South of Somewhere

by Kalena Miller

The unforgettable tale of a girl, her maybe-criminal mom, her babysitting business, and her pet pineapple. When FBI agents swarm twelve-year-old Mavis Callahan's downtown Chicago home, her mom goes on the run. With the family’s house and bank accounts seized, Mavis’s dad takes her and her siblings to seek refuge with his sister just south of rural Somewhere, Illinois―a far cry from the big city lifestyle Mavis is used to. As Mavis grapples with her sudden turn in fortune, she learns to make new friends and starts a babysitting business to bring in some much-needed cash for the family. But she can’t help but wonder―is her mom truly guilty? And if not, why has she gone into hiding, contacting Mavis only through a series of postcards from exotic locales? Mavis isn’t sure if she’s ready for the truth, but she’ll do anything to find it.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Family, Mystery, Friendship, Childrens

288 pages, Hardcover

First published April 4, 2024

About the author

Kalena Miller is the author of several books for children and teens. She graduated from Carleton College before receiving an MFA in creative writing from Hamline University. She currently lives with her husband and lovable, if slightly neurotic, dog in College Station, Texas, where she runs a bookstore with her mom. When she is not writing, reading, or selling books, Kalena enjoys tap dancing, crocheting, and watching an embarrassing amount of reality television.

Reviews

[Amina · Rating 3 out of 5]

✰ 3.25 stars ✰

“And I thought your mother was conducting legitimate business activities, but things have changed.”

Dad’s bark of laughter is way too loud for the small space. “Life is full of surprises, kids. We may as well eat fries.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Pretty much a perfect definition of the direction twelve-year-old Mavis' life took, when she and her family were returning from a family vacation in Maui, only to find the FBI waiting at their house on Astor Street, with the intent to intercept their mother, who conveniently chose to arrive in a taxi instead, considering her loads of luggage with her, on accounts of embezzlement fraud. To go from a cushy comfortable life in Chicago, to find she and her siblings uprooted to Fairbanks, Illinois, otherwise unofficially known as South of Somewhere, considering how very much it is out of way and out of depths to what Mavis is accustomed to being around - it is the start of a life full of surprises. For it is not only dealing with the shocking truth that shatters on impact their entire lives, but also learning to be adaptable to their new changes in a positive, spirited way and working together to make the most of a summer, completely unprepared for. 😥

“If Mom really is a not-so-good person, could she possibly be guilty of embezzlement after all?

If Mom is guilty of embezzlement, what does that mean for the rest of us?”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ It is a lot to deal with, but it is a summer that will show Mavis a different side of her mother, and of herself that is both cathartic and therapeutic in a way for her to embrace life and her expectations in a more enlightened if not accepting way. One that has her doubts and distrusts over her mother reflected on in another light - 'how many bad things Mom did around me that I blocked from memory—or worse, assumed were normal.' 😟 One which will clear the air of her own speculations and reservations, that the people we thought we loved and knew may not be the ones who truly valued us, and those who may not be of the same caliber as what she'd always been used to, might just be the right answer to what she truly needs. Kalena Miller's middle grade read reminds us that even with change, there is a silver lining that makes it totally worth it. 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I liked Mavis; her narration was strong, relatable, and all-encompassing of the array of emotions and jumbled feelings' that swell in one's heart when they're tethering on the line of uncertainty, while also hating the feeling of abandonment were believably depicted. 'What’s the trick to make that chapter of your life feel better?' It is a rough spot - to know that your once so-called best friends are gossiping about your mother, or that from going to your own room to know having to share a basement with her father and two siblings - it is an adjustment. 😢 An adjustment that comes with still the hope as well as the fear of her mother is actually guilty of these crimes, and how it doesn't look entirely helpful that she ran away rather than confronting the situation, leaving her father to worry about their financial prospects and future earnings.

“Look, I know it’s not the same as before, but…” I finish Dad’s sentence slowly. “But nothing is the same as before.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ But, it is summer. And summer comes with new friends and new adventures. Befriending Emma, who shares a story similar to her own, is one of the best things that could have happened. I liked how their baby-sitting job, FUN4ALL CHILDCARE, was a welcome distraction, if not helpful one for Mavis to at least get to see the finer points of the place her mother turned her nose against. A place where her aunt is thriving, and not holding stock in riches of material wealth, but content in her friends and community. 'My skin itches with shame as I remember moments when I was just as mean.' 🥺 Emma was the grounding, supportive and level-headed friend that helped Mavis see how different she was before - the values imprinted upon her from her mother were slowly being chipped away to make her better. To now see at face value one's value. It certainly brings about renowned respect for not taking things for granted, while also seeing how narrow-minded she had been before. ❤️‍🩹

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I did feel annoyed with her for her secrecy for a few things; but it worked neatly into advancing the mystery surrounding her mother's whereabouts, provided conflict to her relationship with Emma, but also strengthened her bond with her siblings. I liked that the author shed light on how each of them - her older siblings, Camille and Andre - were affected differently by their mother's actions. It was heartbreaking, but sadly, very real. 💔 The stigma, nay the stain of her choices led them to also have to decide where their loyalties lay, as well as how much does it cost to earn a mother's love, or rather, a 'self-centered criminal who screwed her family.' My initial reaction at how the mystery was dealt was hard; because I wanted to give that mother a piece of my mind. But, it steadily built till it reached its breaking point and the closure Mavis so desperately needed leant the finishing blow. 😔

“This is the moment to open your heart and embrace what the world brings your way. Keep your feet planted firmly on the ground or this gift of life may pass you by.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Sadly, I stumbled upon numerous typos towards the later half of the book, which ruined the tempo for me. I also felt that the ending was a bit too convenient, but all things considered, I understand how it could not exactly stretch on for too long. I liked, though, the lighthearted moments of humor that somehow helped them cope to their change. 🫂 Their Dad's unique French nicknames was endearing, and I liked that her Dad's emotions were shown; it was a brutal, crushing blow for the love of his life to behave as she did, and how he had to navigate his children's and adjust took courage and patience, which he lovingly offered to the best of his capabilities. And Lily, their four-year-old cousin brought a comforting levity to their situation, which I also appreciated. Horoscope is very much a 'horror scope', indeed. 🥲

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Realistic and satisfying. Great character arcs.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad that the mom turned out to actually be guilty. It seems like a lot of the times things like this would be some huge misunderstanding that ultimately gets resolved by a 12-year-old somehow.

[Eliana Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bottom line, South of Somewhere is GOOD.*
This is kind of becoming my 5-star catch prase, but; Love, love, love!!!! Kalena Miller did a FANTASTIC job of approaching big, hard subjects with humor and love. Speaking of love, did I mention how much I love this?
•The characters!!! OMW. Lily? My new favorite 4 year old book character, ever. 😅 "Tell me your Horror Scope!" And Emma? Wow. What an amazing supportive friend ❤️. The sibling relationship is SO real, in a hilarious way. And the friend drama had me nodding my head thinking 'yeah, even when your mom isn't ⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛ [SPOILER CONTENT RETRACTED] friends do that..'
• The Arcs!! The overall story arc is 👌🏻. And the individual character arcs bled seamlessly into the overall story.
• The setting! Somewhere ... ❤️ I want to live just south of Somewhere!! As long as it moves up a few states so I can stay where I am 😂. Ok... it's not the physical town I want, it's the loving, supportive community. The people, the COLORFUL HOUSES!! (I've always said houses should be painted fun colors. It just makes everything prettier! Especially in the northern Midwest.. wouldn't it be nice to have the gray and brown winter interrupted with bright, cheerful houses? Anyway, back to my review ↪️) And aunt Melissa! I think I forgot to mention her earlier (😱) but she is AWESOME!! I want her to be my aunt!
*Sighs deeply* So, that was long, and I think I'm wearing out my ! key... But, Just south of Somewhere was a beautiful story. It was funny, sad, and very, very relatable (the not FBI parts..) and I would recommend it to anyone. There are certainly some scary and sad parts, but it's handled really well.
If you don't remember anything else about my review (I don't blame you! 😆) remember this:
Bottom line, South of Somewhere is GOOD.*
*(I'm also putting it at the top so it's the first thing people see 😁. Yeah.)

[Glenna Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Mavis, her father, and her siblings arrive home from a vacation in Hawaii, they realize why Mavis's mom took a cab. The FBI is at their house and Mavis's mom is wanted for embezzlement. With bank accounts frozen and the house unavailable, they drive to their Dad's estranged sister, who takes them in. Mavis tries to hold on to the hope that her mother is innocent while she and the rest of her family begin to rebuild their lives. When Mavis and her siblings figure out their mother's location, Mavis begins to readjust her view of her mom as she remembers past incidents in a slightly skewed way.

[Mikah Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this level of writing is PERFECT for a MG audience. It’s entertaining and fun, with just enough “life lessons”. I personally wish the central conflict+ resolution was a little more fleshed out (it was so quick!) but I had a great time.

4/5

[Laura Risdall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another YA novel, read with my teen. I really enjoyed this novel. No spoilers, but you spend the whole book wondering about the mom, and the ending was so good. I really enjoyed the friendship between the two girls, how they managed conflict too.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returning from a Hawaiian vacation with her family, 12-year-old Mavis thinks her biggest problem is the sticky sand lingering between her toes. But when the Callahans turn onto their Chicago street, FBI agents are there to arrest her mom for embezzlement.

[Amelia Rushton · Rating 5 out of 5]

My all time favorite book if you are in the mood for a mystery or thrill this book is great.

[Carli · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. Mavis’s family arrives home from a vacation in Hawaii; her mom takes a taxi home from the airport, and as the rest of the family pulls onto their Chicago street, they find it blocked by the FBI. They find out that their mom is wanted for embezzlement. Their assets and accounts are frozen. Stunned, their dad takes them to the only place he can think of: a small town south of Somewhere, Illinois, to the home of his estranged sister. There, the family tries to make sense of their new reality. Mavis starts receiving postcards from her mom, all from exotic locales, and she sets out to figure out where she is before the feds do. But if she finds her mom, what will she do? A fast read that will engage middle school readers. I simply told my students to why I added this to my TBR and they wanted it. #mglit #librarian #librariansofinstagram #middleschoollibrarian

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This middle-grade novel will keep you turning pages quickly to the end! It’s a “riches to rags” story, about family, true friendship, and discovering what the important things in life are…

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 This was okay. The premise was really interesting, but for me it didn't deliver on what it promised.

[Jenny Ashby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and enjoyable which was what I was looking for right now. Mavis is a good character who doesn't spend too much time moving on from her previously spoiled life. Her new friendship with Emma develops fast but is still believable, especially given the speed with with the rest of the book moves along. The ultimate resolution of issues with her mom felt pretty anti-climatic for all of them, but I'm happy with the happy ending for this family.

[Samantha Ania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay this was really pretty good. It features a 12 year old coming home from vacation and her family's assets being seized because her mom has been embezzling, and I was so curious how that would be handled in a middle grade. Turns out, pretty deftly! Mavis' feelings are complicated, her dad's feelings are complicated, the book does not shy away from the complicated. But it also keeps hope and heart alive as Mavis and her family become "adaptable" in their new normal. Because I am an adult I wanted to unravel all the adult stuff like her parent's relationship, her aunt's relationships, etc. But I actually think it is great that we stayed pretty focused on the kids and what would matter to them.

[Lisa Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost didn't give this five stars because of the mom - can't say much more than that because it might be a spoiler. I did really like this book, though, although it was hard to read. I'm not sure all middle grade readers would like this, but definitely some of my stronger readers.

[Gabrielle Schwabauer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated this book's unusual premise (mother disappears with all the family's money, is suspected of illegal financial decisions, family has no info from her about what is actually going on) as well as the portrayal of how the father handled his grief. I liked watching the siblings slowly grow closer as they navigated the tumultuous situation, and I was surprised and impressed by the author's choice to let the narrator be a bit of a money snob early in the story. Typical MG is ALWAYS from the "underdog" POV, so it was nice to see how a child could unintentionally develop a sense of prejudice around money and slowly unlearn that. Mavis's friendship with a local girl, as well as her dad's reconnection with his sister, were sweet.

Honestly, the kids just didn't seem devastated enough that their mother apparently embezzled huge amounts of money and destroyed their lives. The older teens at least were already jaded towards her, so their responses felt more realistic. Mavis's own grief and anger always felt a bit . . . at a distance.

The main relational conflict comes when Mavis accidentally alienates her new friend Emma by complaining about being "stuck" in this new city forever. Emma responds by dramatically yelling at Mavis about how she's stuck-up and their friendship is over, etc etc etc, and then Mavis has to grovel about this for a REALLY long time. I was cringing through the whole thing! Yes, Mavis could be insensitive and yes, she DID need to confront her hurtful assumptions about small towns and money, but good grief. Mavis is confiding in her friend about how hurt and scared she feels that her mother is a lying liar who is bound for prison after embezzling millions, and how unfair it feels to have her old life ripped away from her and replaced. I mean, they don't even get to enter their house--all their possessions are lost forever, an entire lifetime's worth of history and treasured belongings. All her old friendships have vanished, her old school, everything. And somehow Emma takes it super personally that Mavis isn't just thrilled by this opportunity to be educated in small-town charm, as if wanting your old life back is an insult and not the most basic human trait. I dunno, it was so weird to me how Mavis and Emma both thought that argument was 100% Mavis's fault and not Emma being really selfish and shortsighted during the worst moment of Mavis's life. I guess the author wanted to have Mavis confront her own prejudices and needed to contrive a way to do it?

Also, very weird choice to have the mom be "one of the only women in the company" and throw in some crap about how she did it to "prove that women can be equal" or whatever. It felt frankly really insulting to pretend like her embezzlement had anything to do with feminism or personal empowerment. We have enough tropes in this world about how women who seek equality are actually selfish family-destroyers who only look out for themselves--why was this even necessary? It added nothing to the story except a bad taste in my mouth.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: "I have sand between my toes." I announce this to the entire car. Nobody replies.

Premise/plot: Mavis Callahan's vacation with her family ends memorably--and not in a good way. Was it a little odd that her mom got a separate ride home from the airport? Maybe. But that is just the teeniest top of the iceberg. Turns out the FBI is investigating her mom for embezzlement. Her mom has evaded arrest so far, but EVERYTHING has changed for the whole family. The family leaves the big city (Chicago, I believe) and seeks refuge in a small town (Somewhere, Illinois). They'll be staying with her aunt--her father's sister. Everyone is making huge adjustments--finding new jobs, making new friends, getting to know their extended family. Mavis doesn't know what to think. Is her mom guilty? innocent? Does she want to hear from her mom? Is she angry? sad? hurt? disappointed? confused? A bit of everything all at once. In this coming of age novel, two preteens start a babysitting business....but there is little cutesy about it.

My thoughts: This isn't the first book I've read--I want to say this year, though perhaps the other was last fall???--that deals with parents committing white collar crimes. There may be a sub-sub-sub-sub-genre trend in the works. This coming of age novel was well written. The characterization was substantive, you really get to know the whole family.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Mavis has a very nice life. Her family, included retired French professor Mike, wealth manager Julie, and older siblings Camille and Andre, live in a very nice Chicago neighborhood. When they return from a fancy vacation on Maui, they find police officers swarming around their home. It turns out that there mother, who took another car home from the airport, is wanted for embezzlement. With no money and no options, the family take off to a small town where Mike's sister Melissa lives. The two are estranged over an incident concerning Julie, but Melissa takes them in to live in her basement while they sort things out. Mavis watches Lily, her young cousin, and does a good job at it. Melissa even pays her, which leads Maivs to contact neighbor Emma to set up a babysitting business to earn money. The two not only start a successful business, but investigate the mysterious postcards from Mavis' mother that seem to have coded messages. The family struggles to find employment, and Mavis tries to locate her mother. But even if she does, will she get the closure she needs.

This is a good choice for readers who liked the details of dealing with a parent who has committed a white collar crime like Sheinmel's 2011 All The Things You Are and Morrison's 2022 Coming Up Short, mixed with some of the excitement of Galante's 2017 Stealing Our Way Home.

[Madison James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this middle grade book! The writing was great throughout, and the story was something you don't see very often in middle grade. Mavis has had a legitimately bad thing happen to her family AND she still needs to confront the privilege and bias she's developed thanks to her super cushy (previous) life. I also appreciated that the ending didn't wrap everything up with a bow. Sometimes life is messy and unpleasant, and I think the ending reflects that while still being satisfying for readers. One of my favorite reads of the year so far, and I'll 100% be sharing this with the kids in my life.

[Hanah Goodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really a delight! I loved the premise (and was kind of pleased it was Mom doing the embezzling and not Dad) and it was a great way to explore both family dynamics and how Mavis comes to know herself better both through friendship and thinking about her past interactions with her mom. I also really the "mystery" of the postcards. All in all, a well-told story that wove together a lot of threads and came to a very satisfying conclusion. (Oh, and a shout out to the cover designer - so CUTE!).

[Brandi Rae Fong]

Nice mix of forced new beginnings, friendship and family drama, with the light mystery of where the mom is hiding and is she really guilty of embezzlement. Kids will be drawn in by the opening right away, wondering what will happen to Mavis and her family.

I liked that Mavis and Emma started a babysitting business, and when Mavis makes mistakes in their friendship and hurts Emma's feelings, she owns up and apologizes appropriately.

Lots here for kids who like friendship and family drama, plus the book is well paced and not overly long.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this realistic middle grade novel so much! The characters—especially the kids—felt incredibly authentic. They start out as spoiled, privileged children, and it’s compelling to watch them adjust when everything is stripped away and all they have is what is in their suitcases. The ending was my favorite part! It is a beautifully written story about resilience, change, and what really matters.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Mavis and her two older siblings and dad return from their Hawaiian vacation, they are greeted by FBI agents at their home. Supposedly her mom is being investigated for illegal business activity and now their mom is nowhere to be found. With no money and nowhere to go, Mavis and her family (minus mom) head to the house of the aunt she has never met in Somewhere, Illinois. Is her mom guilty? And where is her mom? How can she make some extra money to help her family?

I enjoyed this book. The plot is unique and the character development of Mavis and her family is terrific. I feel like you really get to know Mavis, her siblings, and her father. I like the cover as well. The first chapter seems like it'd be great for reading aloud and hooking some readers.

Great for middle grade readers in 5th-8th grade.

[Ginny]

Delightful! Witty, with a lot of heart.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending is unsettling in that some things still need to be explained. However, it is an interesting juvenile title.

[Ruth L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good, entertaining and hard to put down! The only thing I didn't like was the family with two moms.

[Emily Haage · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5+

[Kelly Strenge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friendship.
A fugitive.
Family.

[Krisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and plot!