A review by stewardofbooks
Mouse by Scott Stedman

5.0

Mouse's name seems very descriptive of who she is: an orphan, shy, lonely, uncertain of her place in the world, not good with social interactions, unwanted by her various foster families, always being passed on to someone else. But Mouse is also smart, determined and on a mission. She wants to know who she is, where she comes from and above all, who her parents are. When she discovers coding a whole new world opens up. A world she understands and fits into. As Mouse uses her newfound skills to start hunting for information, her life takes a surprising new turn. She finds herself in a fancy, technology-centered new school and makes her first real friends. It seems too good to be true and to some extent it is. There is something mysterious going on and somehow it all seems to revolve around Mouse. Can she find the answers before it's too late?

I loved this book. It is a beautiful story of learning to accept and find yourself, of never giving up and of growing up. Mouse's character development is really well done and I got all emotional while I watched her grow! I also really enjoyed the coding and tech details even though it isn't something I know a lot about. It was also refreshing to read a YA book that did not have romance as an essential part of the story. Mouse's friendships are real and sweet and innocent and still not without drama or emotion. (Romance is cute and all but I often get tired of the same love triangle etc. in YA books.) I admire Scott Stedman's attention to detail and worldbuilding. This book is a must for both young and older readers!