Loophole

by Rebecca Weber

"Why couldn't you just keep your mouth shut?"

Maybelline "Maybe" Reed has stuck to a strict set of rules since Mama left five years ago: neatness matters, avoid boys at all costs, and absolutely no talking. She's convinced by being good she will coax Mama back into her life. When her therapist suggests she confront her anxiety and OCD, Maybe must do the unthinkable: enter sixth grade at a public middle school.

Maybe meets a sixth grade boy named Oliver and, after a rocky start, breaks one of her rules when they become friends. But then she discovers her safe haven and last remaining link to Mama, the Salem Public Library, is scheduled to close for good. Maybe pledges to save the library with Oliver's help, but is she brave enough to go through with their ambitious plan and possibly lose Mama forever? She can either obey her anxiety's repetitive demands or use her long-lost voice to finally make a difference.

Genres: Middle Grade, Mental Health

206 pages, Paperback

Published March 25, 2025

About the author

Rebecca is a Midwestern girl with a lifelong passion for books! She spends most of her time nurturing her baby girl and two Boston Terrier fur-babies, and flipping houses with her realtor husband. It took fifteen years to find the courage to craft her first novel, The Painter’s Butterfly, but now she’s never letting her feather pen go! Loophole is her second published novel.

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This was an excellent middle grade book about dealing with anxiety, making friends and fighting for something you love. I love how the author, while writing for a younger audience, didn’t simplify the writing. My heart broke for Maybelline and how she blamed herself for being separated from her Mama. I also like how the author showcased anxiety and ways that can you deal with it. As a middle school teacher, i have witnessed how much anxiety exists in this age group and appreciated how she handled the topic. Thank you to the author and publishers for the review copy

[Havelah McLat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review is coming.

[Christiana Doucette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loophole is my favorite Rebecca Weber story so far! It's been five years since Mama left, and Maybelline, aka Maybe, has designed a set of rules for herself including "no speaking," and "no being friends with boys," hoping if she is good enough Mama will come back. But this year her therapist wants her to face her anxiety and OCD and enter school.
The local library is her safehaven, and one remaining connection to Mama. So when she discovers the town is planning to shut it down, she knows she has to do something. Even if it means breaking the rules she's set to govern her lift. Even if it means speaking up.

[Joey Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Author Rebecca Weber for the ebook copy to read and review.

This is a very deep emotional story, right away you feel for Maybe, she is lonely, she struggles so much with all her mental health issues and just wants her mama to talk to her. Everything in Maybes life suddenly changes, the comfort of routine goes out the window and she’s put into a very scary and stressful new situation… middle school.

It was heartbreaking reading so much of this story I’m not going to lie and say this was an easy read, okay well to physically read it, it was easy you get so gripped into it so quickly. But emotionally it’s not easy, it will tug at you throughout and it will have you absolutely bawling your eyes out, I certainly did.

I loved the progression of Maybe as a person, she really grows so much as you read it. She was scared of so many things, things that she didn’t have to be scared of, but she had the nagging voice of her mama telling her to be scared, she had her rules in play to keep her guard up, to protect herself from the scary things. Over time she grew, she changed, she diminished those fears as she learnt the truth that surrounded her.

As you read you realise that Maybe wasn’t always like this, that she wasn’t riddled with anxiety her whole life, and that some big event in her life must have happened. Anxiety doesn’t show up from nothing, she chose to be mute, she got her mind stuck in scary and dark loops, constantly looping through everything. I did like that over time you start learning more about her past and understanding her a lot more, knowing where it all started, how it transpired so much on such a young person.

While reading you know the inevitable will come, that her beloved library will be at risk, though predicting what was coming next from all that no. I couldn’t believe how much fighting for the library changed Maybe, how much courage and strength and resilience she had through the whole process. You are literally cheering and beaming with pride for her. (And if you’re me bawling your eyes out)

I absolutely adored her relationship with Oliver, she went from being nothing but scared of him to becoming so close as though there hadn’t ever been a day in their lives they hadn’t know each other. I honestly loved it so much that they were there for each other, that they were able to help heal some of the issues each other had deep inside. At the start of their friendship neither one imagined they’d ever be that close but together they made such an incredible team.

It was written and told perfectly, as someone that also struggles heavily with mental health and have since I was a child, it was really wonderful reading about how she was so cared for, how they handled her issues and difficulties and helped her overcome them to a point she could somewhat actually cope with them. This is such an important book especially for young readers and honestly readers at any age as it handles the mental health issue wonderfully showing realistically what it looks like.

This book really hit me hard, so deep, so emotional. It had me bawling my eyes out, it had storyline that captured and gripped you, it gave you a protagonist so different to any other that you can’t not connect with her and feel everything with and for her. The changes she makes, the life around her that changes for the better. There was nothing I could fault with this book, apart from maybe the pain it inflicted in my heart. I honestly adored this whole book and I really adored Maybelline, she was a wonderful realistically, flawed, broken human who changed, grew and opened herself up to a better life.

This book is wonderful, it honestly captures the issues of mental health, of anxiety, of the demons of the mind winning, tearing you down each and every day. This book is really going to be a book that helps so many people, mental health is such a common thing now and not everyone knows how to handle it, this book is wonderful for showing you how, it shares all of Maybe’s coping mechanisms which will really help the readers.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybelline/Maybe has experienced more trauma in her young life than any child should have to face but she has found a safe place with her Aunt Julie and Uncle Max and their two kids, 8th grade Lyla and 5 year old Lucy. Anxious, looping feelings and stemming behaviors persist, however, and her self-imposed mutism still keeps her isolated and makes her entry into middle school after being homeschooled since the age of 6 a daunting milestone. The first few days of school are every bit as terrible as Maybe anticipated despite her regular therapy sessions with Miss Mendoza and the extra support the kind school counselor has implemented for her. Then classmate Oliver enters the picture and boys are against a set of rules developed after leaving an abusive and angry mother. Being partnered with an angry and depressed Oliver may not seem like a good thing, but the two develop a tenuous friendship and when the city council decides to close the local library, a haven for Maybe, a common goal to thwart those plans further unites them and helps both find their voice and better face their unique demons.

Author Rebecca Weber uses many of her own experiences battling anxiety to lend authenticity to her descriptions of Maybe’s thoughts, reactions and coping tools and may provide readers a look into a world unfamiliar to them thus helping to develop empathy for those in their circle who do and could also give readers who do face debilitating anxiety a hope for their future. Weber’s LOOPHOLE has more elements to the plot than tackling mental health issues. As with most middle grade books with school and home settings, Maybe deals with forgiving and asking for forgiveness, reaffirming her place in a new family, and working collaboratively with others to reach a common goal. Her family is made up of distinct personalities-kind Aunt Julie who misses her sister as much as she loves her niece, quirky Mr. Fix It Tech Guy Uncle Max, moody and cell phone addict Lyla and bubbly kindergartner Lucy. Only Oliver’s personality is fully developed among Maybe’s classmates, but Adam provides a bit of humorous and eye-rolling relief. All these pieces fit neatly together to make a book many in the 9-12 age group will enjoy and characters they are sure to connect with.

Text is free of profanity, sexual content and violence, except in some of Maybe’s memories of her mom’s anger and an attack on her and her mom by her mom’s boyfriend. Representation: Maybe’s family presents as Caucasian; Oliver’s dad is Black and Oliver and his brother may be biracial; Lyla’s attraction to girls is briefly indicated but not definitively confirmed; therapy and/or medication are viewed in a positive light and as a very individual decision.

Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss and Kinkajou Press.

[Christopher Kurth · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Loophole” is the second book by author Rebecca Weber and represents a successful foray into contemporary fiction for middle school grade youth that will draw-in older more seasoned readers and parents as well. “Loophole’s” sixth grade heroine, Maybelline Reed, lives in Salem, Illinois and faces the prospect that tugs at the emotional heartstrings of every parent and new-to-school child; the first day at a new school. But Maybelline, or “Maybe” as she is nicknamed, is doing this as a pre-teen who doesn’t talk!
The spiraling mind games or loopholes Maybe experiences as a result of her social and communication distress are vividly described. The author paints the high anxiety, panic, and physical discomfort with such accuracy that a reader might be excused for momentarily squirming and turning away. But young and old readers alike will benefit by turning towards these pages and reading this book. They’ll gain an understanding of the trials and pressures that all middle schoolers face. And readers will cheer the small victories and triumphs of an ordinary-turned-extraordinary young girl in search of her voice and past.
After a slow build and start to the story the book gets its momentum going and earns “can’t-put-it-down” status in its last chapters. Indeed, this reader-reviewer missed one meal because the book’s compelling climax came at lunchtime! Mrs. Weber’s heavy use of commas makes for easier reading by preteen readers though some adults might find it distracting. The description and integration of best practice mental health procedures for treatment of anxiety within the book and the resource listing toolbox in the addendum are worth the price of the book by itself. Maybelline’s private therapist is outstanding. Every middle school aged child experiencing life-altering stress and depression should have a therapist like “Loophole’s” Miss Mendoza . And everyone should read this book...no maybe’s about it.

[Stephanie Henson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca Weber's Loophole is a beautiful and engaging Middle Grade Novel that explores anxiety in an emotionally compelling way. With lush prose that is crafted from the heart, we are introduced to Maybe (Maybelline) Reed who has not spoken in years due to issues with her mother. Her anxiety is exacerbated when she leaves the safety net of homeschooling in favor of attending in person school for the first time. As if Middle School is not hard enough!

You can feel Maybe's despair and anxious moments through Weber's vivid descriptions and emotionally compelling text. Maybe struggles to find her voice in the face of various challenges such as navigating new friendships, encountering disappointment when her home away from home, the library, is in jeopardy of closing, and dealing with complex family dynamics. But once she finally finds that voice, it's a satisfying conclusion to a layered and relatable story which features themes of activism, friendship, mental health, and family. Kids who have experienced anxiety (like I did at that age) will surely see themselves depicted in this book.

This book is a bright light in the Middle Grade landscape and can even be used a tool to help children cope with their own anxiety. Loophole is age appropriate, educationally manageable in vocabulary and word count, and will certainly make a great addition to a home or school library.

[Aurelia Hulls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loophole is such a heartfelt and beautifully written story. I immediately connected with Maybelline; her struggles with anxiety, OCD, and the rules she created for herself felt both realistic and deeply moving. Rebecca Weber captures the challenges of growing up with so much empathy, showing how hard it can be to find your voice when fear and silence feel safer.

I loved the friendship between Maybe and Oliver. It was awkward, funny, and sweet in the most authentic middle-school way. Their mission to save the Salem Public Library gave the story an extra layer of hope and urgency. The library wasn’t just a setting; it symbolized safety, memory, and the possibility of new beginnings.

What stood out most to me was how Weber balanced tough topics with warmth. This is a story about loss, courage, and the small steps that lead to big changes. By the end, I was cheering for Maybe as she began to understand that her voice truly matters.

I’d recommend Loophole to anyone who enjoys middle-grade fiction with heart, strong character growth, and themes of resilience.

[Catherine Arguelles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca Weber's Loophole delivers a beautiful, complicated depiction of emotional depth and resilience. Maybelline's emotions speak volumes, though she doesn’t speak at all. Weber handles each emotion, but especially anxiety, with authenticity and complexity, carefully describing the real physical and mental repercussions of deep feeling.
As events tumble and emotions escalate, Loophole becomes ever more riveting while we watch Maybe find the courage to communicate and change herself and her surroundings. The moment Maybe finally finds her voice strikes with such satisfaction I whooped out loud! Readers will enjoy the activism storyline and sweet developing friendships, while kids with anxiety will especially connect to Maybe's experiences and appreciate her coping tips. Loophole offers a realistic display of emotion, a triumphant story of bravery, and a warm sense of hope--marking Weber a middle grade author to keep an eye on!

[MIriam Spitzer Frankllin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loophole is a beautiful and heartfelt story about reconciling your past and finding the courage to fight for what you believe in. While the story begins with a main character who hasn't spoken aloud in five years, the reader will immediately connect with Maybe and cheer for her as she works to overcome her challenges. Rebecca Weber skillfully weaves in the backstory, so the pieces all fit together as we gain a full understanding of Maybe's struggles. As she comes to terms with trauma caused when her mom left her, she learns to face her fears about making new friends (especially if they happen to be a boy!) and bonding with a new family. The unlikely friendship with Oliver provides ongoing tension and will keep you turning pages until the satisfying conclusion when Maybelline finally finds her voice. Wonderful character development and a realistic portrayal of mental health struggles- highly recommended!

[Mr. Kreher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book deals with high anxiety for a middle school student. I could totally relate to this story and I felt as though, I was reliving my own childhood and even adulthood. I think this is a subject missing in the range of books out today, how to cope with anxiety. It would be a good addition to a guidance counselor or therapists collection to give to children who experience the same problems or even bullies who intimidate those with anxiety, maybe they would understand their victims better and became allies in the end. This is my hope for the book.

Side note: I will be honest. As someone who deals with anxiety, I did have moments that triggered it. There are trigger warnings in the front of the book. If your anxiety is severe, take the warnings in consideration. It took me a couple of months to get through a full reading, but I'm glad I read it because I never read something that associated so closely to anxiety.

[Marwah A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was obsessed with this book and I never wanted it to end. I love reading middle grade literature and I've read quite a few over the years but Loophole absolutely charmed me and now I can't stop thinking about it. We follow Maybelline as she struggles under the weight of her OCD and anxiety. Her therapist advises her guardians to send her to middle school and that is where our deeply emotional tale begins. I loved the way the author tackled important issues like mental health, wellbeing, and the self. It was a pleasure reading about Maybelline's many adventures and her relationships with others. Add to that a wonderful plot to save a local library, a cute cat and a self-confidence journey and I couldn't stop reading. Rebecca Weber does such a wonderful job at conveying the benefits of therapy, strategies, and support systems. I loved the writing, such wonderful metaphors and smilies and it flowed so smoothly for me.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this book ten stars if I could! What a great book about anxiety, therapy, finding your voice, and hope. Maybe (Maybelline) is living with her aunt, uncle and cousins and has been homeschooled until now. She hasn’t spoken for five years and is now starting middle school. Maybe and Oliver are teamed up to help each other and slowly become friends. Maybe wants to talk but worries it will hurt her chances of seeing her mom again. When Maybe finds out her beloved town library may close she and Oliver come up with a plan to have people sign a petition, and they know they need to attend the town meeting to make their case for keeping the library open. The night of the meeting Maybe shows up but doesn’t see Oliver. What happens now? Will Maybe ever see her mom again?
Great coping strategies at the end.

[Sarah McKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful Middle Grade story by Rebecca Weber. I loved following Maybe's growth and her fight to overcome the twists and loops in her own mind. An avid reader like myself, Maybe was a very relatable character that I would have loved to have as a friend when I was that age. Preteens and adults alike can enjoy this wonderful tale of growth, family, and friendship. The writing style has a sense of maturity to it while still being easy to read and digest for young readers, and I feel like that's not seen often in most MG books (which is a true to disservice to young readers!). I absolutely love Rebecca's work. Her focus on mental health is something I needed as a kid, and I would have devoured this book back then the same as I did now. Add this to your list, you'll absolutely want to give it a read. Can't wait for more from this author!

[Kristi Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful story told with deep empathy. I’m in awe of the author's ability to use beautiful metaphor and specificity in her descriptions. Her story is not only compelling from a plot perspective, but it is written with a lyricism that's a joy to read.

The main character, Maybelline "Maybe" is a sweet and earnest main character who is struggling with anxiety and OCD due to the trauma she's gone through at a young age. Reading about what she's gone through and continues to go through is emotional, but this is a hopeful book, one where healing and bravery happen. Despite the challenges thrown at her, Maybe finds a way to thrive. I'm delighted by her friendship with Oliver. They grow and heal together. And I'm always "in" when it comes to saving a beloved library.

Rebecca Weber has a real gift when it comes to writing young voices. Highly recommend.

[Noël · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOOPHOLE is Rebecca Weber's second book, and her lyricism continues to be a treat for young and old.

Maybelline's story is one of anxiety, grief and emotion coupled with selective mutism. She takes the reader along on both her good and bad days. Her wants are relatable: to have her mother back in her life, to escape into books and to want to save the public library. We see her grow and develop in a new school. She's surrounded by an impressive circle of support: family, a friend at school, a counsellor and her therapist. Through her challenges, she learns more about herself but also how to let in and be accepting of others.

This book has a joyous ending, and there were a few beautiful lyrical moments that made me cry. My favourite is little cousin Lucy who says the most profound things in her childhood innocence. I can't wait for Rebecca Weber to write more!

[Melissa Tanoko · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Loophole, Maybe (Maybelline) is about to start middle school. Due to severe anxiety and OCD, Maybe has been homeschooled until now. The story follows Maybe as she tests her limits and comes to terms with a traumatic past.

This is an honest and intimate look at anxiety. I got a good sense of what it might be like to be in Maybe's head, and how hard life can be for kids grappling with anxiety and OCD.

It's a sweet and gentle book, despite the darkness of Maybe's past. I'd definitely recommend it for kids who live with these conditions and to help build empathy in those who don't.

The characters are also warm, complex, and well-drawn.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Anissa Pankey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely worth more than 5 stars. Great story about anxiety and the struggles it comes with. Also about coping and managing it. Kids even adults can relate to this story and can’t help but fall in love with it. It’s a hard to put down read and just makes you want more. It also could help children struggling with school or feel the same way Maybe did. Hopefully make them feel more confident in themselves to know it’s normal to feel these feelings. Just have to learn techniques to make them calmer. As someone who has super high anxiety. I can relate to this story. Very amazing and inspiring!!

[Katie Ferriello · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story. I was emotionally touched and teared up at a few poignant moments because Maybe is so easy to love, even if she doesn't know it yet. She's given up her voice and retreated into herself, but is challenged to find her strength and courage when her beloved library is at risk of closing. I've taught three sixth graders who didn’t speak, and this made me understand them so much more. This is a book that will sit with me for a long time. I'd recommend it to anyone who liked OCDaniel or to anyone, kid or adult, who has ever struggled with anxiety. You'll root for Maybe and feel uplifted by the end. Highly recommend!

[Amanda Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the beginning, the reader is invested in Maybelline. As her story unfolds and we learn more about her early life, the struggles Maybe has dealt with tug at a mama’s heartstrings. I loved how the author shared the character’s internal struggles making her even more realistic. The writing is structured so middle school kids feel like they’re part of the class. As a mother who had a child with anxiety, I felt like I was getting a small glimpse into the difficulties he faces all the time. I particularly loved the growth many of the characters had as the story concluded. This would be a great addition to any middle school library.

[Barbara Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankyou Rebecca for allowing me a copy of your book. Very Uplifting, its the novel that speaks for those that cant.

The plot is about a young girl diagnosed with OCD and anxiety who finds the strength and courage to go on a Heartfelt mission to save her Library from closure. Love how the story highlights and addresses that with the right resources and support (Family, health care providers and friends) the character was not "Alone". This really resonated with me.

I wished this book was available for me when I was younger, a great resource tool that should be put in every school, mental health care setting and library.

I cant recommend it enough!

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt, thoughtful, and lovely. Loophole follows sixth-grader Maybe as she confronts her anxiety, learns to deal with her past, finds true friendship, and makes a difference in her community. She is an endearing protagonist and I was rooting for her the whole way. I also adored Maybe's unexpected friend Oliver, and watching their friendship unfold was delightful. Loophole is beautifully and sensitively written, allowing the reader to experience Maybe's journey and growth to the fullest. Definitely recommend!

[Bonnie Grover · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Never underestimate the power of a good Loophole.”

Maybelline is dealing with extreme anxiety and anxiety attacks since her mom left. She avoids boys at all costs, and absolutely does not talk aloud. But when her therapist suggests she confront her anxiety and OCD, she must do the unthinkable: enter sixth-grade at a public middle school. Life begins to turn around when she meets Oliver and they become friends. When the public library is scheduled to close down, she and Oliver join must work together to save the library.

[Momma T's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does your child battle anxiety. This is a great read for children between 10-13? Maybe a little younger, depending on their reading maturity. Mine turns 9, and I think I'm going to talk to him about reading this one.

The adult situations that children are being thrown into at an increasingly younger age are astonishing. The way the author handles these situations and the anxiety that it causes should be celebrated. She handled situations and their outcomes with ease and care. And some light comedy to keep the younger mind interested. It would be a great addition to any young child's shelf.

[Katharine Hannigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loophole is a powerful middle grade novel about mental health, family, friendship, and belonging. Maybe is a relatable character who has been through a lot and suffers from OCD and anxiety… and has not spoken in years. Now she is entering middle school after being homeschooled for years. This story tackles many issues in relatable ways and will melt your heart!

[Galiah Morgenstern · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful middle grade story of a girl who starts middle school after being homeschooled. After her mother left her, she hasn’t talked, and struggles with anxiety. A must-read about fitting in, friendship, and finding your voice.

[Stacey Anwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging story appealing to both adult and younger readers. I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of a variety of text types (email, lists) which allowed us even more insight into Maybe's thinking and growth.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC book. I was ENGROSSED. Maybelline’s voice is so authentic, believable, and illuminating. Her growth and healing are realistic. Weber addresses OCD, anxiety, domestic violence, and parental loss in a middle-school appropriate way, without sugar coating but in terms tweens and teens can understand and relate to.

I was particularly struck by the honest and straightforward way Maybe’s thoughts are presented. They’re not filtered (say, through conversation with a therapist or a friend). She doesn’t try to rationalize them or explain them—because the reader hears them as she thinks/feels them. Having suffered from anxiety, it felt so very real—like the thoughts I’d had but hesitated to share, that I’d soften before speaking aloud, even to a therapist. The imagery of the loops in Maybe’s brain is powerful; another (adult) book I read years ago called hers “cooked spaghetti” and these together approximate how I conceive of my own anxious brain.

This book spoke to me as a former anxious child, and I am certain it will speak to currently anxious children. I believe it will make people feel seen, heard, and so much less alone and I want to start handing out copies to families I know, particularly those who have experienced profound loss.

**Adding here that my teen also read the book and gave me a silent, wide-eyed nod when I said, “So good, right?” — which is high praise.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A middle-grade novel that explores a child’s life without her mother combined with severe social anxiety. Maybelline is finalky going to middle school for the first time. It’s that much more difficult because she hasn’t spoken in years, not since she was separated from her mother after a traumatic event. The novel only hints at it and reveals the event slowly. The reader gets great insight into Maybelline’s thoughts and feelings. In other news, she is forced to stand up for what is important to her when the library is threatened with being closed. The novel has a satisfying conclusion that readers will enjoy.