Melanie Conklin

This middle grade mystery is filled with heart.

One night, three friends went into the woods. When Max got scared and ran, he had no idea something awful was going to happen to his friend Will. Now Will's unconscious and Joey's not speaking to him. The more Max hears, the more everyone's stories don't add up. He begins digging, pushing to uncover the truth, no matter what the consequences.

The mystery provides tension without getting too dark. While Max's family has their struggles, they also provide loving if quirky adult characters. Max's dad uses the family as test subjects for his spicy granola ideas, while Max's uncle Cal drops by to live in his van in the driveway. Each relationship helps Max come to some realizations about himself and the world.

This book provides valuable representation for kids with ADHD. The insights into Max's thoughts, worldview and challenges will resonate with many kids. While Max sometimes struggles to fit into a world that isn't built for him, and his therapist provides coping mechanisms to help him succeed, the book never looks down on him for his differences. Instead, it shows Max finding valuable friendships with people who accept him just the way he is. Max also identifies an adult in his life who possibly has undiagnosed ADHD.

In the end, it turns out Max was the perfect person to find out what happened to Will that night.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and TBR & Beyond Tours for the advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.… (mere)

Thyme must move from California to New York because her little brother needs to be in there to receive treatment at a special hospital. Thyme is not excited about leaving her home or friends, so she decides to not let New York or it's people into her heart. She is trying to save up time slips from her parents to put her secret plan to go back home into place. Her new neighbor also throws a wrench into things by constantly yelling at her family to quiet down! Thyme just wants to go back home and for her brother to be better immediately. A great team of relatable characters and realistic circumstances.… (mere)