Great Middle Grade Reads discussion

Please share your thoughts about March's BOTM here.

This is odd. Apparently, at least in the UK, this book only came out last year and isn’t out in paperback till April!

I so wanted to read it, but it looks like I’ll have to miss out on this one too.

Are there plans for an ebook, does anyone know?

Sorry. I guess I missed a date check. Why don't we add in Among the Hidden since it was a runner up and by the same author. Read either one and we can discuss both in this thread.

I'm not sure how it works in the UK, but this book is available as an audiobook on Overdrive in the US, if that helps anyone. I got lucky and placed a hold on both books during the runoff poll, and this one became available first. Can't wait to listen to it.

Yes, it may just be the publishers held back for some reason. Maybe trade uncertainty lol

I only managed to get hold of Among the Hidden. In a way, this book reminded me of A Handmaid’s Tail. It’s about a previous world so bad things had to change drastically. There wasn't very much insight into the sibling connection; his two siblings were peripheral characters. He felt left out, but it wasn't due to their treatment of him.

Even though the protagonist is twelve, this dark theme means it is more suited for young YA readers or at the very least, mature older MG readers.

Justine wrote: "I only managed to get hold of Among the Hidden. In a way, this book reminded me of A Handmaid’s Tail. It’s about a previous world so bad things had to change drastically. There wasn't..."

I was hesitant to read this one due to its description. I am not a fan of such awful topics.

I just finished The Strangers. I really liked the beginning and was intrigued by the premise of a mystery about the kids who were kidnapped with the same names, birthday, etc. I also liked the part when the kids were solving the cipher and the love/logic theme. The bond between the siblings and eventually Natalie was very heartfelt.

However, I did have difficulty with the switching between different POVs in this one. I don't think it added to the story and made the story drag at points. think it also added to the sense that I didn't really know any of the MCs very well. I also wanted to know more about the other world--it seemed very easily explained, but maybe that will be developed more in the sequel.

With a cliffhanger and so many threads left at the end, I will probably pick up the sequel coming out next month.

Other thoughts?

I quite liked this book! I didn't mind the alternating POVs, but I also don't think that it added to the story in any real way. Haddix could have easily taken a more omniscient perspective throughout the novel, rather than switching back and forth from limited 3rd person viewpoints. I also didn't find the character development or thought processes to really be hashed out enough to warrant such perspective switches. Half the time I'd forgotten which character's chapter I was even in.

Sibling wise- the bond between these 3 is lovely, yet wholly unrealistic. They never once got annoyed with each other? Mmmkay.

I was also disappointed that the 'puzzle' aspect fell to the wayside 2/3 of the way through, and yielded completely to the plot action.
That said, I love a good- if imperfect- puzzle mystery and this is an easy recommendation from me for the middle grade crowd.

This book started out in a very interesting way and I was hooked early. It was entertaining to read throughout, but I did have to suspend my disbelief a few times. The siblings were a little too perfect and I think the plot device of a mathematical genius is a little overused and stereotypical. The kids alternated between being super geniuses and extremely lucky. I think middle graders might enjoy the story, but I don't think I'll go after the 2nd and 3rd in the series.

I really enjoyed this book. I was drawn in immediately and couldn't wait to see how it ended. I felt the author did a good job making us question who we could trust. I'll probably finish the series over time. I'm curious to see how they finish solving the puzzle and how the question about the portal is resolved.