A review by hannahleelovestoread
Helena Flinn and the Secrets of the Night by Michael Sokolar

adventurous hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Helena Flinn and the Secrets of the Night by Michael Sokolar is a work of middle grade fantasy unlike any other I have read. It examines the complexities of a very real set of health problems — sleep disorders — in a context of magical realism perfect for readers in late elementary school and early junior high school (and even, in my case, adulthood!). The “evil” forces in the book are thrilling and suspenseful, but they are not inappropriately terrifying to the average member of the book’s target audience. Perhaps my favorite element of the story was the emotional strength and camaraderie displayed by the children in the face of danger and unfamiliarity; as is so often the case in reality, in this book, children are more powerful than any hardship which nature or any other of man’s enemies can produce. Overall, I loved this book, and I recommend it to any reader — regardless of age — who enjoys stories of magic, friendship, and children who defy the odds. 

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