Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“An intensely readable novel in free verse, Vitalis’s latest introduces Cayenne, 12, in her 1985 world of trying to fit in after a life lived on the road. . . . Storylines are woven around Cayenne’s complicated feelings regarding her unique family and their financial struggles, and readers will be exposed to thoughtful meditations on whether standing out or fitting in is the best option for middle schoolers.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“A seventh grader with free-spirited parents can’t wait to find a real home and friends of her own. . . . This story centers the valuable perspective of a child growing up in a loving family with alternative norms, and it demonstrates respect for young readers with a bittersweet ending that feels authentic.” — Kirkus Reviews
“This historical novel in verse tackles tough topics without veering into preachy or teachy messaging. The verse makes the story accessible while creating space for emotional resonance. Realistic, flawed characters populate this world. Relatable and highly readable with themes of belonging, family, and social class.” — Booklist
About the Author
Jessica Vitalis is the author of The Wolf’s Curse, The Rabbit’s Gift,and Coyote Queen. She is a full-time writer with a previous career in business and an MBA from Columbia Business School. An American expat, she now lives in Canada with her husband and two daughters.
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous novel in verse!
I was lucky to read Unsinkable Cayenne, a novel in verse that showcases Jessica Vitalis's skill as a wordsmith. Much like a surgeon wielding tools—every word is carefully placed. This historical novel-in-verse is about belonging, family, and social class. Vitalis, an award-winning author, makes all her works a true joy to read. Vitalis's crisp storytelling invites you to spend time in Cayenne’s 1980's world, where fitting in is as challenging as navigating the social ranks on the Titanic. Releasing in October! Highly recommend!
5.0 out of 5 stars Skillfully written, thoroughly engaging
UNSINKABLE CAYENNE, by Jessica Vitalis, is skillfully written, well-paced, and thoroughly engaging. The story is unique in that it is a historical novel in blank verse.The wreckage of the Titanic was found September 1, 1985, and Cayenne finds her teacher “obsessed” with the long-sunken luxury liner. Mr. Hartley has devised lessons around the theme across the seventh grade curriculum.Classroom learning is new to Cayenne. The twelve-year-old has been homeschooled by her mother. Home was an old van. Cayenne’s family now lives in a small town in Montana and, for the first time in her life, a real house.Cayenne is the oldest child in an unquestionably loving but markedly unique family. Her mother unselfconsciously dances barefoot by campfire light, her presence emanating patchouli. Her father is impacted by his service during a war that sizzled and boiled in shadowed jungles and, on the home front, in news reports. He often smells of cannabis. These factors complicate Cayenne’s deeply felt quest to finally fit in.And the Titanic? While initially Cayenne was only mildly interested during lessons centered on the doomed ship, she begins to see how its voyage, its fate, echo conditions in life:“1,317 ticketed passengers were on board the Titanic.324 first class, 62% survived284 second class, 42% survived709 third class, 26% survived“I don’t understandI don’t understand whyI don’t understand why the amount of moneysomeone has determines how much they are worth.”~ ~ ~While recommended for readers eight through twelve, UNSINKABLE CAYENNE is relatable and would be enjoyed by adult readers also. Highly recommended. Five stars.
5.0 out of 5 stars Will touch young readers’ hearts!
A beautiful novel that tenderly explores questions of class, of family loyalty, and of the very relatable desire to fit in with the crowd. Drawing upon the historical context of the discovery of the Titanic wreckage in the 1980s, Jessica Vitalis' UNSINKABLE CAYENNE poignantly addresses poverty from a child's eye view. Cayenne's internal conflict and her wish to belong will resonate with and touch the hearts of so many young readers.
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely, Lyrical, and True to Life
I love that this book paints a picture of a real family. Though the family is flawed, like all families, they are in this thing called life together. They face real problems, and Cayenne, the bird-lover, finds ways to soar despite the challenges she faces. The book is gorgeous, with illustrations of little birds soaring across the pages, which reminding us of one of the books central themes: if we find the resolve to be unsinkable, we just might fly.
5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn’t put it down
Another amazing book written by Jessica Vitalis. This one, in particular, brought me to tears!
5.0 out of 5 stars A heartwarming story about family, moving, and the desire to fit in
I loved this book! It’s a heartwarming story about family, moving, and the desire to fit in. Cayenne’s family lives a nomadic life in a van, traveling from place to place, while her heart yearns for a stable home. When her dad finds a job, it feels like her dreams might finally come true. Written in beautiful verse, this story tugs at your heartstrings and explores the meaning of family, friendship, and discovering your own worth.
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Novel in Verse
I loved Cayenne as the main character navigating middle school life in 1985, as her family tries to "settle" down and live in one place after living in several places in their van. Told as a novel in verse. Beautiful.
4.0 out of 5 stars Makes the Titanic relevant to today's middle schoolers
4.5 stars to Vitalis for this engaging verse novel about Cayenne, a new 7th grader who just wants to fit in at school after leaving a nomadic life to settle with her family in a small Montana town in 1985. Cayenne's family is poor and her parents (including her pot-smoking dad) are hippies, but she wants to be like the rich popular kids when she starts a new school. She has a crush on the new boy and tries to navigate friendships, but her family is dealing with a lot with as low as their income is. When her history teacher shares the statistics on the survival rates of the first-, second-, and third-class passengers on the Titanic, Cayenne starts to feel like a third-class passenger floundering in a first-class world. She's a believable middle schooler that readers will identify with and cheer for.My students love verse novels, and I will probably add this to my shelves, but as a teacher in a Christian school, there may be a couple of concerns for others with a similar population: (1) a minor character at the end is referenced as having two moms, and (2) the author's note places Darwinism over creation theory in trying to settle the chicken vs. the egg debate. The fact that the dad's marijuana habit is illegal is handled appropriately, but the other two minor items keep it off my 5-star list for other teachers in Christian schools.
Gorgeous and powerful novel in verse
What a beautiful story, well told. Jessica uses verse to tell a tale about Cayenne’s confronting the unfair societal divides between the haves and the have nots. It’s an uncommon theme in kidlit brought to life through Cayenne’s experiences, interwoven with the vivid and effective metaphor of the Titanic. Jessica paints an evocative and relatable narrative that will resonate with any child, allowing them to empathize or see themselves in Cayenne’s journey. Readers will cheer for Cayenne as she navigates a new town, a new school, and the challenges of life with her wonderfully unconventional family.
Visit the Greenwillow Books Store
Unsinkable Cayenne
AED8465
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
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Visit the Greenwillow Books Store
Unsinkable Cayenne
AED8465
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“An intensely readable novel in free verse, Vitalis’s latest introduces Cayenne, 12, in her 1985 world of trying to fit in after a life lived on the road. . . . Storylines are woven around Cayenne’s complicated feelings regarding her unique family and their financial struggles, and readers will be exposed to thoughtful meditations on whether standing out or fitting in is the best option for middle schoolers.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“A seventh grader with free-spirited parents can’t wait to find a real home and friends of her own. . . . This story centers the valuable perspective of a child growing up in a loving family with alternative norms, and it demonstrates respect for young readers with a bittersweet ending that feels authentic.” — Kirkus Reviews
“This historical novel in verse tackles tough topics without veering into preachy or teachy messaging. The verse makes the story accessible while creating space for emotional resonance. Realistic, flawed characters populate this world. Relatable and highly readable with themes of belonging, family, and social class.” — Booklist
About the Author
Jessica Vitalis is the author of The Wolf’s Curse, The Rabbit’s Gift,and Coyote Queen. She is a full-time writer with a previous career in business and an MBA from Columbia Business School. An American expat, she now lives in Canada with her husband and two daughters.
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous novel in verse!
I was lucky to read Unsinkable Cayenne, a novel in verse that showcases Jessica Vitalis's skill as a wordsmith. Much like a surgeon wielding tools—every word is carefully placed. This historical novel-in-verse is about belonging, family, and social class. Vitalis, an award-winning author, makes all her works a true joy to read. Vitalis's crisp storytelling invites you to spend time in Cayenne’s 1980's world, where fitting in is as challenging as navigating the social ranks on the Titanic. Releasing in October! Highly recommend!
5.0 out of 5 stars Skillfully written, thoroughly engaging
UNSINKABLE CAYENNE, by Jessica Vitalis, is skillfully written, well-paced, and thoroughly engaging. The story is unique in that it is a historical novel in blank verse.The wreckage of the Titanic was found September 1, 1985, and Cayenne finds her teacher “obsessed” with the long-sunken luxury liner. Mr. Hartley has devised lessons around the theme across the seventh grade curriculum.Classroom learning is new to Cayenne. The twelve-year-old has been homeschooled by her mother. Home was an old van. Cayenne’s family now lives in a small town in Montana and, for the first time in her life, a real house.Cayenne is the oldest child in an unquestionably loving but markedly unique family. Her mother unselfconsciously dances barefoot by campfire light, her presence emanating patchouli. Her father is impacted by his service during a war that sizzled and boiled in shadowed jungles and, on the home front, in news reports. He often smells of cannabis. These factors complicate Cayenne’s deeply felt quest to finally fit in.And the Titanic? While initially Cayenne was only mildly interested during lessons centered on the doomed ship, she begins to see how its voyage, its fate, echo conditions in life:“1,317 ticketed passengers were on board the Titanic.324 first class, 62% survived284 second class, 42% survived709 third class, 26% survived“I don’t understandI don’t understand whyI don’t understand why the amount of moneysomeone has determines how much they are worth.”~ ~ ~While recommended for readers eight through twelve, UNSINKABLE CAYENNE is relatable and would be enjoyed by adult readers also. Highly recommended. Five stars.
5.0 out of 5 stars Will touch young readers’ hearts!
A beautiful novel that tenderly explores questions of class, of family loyalty, and of the very relatable desire to fit in with the crowd. Drawing upon the historical context of the discovery of the Titanic wreckage in the 1980s, Jessica Vitalis' UNSINKABLE CAYENNE poignantly addresses poverty from a child's eye view. Cayenne's internal conflict and her wish to belong will resonate with and touch the hearts of so many young readers.
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely, Lyrical, and True to Life
I love that this book paints a picture of a real family. Though the family is flawed, like all families, they are in this thing called life together. They face real problems, and Cayenne, the bird-lover, finds ways to soar despite the challenges she faces. The book is gorgeous, with illustrations of little birds soaring across the pages, which reminding us of one of the books central themes: if we find the resolve to be unsinkable, we just might fly.
5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn’t put it down
Another amazing book written by Jessica Vitalis. This one, in particular, brought me to tears!
5.0 out of 5 stars A heartwarming story about family, moving, and the desire to fit in
I loved this book! It’s a heartwarming story about family, moving, and the desire to fit in. Cayenne’s family lives a nomadic life in a van, traveling from place to place, while her heart yearns for a stable home. When her dad finds a job, it feels like her dreams might finally come true. Written in beautiful verse, this story tugs at your heartstrings and explores the meaning of family, friendship, and discovering your own worth.
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Novel in Verse
I loved Cayenne as the main character navigating middle school life in 1985, as her family tries to "settle" down and live in one place after living in several places in their van. Told as a novel in verse. Beautiful.
4.0 out of 5 stars Makes the Titanic relevant to today's middle schoolers
4.5 stars to Vitalis for this engaging verse novel about Cayenne, a new 7th grader who just wants to fit in at school after leaving a nomadic life to settle with her family in a small Montana town in 1985. Cayenne's family is poor and her parents (including her pot-smoking dad) are hippies, but she wants to be like the rich popular kids when she starts a new school. She has a crush on the new boy and tries to navigate friendships, but her family is dealing with a lot with as low as their income is. When her history teacher shares the statistics on the survival rates of the first-, second-, and third-class passengers on the Titanic, Cayenne starts to feel like a third-class passenger floundering in a first-class world. She's a believable middle schooler that readers will identify with and cheer for.My students love verse novels, and I will probably add this to my shelves, but as a teacher in a Christian school, there may be a couple of concerns for others with a similar population: (1) a minor character at the end is referenced as having two moms, and (2) the author's note places Darwinism over creation theory in trying to settle the chicken vs. the egg debate. The fact that the dad's marijuana habit is illegal is handled appropriately, but the other two minor items keep it off my 5-star list for other teachers in Christian schools.
Gorgeous and powerful novel in verse
What a beautiful story, well told. Jessica uses verse to tell a tale about Cayenne’s confronting the unfair societal divides between the haves and the have nots. It’s an uncommon theme in kidlit brought to life through Cayenne’s experiences, interwoven with the vivid and effective metaphor of the Titanic. Jessica paints an evocative and relatable narrative that will resonate with any child, allowing them to empathize or see themselves in Cayenne’s journey. Readers will cheer for Cayenne as she navigates a new town, a new school, and the challenges of life with her wonderfully unconventional family.
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “1900s”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U0063314452