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Squeak: The Asher Chronicles
10-year-old Celeste Asher is as shy, quirky, and awkward as they come. After her mother remarries and moves her away from her friends, she finds herself alone and targeted by local bullies known as The Beastly Trio. If that isn’t bad enough, her new stepfather is her fifth-grade teacher. One day, using courage she didn’t know she had, Celeste rescues a mouse from being tortured by the same bullies who torment her. Her unexpected bravery is the spark that causes her fellow students to take a second look at the quiet new girl. Her awkwardness is multiplied by an unusual new friend and newly discovered ability- both of which she has no choice but to keep secret. This coming-of-age tale, set in 1984, is about a young girl who, with help from a special “little” friend, learns to stand up for herself, develop confidence, make friends, and bond with her stepfather. Squeak is the first installment of The Asher Chronicles.
254 pages, Paperback
Published November 22, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 16, 2024
3 stars, but it’s a high 3.
The first book in The Asher Chronicles series is a wholesome story showing us that friendship can come in many sizes and forms.
I think a large part of why I struggled with this book is that there isn’t a distinct plot. There’s a lot happening, but very little of it is connected or meaningful. Then, suddenly, in the final quarter, we’re met with a rush of action.
Despite the lack of plot, this book holds up quite well. It loosely covers a few important (serious) subjects, done in a way that works for the intended age group. We also get to see the characters in a range of contexts, including a pretty fun chapter for all those D&D fans.
Squeak was definitely a fun read with lots of laughs (and a few tears in necessary moments).
I do want to note that Celeste has an issue where she can’t do a lot of things due to vertigo, and this comes up quite a few times throughout the book, but there is one moment where it doesn’t come up despite the activity she’s engaged in. At any other time in the book, this would have been an issue, but at this particular point, it isn’t. It comes across as something done for convenience because her disorder would’ve caused problems in this moment, and while it’s not a huge thing, it’s a sudden inconsistency that didn’t quite make sense.
If you’re an animal lover with a little bit of a nerdy side, this book is a good one to check out.
The first book in The Asher Chronicles series is a wholesome story showing us that friendship can come in many sizes and forms.
I think a large part of why I struggled with this book is that there isn’t a distinct plot. There’s a lot happening, but very little of it is connected or meaningful. Then, suddenly, in the final quarter, we’re met with a rush of action.
Despite the lack of plot, this book holds up quite well. It loosely covers a few important (serious) subjects, done in a way that works for the intended age group. We also get to see the characters in a range of contexts, including a pretty fun chapter for all those D&D fans.
Squeak was definitely a fun read with lots of laughs (and a few tears in necessary moments).
I do want to note that Celeste has an issue where she can’t do a lot of things due to vertigo, and this comes up quite a few times throughout the book, but there is one moment where it doesn’t come up despite the activity she’s engaged in. At any other time in the book, this would have been an issue, but at this particular point, it isn’t. It comes across as something done for convenience because her disorder would’ve caused problems in this moment, and while it’s not a huge thing, it’s a sudden inconsistency that didn’t quite make sense.
If you’re an animal lover with a little bit of a nerdy side, this book is a good one to check out.
July 20, 2025
I thought this was a wonderful book about a girl in the mid-1980's trying to make the best of moving to a new town with a new step father and make new friends. At her new school she meets a "beastly trio" and befriends a mouse. Yes, I said a mouse! Also, at the school we meet her new friends. We follow Celeste and her friends through normal growing up things like roller skating, going out for pizza, sleepovers, etc. And also some not so normal things that I shouldn't mention here so I don't ruin the adventure for you. Let's just say that the kids get even with the "beastly trio". There are a lot of good things about this book that you will enjoy. I would highly recommend this book for those probably about 10-16.
November 25, 2024
I absolutely love this story! It has a great plot, following Celeste as she deals with bullies, mean girls, and makes new friends. Her new friends each have their own voice and personality, and they are wonderfully written!
Also, as someone who experiences vertigo, her portrayal is accurately written. I rarely see this kind of representation for it, so it made me smile to see! Thank you for that!
If you love Beverly Cleary, 80s nostalgia, and a fun read with an amazing cast, this book is for you!
Also, as someone who experiences vertigo, her portrayal is accurately written. I rarely see this kind of representation for it, so it made me smile to see! Thank you for that!
If you love Beverly Cleary, 80s nostalgia, and a fun read with an amazing cast, this book is for you!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews