hope.

I rate SandPeople 4 out of 4 stars. It’s an engaging, well written book that leaves a lasting impression.

Joanna Perry · Post by **Joanna Perry** » 05 Apr 2025, 20:42

I enjoyed this book, too. Your review is enthusiastic and meaningful, and I appreciate your comments. I love Lea's adventurous summer and think it must have been fun. Young people will like this book.

Post by **Amarachi Stephanie Ejike** » 05 Apr 2025, 20:56

"SandPeople: An Across Time Mystery" by Cheryl Kerr follows Lea's struggles with change, difficulties, transition and growth living with a distant Aunt after her Parent's separation. The story is emotive-a perfect mix of mystery and history, and suitable for readers ages eight to fourteen, especially for people dealing with situations that are out of their control.

mytkreadingreview · Post by **mytkreadingreview** » 05 Apr 2025, 21:07

Lea can survive the circumstances by telling her parents how she fill about her aunt and what she wants and lastly what she thinks they can do for her that she thinks it will work,for the better.

Post by **Anu Anand** » 05 Apr 2025, 21:28

Lea’s quiet struggle with change and her summer full of discoveries sound both touching and exciting. I especially liked how the story mixes growing up with mystery and adventure. A great pick for young readers. Congrats on BOTD!

Sam David 4 · Post by **Sam David 4** » 05 Apr 2025, 22:19

The main idea of the book that fouced on the period of lea life and however the problem of here parent,s effect in the family live ,and how that effect on here manner ,moreover the book have remaind good siens of what in our realty life

Chi Chiu Michael Mak · Post by **Chi Chiu Michael Mak** » 05 Apr 2025, 22:24

SandPeople offers the unique plotline where Lea learns to connect with her aunt, a family member who isn't close. I find it intriguing that people can be distant despite being related by blood. It makes the book stand out from other coming of age stores.

Post by **twinkle09** » 05 Apr 2025, 22:35

A realistic portrayal of a coming of age drama where Lea has to learn how to act in the actual world without any parental advise. She struggles but later understands the reality. A thoughgful book to read. Thanks for a beautiful review!

Renee Cryer · Post by **Renee Cryer** » 05 Apr 2025, 22:45

From the sample I read, I agree with the reviewer. This is a well written coming of age story. The author allows the mind to see what they are wanting them to see. I read the prologue and chapter one. Though I am 52, I'm tempted to buy the book. The author has successfully brought me into Lea's world. Congratulations on the BOTD.

Asmira Vishwa · Post by **Asmira Vishwa** » 05 Apr 2025, 23:06

SandPeople is a heartfelt and engaging middle-grade novel that perfectly captures the emotional challenges of growing up. When twelve-year-old Lea McKinney’s summer plans fall apart due to her parents' separation, she’s sent to stay with an unfamiliar aunt in Texas—far from her best friend and everything familiar. What begins as an unwelcome trip turns into a summer of discovery, growth, and adventure.

Cheryl Kerr does a wonderful job portraying Lea’s emotional journey, from her initial frustration and loneliness to the slow building of trust and connection with her aunt. The story avoids focusing on the parents’ issues and instead zooms in on Lea’s personal development—making it relatable for readers navigating change themselves.
This is a perfect read for kids aged 8 to 14, especially those dealing with change, separation, or that in-between feeling of growing up. It’s well-written, emotionally rich, and filled with just the right mix of adventure and heart. Highly recommended!

Rating: 4 out of 4 stars

Post by **Bethel Saint Bright** » 05 Apr 2025, 23:23

Separation from family is as painful as losing them to death. The only difference is the hope of seeing them again in this lifetime. I might not understand Lea's pain, but I know it's not easy. It will be interesting to see how she navigates this challenging episode in her life.

Harshitha G B · Post by **Harshitha G B** » 05 Apr 2025, 23:48

"SandPeople" by Cheryl Kerr is about young girl Lea, going through life transformation because of family, and met new mysterious moments in other city, which challenges her in every way.

Post by **Ntokozo Joy Ndlovu** » 06 Apr 2025, 00:55

I like how this book focuses on an often neglected part of separation and divorce, the mental well-being of the children involved. Sounds like an eye opening book. Well done on the review.

Dayana Alvarado 1 · Post by **Dayana Alvarado 1** » 06 Apr 2025, 01:34

Lea learns that not everything is under her control but she can choose how to react open herself to new things and find something good even in a summer that started so badly.

SophiaNd · Post by **SophiaNd** » 06 Apr 2025, 01:45

Cheryl Kerr's "SandPeople: An Across Time Mystery" offers a relatable coming-of-age narrative as Lea McKinney navigates her parents' separation and a summer with an unfamiliar aunt in Texas, where she unexpectedly encounters history and mystery. The review highlights the book's strength in depicting Lea's personal growth and its skillful integration of historical elements, making it an engaging and educational read for middle-grade audiences.