Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.38 AVERAGE
4.38 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
fast-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:
No
hopeful
informative
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
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
Fern has been living on The Ranch since she was six years old, faithfully following the rules and guidance of Dr. Ben. Now at 12, she doesn't remember much about her life before. They are completely off the grid in rural upstate NY. Her mother wakes her up in the middle of the night and sneaks them both away, escaping across the country. All Fern wants to do is go back. She doesn't understand why her mother would want them to live in the dangerous world when they could be safe at The Ranch. (The reader will be able to see The Ranch for what it is and be glad that Fern is out of there.) As she spends more time in California, she begins to question some of the truths she learned at The Ranch, but not before she almost ruins everything they have. Highly recommended for grades 5 & up.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
slow-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
The pace was slow but the characters and atmosphere were fantastic. The plot was unique with the cult and underlying feelings of danger. The ending felt a bit rushed.
emotional
reflective
No complaints, no notes. This book was just perfect. I wish I could give this to every single kid to read.
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If I could rate this book more than 5 stars I would. I seriously think this book is a hidden gem and needs to be talked about and showcased more on socials. I’ve personally never read a cult escape book aimed at middle grade readers. And I am so down for it! The author dealt with the cult aspect of it in such a gentle and well done way to create mystery, a sense of danger and urgency while not scaring the reader. She creates a villain figure with Dr. Ben without making him a stereotypical villain. I loved the internal conflict of Fern and the journey she takes. I read it on a 24 hour period and had to be forced to put it down. Fantastic book.