The Juniper Game

by Sherryl Jordan

Juniper is a beautiful and popular 14 year-old girl. She has many friends and a handsome boyfriend – 7th former Kingsley Blayd. However, Juniper has an interest that sets her apart from her peers. She is obsessed with all things medieval. Her room contains an impressive collection of medieval treasures - bunches of dried herbs and flowers, pictures of castles, brass rubbings, a beautiful stained glass window and a shelf ready to hold the ornate silver chalice that Juniper knows will soon be hers. She even has straw on the floor!

In addition to Juniper’s penchant for all things medieval she is also telepathic. When she discovers that the new boy at school Dylan Pidgely is a talented artist she realises that he would be the perfect person for her to conduct her experiment of telepathic image exchange with. And he is. The experiment is a success right from the start. Soon the pair have established a strong telepathic bond. Through mediation they are able to travel through time to medieval London and record their experiences. However, Juniper soon becomes obsessed with the experiment. She gets drawn further and further into another time – one that seems to be happening simultaneously with the present and begins to threaten the future…

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Time Travel, Paranormal, Childrens, Supernatural

228 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Award-winning New Zealand author Sherryl Rose Jordan (née Brogden) (1949-2023) began her writing career with picture books, but soon moved on to novels for older readers. Her breakthrough came with Rocco, published in the United States as A Time of Darkness, and since that time she has gone on to pen many more titles for young adult and juvenile readers that have been published both in her native New Zealand and throughout the world.

The recipient of a 1993 fellowship to the prestigious writing program at the University of Iowa, Jordan used her time in the United States to speak widely at schools and conferences about her books, which blend fantasy with bits of science fiction and romantic realism. "All my young adult novels have been gifts," she noted in the St. James Guide to Children's Writers. "I don't think them up. They hit me over the head when I least expect them; overwhelm me with impressions, sights, and sounds of their new worlds; enchant me with their characters; and dare me to write them."

Reviews

[Nomes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is New Zealand book that my mates and I were crazy about in High School. Contemporary high school. ESP. Amazing artist guy crushing on dynamic wild girl. Time Travel. Medieval England. Witch burnings. Incredible, crazy story. Most of all, it still resonates with me a decade after first reading it.

[Britt Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book when I was around 12 years old, and I loved it. 18 years later, I went looking for it only to discover it is out of print. Luckily, I found a used copy on Amazon. I read this very quickly. I finished it in a day. I still love the story. However, with my adult understanding now, there are some things that feel unfinished or unnecessary in the plot, and although this is clearly a fantasy novel, there were times I found the interactions between the characters a bit lame and hard to believe. All that aside, this is a wonderful book full of nostalgia for me. I'm glad it has a home on my bookshelf.

[Anne Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juniper is beautiful, brilliant, bubbling with vitality, buoyant with theories about life and immensely popular at school. She's also manipulative.

Dylan is creative, artistic, withdrawn, nerdish and desperately lonely.

Their home lives couldn't be more different.

Juniper's mother has a house full of light and imaginative touches as well as a boyfriend who lives in a gypsy caravan. Dylan's mother, on the other hand, is a wounded, broken woman who is about to leave because his underemployed father is having an affair. His home is wracked by division. When his mother abruptly abandons them, Dylan has to step up and mind his twin sister. He's also got the washing, ironing and other domestic chores to do. His homework suffers and he's always getting detentions.

Juniper is Dylan's only friend. She, by contrast, has many - including a handsome boyfriend in the seventh form. The relationship between Dylan and Juniper is far from normal. Intense in private, minimal at school.

Juniper has a theory she's always wanted to test: that time in not linear but part of an eternal NOW. She thinks it would be possible - perhaps through some combination of telepathy and access to Jung's 'collective unconscious' to observe the past, not much differently to seeing the present.

To test her theory, she's been on the lookout for someone who can draw quite well. And receive telepathic images. When she discovers that Dylan, the class nerd, has massive artistic talent, she invites him over to her place to take part in an experiment.

Dylan is so friendless, he's a pushover to persuade. He sits alone in her attic and draws whatever comes to mind at a specific time. It doesn't take Juniper more than one session to realise she's hit the jackpot: Dylan can indeed mentally receive the 'picture' she focuses on at the appointed time.

Soon Juniper's experiment takes a dark turn - and she pulls a reluctant Dylan into exploring what she's always wanted to prove: that the past, specifically the medieval past in which they are both interested, is part of the eternal NOW.

Soon that nightmarish past comes to inhabit their present. And it's too late to back out.

A powerful story, deeply touching and satisfying.

However - - the interesting thing about rereading this story was remembering what I felt about it two decades ago. It disturbed me and I disliked it intensely. Today I find it profound but I think I'd have loathed it as a teenager. Or at least been excessively uncomfortable with it. I have to therefore suspect it's more an adult novel than a YA one.

The author offers a salutary warning at the end of the book that the characters are not participating in sceances or the like, but in meditation and memory-like experiences.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

after i read this my best friend and i spent weeks trying to communicate psychically. tee hee.

[Keri Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Juniper Game is a really unusual YA book! Published in 1991, it features characters who communicate telepathically through artwork. Juniper, a popular and charismatic teen, is completely obsessed with the Middle Ages and wants someone to test out her telepathic abilities on. Dylan, a shy unpopular teen from an unstable home, is a talented artist and desperate for a friend. Juniper and Dylan begin to spend time together and discover that their combined gifts have unexpected consequences. While it isn't a perfect book, it definitely solidified Sherryl Jordan as one of my favorite YA authors!

[Barnaby Haszard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of THE books of my childhood. I only read it once but what an effect it had on me. Reading it again decades later, it isn't hard to see why. There's Juniper, pixie preteen dream girl, cool and confident and just a tiny bit manic, and thoroughly objectified in language better suited to Mills and Boon. There's telepathy, and all the otherworldly significance it conveys on its practitioners, who I immediately sought to count myself among. And there's Dylan, chronically underappreciated by his peers but actually in possession of remarkable talents -- and half-decent looks, too, in the right circumstances -- as well as being the product of a broken home that didn't exactly mirror mine but the plot point was acknowledgement enough. I unfortunately can't say it's a good book, though it gets points for aiming high (way, way too high in places, such as the offhand reveal of Juniper's provenance, which really isn't the sort of thing you can drop into a story casually). And I can't allow that Juniper, a fourteen-year-old girl, is described in such florid, sensual language. But, looking back, this book was my first meeting with such language, and I'll never forget the way it made me want to be with Juniper, to be close to her, to be observed and validated by her. More than that: I wanted to BE Juniper. I wonder how many other preteen boys with an unarticulated need for touch and connection felt the same.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure how to review this book. I enjoyed most of the plot and the description/writing style, but not the characters or the pace of the story.

I nearly dropped the book when I found out Dylan was supposedly 14 about to turn 15. It didn't fit at all! How old will Juniper be?

Speaking of Juniper... I really hated her. I liked how she was described and how she spoke, but I didn't like her - she used Dylan and didn't see it as such. Just felt annoyed when he painted that picture for her and caused her to stay up all night, as if he wasn't doing something nice for her (like, as the book said, get less then four hours of sleep in total of the entire week he painted). And then there's the Kingsley thing. It was absolutely annoying. And I don't think they should've... I guess technically Dylan and Juniper did end up together, it just doesn't feel that way. Whatever it is, Dylan should've left her. Yes, she was hurt in the end. But she was selfish and she didn't mind using Dylan - only really saw him after he saved her life. Ugggghhh.

The plot was slow moving at first. It seemed to mainly be about them discovering their powers and strengthening their relationship as friends, then about Dylan's family falling apart and the powers getting scary strong, and finally about the powers causing a whole lot of trouble. And that was in the last fifty pages [powers causing a lot of trouble:]. It was almost paced well, but the plot didn't seem clear, so it fell apart. And Dylan's dad annoyed me since he cheated on his wife, but then Dylan had to go the extra step and take his side after his mom left. When Dylan's dad didn't cheat anymore on his mom while she was gone, Dylan said how happy he was his dad was "remaining faithful to Mom even though she's gone." I was like, She's gone because he was unfaithful in the first place, dummy! Thankfully, they moved on from that 'plot' to the time traveling/powers getting too strong. It was a nice twist, if not odd, how they "helped" Johanna die but didn't save her as so many other books probably would've had them do.

The idea of time traveling and Now was very... interesting. I haven't heard anything like it.

The plot wasn't too well paced or clear (as I said), the characters were ok for the most part and I liked Dylan but not Juniper (as I said), and the writing style was really good for a contemporary book (which I sorta mentioned in the second sentence). I loved the description, especially when it came to Juniper, despite how I hated her character.

So, three stars, I suppose. Almost four, but three, I guess.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently re-read "The Juniper Game" by Sherryl Jordan and what an excellent read it was. While I think that there were some caveats in the progression, the characterization, the conflict, and the prose keeps you reading until the very end. Very imaginative and immersive experience. The story revolves around two 14-year-old protagonists - Dylan Pidgely and his odd friend Juniper. Juniper is a very spontaneous girl fascinated by the unknown, so much so that she tends to ignore the world and people around her to get what she wants. Dylan is the protagonist who finds himself fascinated by Juniper, but she doesn't really notice him until she finds his talent for art. Together, they proceed into something of a game - Juniper's abilities allow her to transcend into time, and Dylan, forming a connection with her mind, draws elaborate settings in the eyes of what Juniper witnesses. When it becomes too much for both of them to handle, things get very complicated and intense for the two, in addition to what they face in their day-to-day lives (especially from Dylan's perspective). I loved what the story built up to, and how it managed to tie its threads together by the end. Granted, I did hit a few bumps in some of the transitions between events, but the writing is beautiful and engaging. I would definitely read this again, and recommend it for its intended audience.

Overall score: 3.5/5

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book as a kid, but hadn't read it for over a decade. On coming back to the book, I found it more simplistic than I remembered. The fact that everyone was immediately au fait with the concept of these two teenagers being telepathic was jarring, and I was frustrated with Juniper's treatment of Dylan more than I remember being at the time. That being said, her descriptions of medieval England feel so vivid that it still retains a large part of its old charm, and I must remind myself not to judge a children's book by adult standards.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was 10, I took a long trip across the United States with my family and this was one of the books I had along for the ride. It fascinated me, and I believe I read it several times over on that trip, and reread it again several times in the years that followed. Fifteen years later, I still have that same copy of it sitting on my shelf. A great read for young and intelligent book lovers.

[Odette Brethouwer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't remember much of this book, except I loved it so much I checked it out multiple times at the library, and I was so happy when my grandparents got this one for me for the holiday season in 2001, it wasn;t even in stores anymore at that time. I do want to re-read this one to relive this book :)

[Linda (NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat thriller? No. But it is a story of young love and learning to help each other through issues you can't control. If you are looking for a nice break from adult romance with a side order of time travel then this is the book for you.

[Sweetp-1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reread of a YA book I remember enjoying as a teenager. As an adult I found it simpler than I remembered, perhaps more MG than YA though there are some mature themes. A quick enjoyable and captivating read that doesnt feel dated.

[Derek L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Juniper Game by Sherryl Jordan was an interesting read with a very intriguing plot. The story of Juniper and Dylan forming a friendship and eventually a relationship through a form of psychic connection was fascinating, making it a very compelling story. What really got me into the story was how well the two characters interacted with each other, as well as the fantastical element Jordan brought into the story.

What makes this story compelling is that, at first, you think that the two characters are communicating scenes and backgrounds to one another, but it takes on a different life once you realize they're doing much more than what it seems at first glance. There are wonderful hints at what is actually occurring spread throughout the narrative, which makes the story even harder to put down.

Jordan seems to master the craft of suspense and thrilling action in various points throughout the story. You find yourself clutching the book, wondering what is about to happen next. Her writing style helps this along, using well-illustrated descriptions, to make you feel as though you are right there with the two main characters.

It was also of great benefit for Jordan to weave real-life drama into the story line. Dylan's POV had enough of that to make you wonder if what is occurring in terms of the fantastical could be a reality. Incorporating real life drama along with the paranormal storyline was perfect.

Overall, this is a great story, but I do think the author had a lot of potential to make the world building even stronger and expansive. It seems that she was intending on doing something with a sequel, which would have made this book even more provocative. If there isn't, Jordan should reconsider doing one.

[April Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this incredible gem 💎 of a vintage YA fantasy book by Sherryl Jordan called The Juniper Game from 1991 and let me tell you I cried at how beautiful it was from beginning to end. 🥹 If there is a vintage book about witches and time travel (bonus points if the main character is named Juniper) I will find it and love it.

This follows Juniper who is a teen obsessed with Medieval history. Her bedroom descriptions are a dream and she even has straw on her floor! 😂 She is obsessed with ESP, meditation, and all the woo woo things. She meets Dylan at school, who is an artist, and wants to experiment with sending him visions from her mind and having him draw what he receives. What begins is a beautiful and heartfelt friendship that survives very tough issues throughout (divorce, domestic abuse).

The parents are very present in this one and are very human, grappling with their own issues as adults. The writing is absolutely gorgeous. Sherryl Jordan was a New Zealand author who sadly passed away at the end of last year. Her books are so beloved and I can’t believe I only learned of her now. This story goes into my hall of fame YA that I will cherish in my heart for years to come.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book when I was a kid. I still love it a little bit now, even though I found Juniper to be pretty unbelievable. I'm pretty sure I wanted to be like her when I was growing up, and that was part of the draw for me.

This book has ESP, telepathy, time-travel (sort of), underage drinking, neglectful parents (but not maliciously), an older woman dating a younger man who is also a 'gypsy' (Juniper's mom), a cheating husband (Dylan's dad), nightmares, a car crash, witch trials/burning, and allusions to drug use/pot smoking and sexual assault. Oh, and everyone in medieval times is clean and everyone in this book is white (probably? Juniper is described occasionally as golden or brown (white person for tan), her eyes as dark, and her hair as dark and curly, so she could be read as a person of color, especially since her dad is a complete unknown).

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I may go back and change this from 3 stars to 4 stars. I did enjoy it, and read it rather quickly. Juniper and Dylan are classmates, but Juniper is a beautiful, popular girl with a popular boyfriend, and Dylan is an uncoordinated nerd and loner.

They connect through Dylan's exceptional artistic talents and Juniper's equally exceptional interest and talent in a more psychic realm.

Good characters and an interesting plot. As I said, maybe I'll give it 4 stars at some point, but I read it very quickly, between sessions of sermon-writing, and perhaps that contributed to my rating, but since 3 stars means I like it, it fits. I would recommend it as a quick and entertaining read.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My parents moved and put all the books younger me had refused to donate into a tote. I was presented with that tote last year and there was my yellowed, battered copy of The Juniper Game. I was scared to read it-I knew it had been a formative book but I could only remember the gist. I finally picked it back up and it was like I was rereading it for the first time in a year and not twenty-five. I was surprised at how much more there was to it than I picked up on as a middle schooler. And I realized exactly how predictable my adult personality should have been given my childhood obsession with it. 🤣 I still love it and I'm sure I'll continue to reread now that it's back in my possession.

[Cinderella (Nysa Bookish) · Rating 1 out of 5]

not as exciting as i thought!!
I picked up this book from this book sale, and from the sound of it, it seemed pretty exciting. But once I started reading, it didn't sit well with me. ESP and medieval 'time traveling' is great and all that, but it didn't have the emotional aspect of it. The 'link' Juniper and Dylan shared weren't exactly expressed properly. Overall, it wasn't what I was expecting. You may like it, but it wasn't my type of book.

[B.K. SLOAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this once when I was in middle school. I wanted to read this again as an adult. He story is definitely different and certain details stuck out to me more this time.

Juniper is not a good friend, but also very selfish. Which is most of the time the case for kids their age.

That being said. I still enjoy this book. It’s a different twist on time travel through meditation. I live the descriptions of Juniper’s home. And he ending still made me cry.

[Jamie Sands · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I had attempted to read this once before but didn't get past the first or second chapter. It's an interesting book, I had a sense of discomfort through the whole thing, partially because of distrust of Juniper and fear for what would happen. The premise of the book is super interesting, it's written in a lovely, visual manner and it totally gave me weird dreams.

[Jantina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of my all-time favorites because not only I like the mysterious and mystical aspects in it, but also the way how it is written attracts me very much. I have the feeling that Sherryl Jordan is really connected with the story when she is crafting it, which I often miss in many books (and having finished a study in Literature, I sure did read many books). 5 stars!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books as a kid. I’ve been carrying my old copy around all these years and decided it was finally time to re-read it. It did not disappoint! Such fun to revisit the themes of telepathy, connection, non-linear time, the Middle Ages, and everything else that’s involved.

[Yas · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of the oddest books I have ever read and not in a good way 😂

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I vaguely remember this book for my childhood. I enjoyed reading it even as an adult.

[Lena · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fave from middle school.

[Sue Wang · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reread as an adult, still a good read

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorites since the first time i picked it up in middle school. I read it over and over again.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

given 5 stars for childhood nostalgia

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it when I was 12. Enjoyed coming back to it many years later.