Evie is a middle-schooler who is navigating many things at once: what her life looks like after her father passed, where she fits in with the Jewish community, how to deal with her mom dating again, and where she fits in at school, particularly when she finds herself hanging out with a different crowd. I really enjoyed this one. As an adult reader, I found some of the grasshopper rescue plot to be a bit silly, but the payoff at the end is so worth it. I think middle-grade readers will love it too, and, hopefully, learn a bit along the way about how communities can come together and support each other, especially in times of need. 5 stars.

Thank you to PJ Publishing and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A fun and engaging story that I would recommend for middle grade readers. It dealt with everyday situations in a fun way and had a loveable main character.

This book is a big-hearted novel about surviving the uncertainties of middle school, sticking up for what you believe in and becoming the person you were meant to be. The characters were real and relatable, the events both emotional and propelling and the emotional landscape complex and connectable. This middle grade book is sure to appeal to middle grade readers to help them feel seen AND to see different perspectives, too.

A fun read about bravery, family, and finding out how helping each other out can make way for new possibilities. Evie’s mom has a date with the assistant principal, Mr. Mitchell, at her school and Evie is not happy. One day Mr. Mitchell tells the students he will have them meet with him in small groups to get to know each other and maybe build a fellowship. Little does Evie know that when one of her best friends, Spencer, wants to free the praying mantises in science class, that others will help, even Tommy, who’s been bullying others. What happens when the teacher and Mr. Mitchell find out who’s involved?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.