This was a middle school mystery that was also realistic fiction with a touch of the paranormal.
While one might be tempted to assume that everything she experienced that was paranormal in nature was just a result of her anxieties, other characters see or hear things that can't be fully explained, so it leaves the reader wondering.
What I liked about this book was the journey the author took us through the mind of a 12-year-old experiencing anxiety and panic attacks, as well as OCD, triggered by some traumatic events in her life. But the author also explored the impact a bad divorce can have on the family after a parent leaves. The depression experienced by the parent left behind and its impact on the kids was explored here, but I liked that the author also talked about how a family culture where one never talks about feelings can make everything even harder. I liked that the resolution included counseling for both her mom and her.
I also really liked how she used music as a way to communicate, and I ended up pulling up some of those songs even as I read this book. It would be cool if there was a list of songs at the end of the book--the author could even share a song list on Spotify or Youtube, lol!
I will say that it took me a little time to warm up to Mo, but she was at a bad place in her life, and given that she never had counseling and her mom never talked to her about any of it, it's understandable that she didn't know how to deal with her bad feelings. But as we learned more about her past experiences, as well as the past experiences of the other two boys, I started warming up to all three of them.
I also liked that she explored the theme of racism in their town, and I loved the librarian. With Mo's state of mind at the beginning of the book, all she could do was be angry about the obvious racism and prejudice she was experiencing, but I loved how the librarian ended up being a resource both for the mystery of the past, but also for concrete ways Mo can speak out about the casual racism that she encounters.
Overall, I thought this was a solid middle school book that tackles several serious topics in a way that is accessible to 11–13-year-olds.
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and the publisher, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Buy new:
-32% $12.30$12.30
Buy new:
-32% $12.30$12.30
FREE delivery May 10 - 15
