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rosehatton's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
nettelou's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
abookgail's review against another edition
2.0
I am EXTREMELY disappointed, this book made ZERO sense.
gudny's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
terhill's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
book_banter's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this book! Lots of blended family love. I love a good ol’ magical house.
Content Warnings
Lots of HP references
katebelt's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyable with engaging characters, very atmospheric. I'm not a big fan of magical realism, or whatever this is, but would recommend for anyone who is.
shayemiller's review against another edition
5.0
I didn’t quite know what to expect since McKay is a new-to-me author, but what a wonderful magical realism middle grade book! It was an especially nice escape from the current pandemic and polarized political climate we’re currently facing. In a nutshell, it’s the story of two broken families merging as one. Taking on step parents and step siblings already isn’t easy, but combine that with financial concerns and attempting to find a new home and it can be quit trying. But these step siblings slowly begin to work together, understand one another, and protect each other with fierce devotion. When they find their perfect home to be a large ivy-covered house, off the beaten path, unusual things begin to happen.
At times, this felt like an older book, with lyrical phrases that yearn to be spoken aloud. However, it was clearly set in modern day (with mentions of things like the iPhone 4, etc.). There are also fun nods to other important works of fantasy, such as Narnia and Harry Potter, which will especially be fun for children who are well-read.
The description of the relationships and concern for others is so very realistic, therefore it was easy to feel an attachment to each character. For example, I felt the young romantic urges of Max and the story made me believe there really are Granny Graces out there who aren’t biologically related to you, but who would sacrifice their livelihood to raise you in love (and who would, undoubtedly, give their life for yours). There was also depth in the discussion of mistakes and consequences when two boys damage their relationship and the pain lingers and continues to make life far more difficult than it should be. Overall, the story was ominous, magical, sometime dark, but very hopeful.
One thing to know about Hilary McKay is that she started out life as a voracious reader. After university training in Botany and Zoology, she became a biochemist in an Analysis Department. She only quit work when she decided to spend more time with her children and she had a burning desire to WRITE! I share this because it helps me better understand her beautifully crafted world in this story — she’s studied far outside the realm of children’s literature and it is quite evident in her writing.
My thanks to Netgalley, Margaret K. McElderry Books, and Hilary McKay for providing me with an e-ARC so that I could review this book and write an honest review. I’m happy to recommend this book and it is currently available in bookstores and online.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
At times, this felt like an older book, with lyrical phrases that yearn to be spoken aloud. However, it was clearly set in modern day (with mentions of things like the iPhone 4, etc.). There are also fun nods to other important works of fantasy, such as Narnia and Harry Potter, which will especially be fun for children who are well-read.
The description of the relationships and concern for others is so very realistic, therefore it was easy to feel an attachment to each character. For example, I felt the young romantic urges of Max and the story made me believe there really are Granny Graces out there who aren’t biologically related to you, but who would sacrifice their livelihood to raise you in love (and who would, undoubtedly, give their life for yours). There was also depth in the discussion of mistakes and consequences when two boys damage their relationship and the pain lingers and continues to make life far more difficult than it should be. Overall, the story was ominous, magical, sometime dark, but very hopeful.
One thing to know about Hilary McKay is that she started out life as a voracious reader. After university training in Botany and Zoology, she became a biochemist in an Analysis Department. She only quit work when she decided to spend more time with her children and she had a burning desire to WRITE! I share this because it helps me better understand her beautifully crafted world in this story — she’s studied far outside the realm of children’s literature and it is quite evident in her writing.
My thanks to Netgalley, Margaret K. McElderry Books, and Hilary McKay for providing me with an e-ARC so that I could review this book and write an honest review. I’m happy to recommend this book and it is currently available in bookstores and online.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!