While this book isn't heavily illustrated, it makes good use of the ones that it has. The impact of that heavily illustrated section is improved by their sparse use before that point. The narrative is simple and rather slow moving.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

I was so entranced with Thornhill that when I saw Pam Smy had a new graphic novel releasing, I was going to get my hands on it! The alternating POVs in this story are fantastic and the fact that Smy does this in a graphic medium is endlessly impressive to me. This book is a perfect choice for teens enjoying mainstream media like Riverdale and Stranger Things and is a great addition to any library or classroom!

Was approved for this story thinking it was something else. Tried to give it a shot but didn't feel the story picked up enough to keep me hooked. Unfortunately DNF'd book after first couple of "chapters".

**Thank you to Pavilion Books, Pavilion Children's, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

I promise not to give away too much. Billy McKenna, fed up with the domestic violence in his home, runs away and ends up hiding in a graveyard. What follows is a wonderful middle-grade novel about community and hope that readers of any age will love.

I absolutely adored Thornhill, the first novel Pam Smy both wrote and illustrated, and Thornhill’s shocking ending. This is a very different but equally stunning book, which belongs in EVERY school library.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Pavilion Books in exchange for an honest review.

5⭐️

Wow. This was absolutely beautiful and I cried while reading. The drawings in the book, mostly graveyard setting, were haunting and make it so much more impactful as you read. I almost am speechless and don’t want to give anything away—just pick this one up.

Planning on adding this to my readings for my students and definitely would recommend to anyone!

Thank you NetGallery & the publisher for the ARC 🌙

This novel had beautiful illustrations and absorbs you into it's creepy atmosphere. It does deal with domestic abuse, so be warned. This is a more a middle grade novel, which can be problematic as it deals with things like domestic violence, keeping secrets from parents, running away to solve problems and more. So it is up to you if you want to read it or give it to your children to read.

A stunning and moving illustrated novel that touches on several very important issues that kids sometimes experience. The multiple perspectives present in the story enhance the reader's experience greatly.

I read Thornhill many years ago and was overjoyed to see a new story from the same creator! I love the way the atmospheric illustrations weave with and add to the story, creating a truly one-of-a-kind reading experience. This is an emotional, wonderful story with some heavy topics, switching between two POV, Billy and Grace, a son and mother duo who have reached a breaking point. This work of art, as mentioned, hands heavy topics like domestic abuse, separation, families, and childhood with sensitivity and completely surpasses her debut. This was a delight to read and I can't wait for more.

Although this is not the kind of book I usually read, I am glad I did! The combination of illustration and text elevated the reading experience. This was a heartfelt and emotional story that will stay with me.

Loved this book! The cover is amazing and really made me want to read, the writing is great and the plot is so interesting and makes you want to continue. Loved how the characters came across and how complex and real they felt. Would have liked it to be a little more scary but that’s just me!

In The Hideaway we follow both sides of the story when a child runs away, the child and the parent. These dual narratives help show the disconnect in their relationship, highlighting how much they love each other.
The use of illustrations really adds to the narrative and atmosphere without forcing you to speed through the story. They also do well to not detract from the serious nature of the topics looked at.

This is the story of Billy McKenna who runs away from home and takes refuge in an overgrown graveyard. It is told from both his perspective and the perspective of the police searching for Billy. I requested a review copy because it was labeled as a graphic novel, but that was not the case. It does have illustrations, but it is more like a middle grade book that has illustrations between chapter breaks.

While I do not read a lot of traditional novels, I did really enjoy this one. I am excited to get the audiobook and listen to it a second time.There are trigger warnings for abuse and it begins on page 1. 5 stars.

Really great middle grade book! I don't usually read this genre but this surprise me so greatly! Loved the addition of the images as well.

Told from two points of view, that of Billy and that of his mother. Billy's mom lives in a repressive and abusive relationship with her boyfriend and boyfriend has made it abundantly clear that Billy is unwelcome. Billy decides to runaway, and makes himself at home in an abandoned overgrown pillbox in the cemetery. He is befriended by an older man who is tidying up the cemetery for an event. Meanwhile, his mother is befriended by the next door neighbor who is determined to help find Billy and to protect his mother. This is a heartfelt, theme driven tale where loneliness is overcome by power of community, and family can be recovered. Heavy topic but subtle treatment. Highly recommend.

This book is triggering to say the least. It is written for middle graders but the context is deep. The writing itself is well done and has emotional depth.

I do encourage picking this up regardless of age.

Thank you #NetGalley and Pavilion Books for giving me the opportunity to read this.
#TheHideawayBook

the hideaway's beautiful cover gives just a taste of its illustrations. they're lovely, and perhaps the highlight of the book.

more than anything else, this is a story about domestic abuse. young billy runs away to a cemetery to escape an abusive stepparent, and to take a breather until his long-suffering mother finally notices his absence. considering it's a children's novel, i suppose the heavy topic is handled alright; but it all comes off as very simplistic. there is no nuance, and no depth to the characters or their relationships.

the language is vividly descriptive, especially the atmospheric cemetery imagery. there are also boxcar children and from the mixed-up files of mrs. basil e. frankweiler vibes, since it's about a rather independent young runaway, and that type of story is always fun!

i actually really enjoyed the big twist, but whoa, what an abrupt ending! everything is left hanging and unresolved.

it's a quick read, and obviously geared toward kids, so i can't be too disappointed. but i imagine there are many other books that handle the tricky subject matter with more nuance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pavilion Books for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Thirteen year old Billy has finally had enough. At first, when Jeff came into their lives things were fun. But then came the yelling, the hitting, the fear. Billy can't stand the way his mom shrinks away, becoming a shell of the person she used to be. Unable to cope any longer, Billy runs away to hide in the overgrown grounds of the cemetery. The story is told in dual perspective as the reader witnesses Billy's experiences as a runaway and the aftermath at home when the police get involved.

The book takes place at a cemetery near Halloween and I really liked the element of curiosity that came along with it. Without spoiling anything, I'll just say that I liked the unexpected ending and found it very fitting for the setting. The book has beautiful, eerie illustrations throughout, adding to the atmosphere. I really enjoyed the imagery of the graveyard and thought it added a wonderful touch to the already haunting story. This is a relatively short story that delves into a very difficult topic. I thought it was very well written and covered multiple perspectives on the matter. Trigger warning for domestic abuse as this is a very strong theme throughout the whole book. If you like reading about serious topics from a fictional perspective, this one is a quick read and very aesthetic.

I adored this book. The illustrations work beautifully with the story, emphasizing the emotional heaviness. The binding is also great selling point on its own - one of our booksellers wished she could have the endsheet design as giftwrap. We've made the book one of our staff picks and the following is our "shelftalker" review/summary that is on display with the book.

"13 yr old Billy McKenna runs away one night when he can no longer take his parents fighting and hides out in an overgrown abandoned cemetery. He begins to clean up the gravestones leading up to All Souls Day.
The story alternates between the point of view of Billy and his mother, as she tries to leave her abusive relationship and find Billy. Smy's beautiful and atmospheric illustrations make this an important read for both adults and children.
The Hideaway deals with heavy topics such as domestic abuse, assault, and familiar estrangement. It is appropriate for 12+, or younger if read in a discussion with trusted adults."

The Hideaway, is a bit dark and definitely deals with some themes you may want to prescreen. However, it is wonderfully written and has enchanting graphic-novelesque black and white artwork throughout – which younger readers will love!