A Girl Named Willow Krimble by Giuseppe Bianco

Title: A Girl Named Willow Krimble

Author: Giuseppe Bianco

Genre: Middle Grade/Young Adult

Stand alone or series: (Web Novel) book 1

Pages: 119 pages

Book Received from: Author

First Lines: Willow Krimble could not remember the last time she was so nervous

Synopsis:
Forced to maneuver through obstacles most teenagers would not need to tackle, Willow is suddenly blessed (or cursed?) with the unusual power to heal others through touch. Ever selfless, Willow’s desire to help the injured and sick thrusts her into a world where she is given immense responsibility, putting the needs of others before her own, all the while trying to maintain her secret.

Willow’s adolescent journey takes her through an emotional cyclone where she finds joy and purpose in helping an array of patients from an old man with Alzheimer’s to a mauled animal in a pet store. But Willow soon finds out there are limitations to her ability and, no matter how hard she might try, she cannot save everyone.

Through the intermingling of joy and pain, Willow is repeatedly tested to discover just how strong she can be, how strong she has been her entire life, and how everyone possesses the ability to effect another person’s world, with or without a secret power.

My Thoughts:

I'll be honest.  Before Giuseppe had contacted me, I'd never even heard of a web novel.  I really liked the idea that there was a whole book posted WITH illustrations on the Willow Krimble website for everyone to read.  He was kind enough to send me a review copy and I must say I absolutely loved the story.

A Girl Named Willow Krimble is the story about a girl called Willow (you guess it lol) who is given the gift of healing.  Not only does she have to tackle school, adolescence, and living with a prosthetic leg, she's also got to deal with the unusual ability to heal just by touch.  Who do you tell without sounding like you've lost your marbles?  When you're not even sure yet if it is even possible!

Within the first page I fell in love with Willow.  Chapter one she has to face almost getting into a fight with two popular girls, her sworn enemies, right in the middle of the school cafeteria. Thankfully for her feisty best friend Razzel, she steps up to the challenge but it is quickly squashed when a teacher finally intercepts.  Within that first chapter,  I see a girl who doesn't want any trouble, tries to stay out of the spotlight and is the type that, if someone barges past her she is the one to say sorry.  How could you not love a character like that.  As the story progresses, you can see the subtle changes in Willow and watching her finally stand up and be heard. 

Razzel, her best friend was another character I just loved reading about.  She is Willow's opposite.  Razzel's not afraid to make a commotion and be heard, and she sure stands up for herself and Willow when it's needed.  Sometimes even when it's not.  She's the kind of girl you'd want to back you up in potentially bad situations.  Razzel is loyal and would do anything, including sitting through Willow's choice of movies just to keep her friends mind off things. 

A Girl Named Willow Krimble is recommended reading.  A story about true friendship, helping others, and being proud of the person you are and the things you can achieve!