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Grace's Write Time: An Empowering Middle Grade Novel of New Friendships and Blended Families for Kids Ages 10-14 in Grades 5-9
Grace's Secret Letters - - - A Middle School Chapter Book About Friendship and Belonging
When 7th grader Grace moves to a new town, she thinks books are safer than friends. But after meeting Andy at riding lessons, she's pulled into a real-life mystery as he searches for his birth mom.
As Grace helps uncover family secrets, she discovers something even more important - her own courage to stand up to mean girls and trust genuine friendship.
A heartfelt story about finding your voice, your people, and yourself - perfect for middle schoolers navigating the bumpy road to confidence and connection.
When 7th grader Grace moves to a new town, she thinks books are safer than friends. But after meeting Andy at riding lessons, she's pulled into a real-life mystery as he searches for his birth mom.
As Grace helps uncover family secrets, she discovers something even more important - her own courage to stand up to mean girls and trust genuine friendship.
A heartfelt story about finding your voice, your people, and yourself - perfect for middle schoolers navigating the bumpy road to confidence and connection.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2024
10 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Anna Maria DiDio
5 books8 followersAnna Maria DiDio, MSW - is an adoptive mother, speaker and author of multiple best selling children's and middle grade books. She is a baker, quilter, and washed-up athlete who is addicted to thin and crispy chocolate chip cookies. Her L.I.F.E.* Adventures Series of children’s books feature stories about adoption and are appropriate for all blended families. Anna Maria hopes that her books encourage open and honest exploration about what children are thinking and feeling. She resides in The City of Brotherly Love.
*Love Inspires Families Everywhere
https://medium.com/@annamaria.didio
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 15, 2025
Grace’s Write Time, by Anna Maria DiDio, is a poignant coming-of-age tale centered on Grace, a seventh-grader uprooted from her familiar world. Forced to move to a new place, she is left grappling with loneliness and the struggle to adapt to her new reality. The book delves into the emotional turmoil of change, showcasing Grace’s journey as she navigates a new school, attempts to make friends, and searches for her place in an unfamiliar environment. Amid her struggles, Grace finds comfort in the solace of books and the letters she writes. An unexpected friendship with Andy, a boy quietly coping with his own grief as he searches for his mother, brings a new dimension to her life. Their bond, built on shared vulnerability and mutual support, gradually helps both characters confront their inner turmoil. Together, they explore the meaning of friendship, family, and belonging, discovering that even the smallest connections can bring familiarity and closure.
DiDio masterfully captures the bittersweet emotions of growing up. While the book targets middle-grade readers, its universal themes of change, self-discovery, and connection resonate across all ages. Grace’s emotional journey feels authentic, offering an intimate look at her frustrations, fears, and personal growth. Her love of books and letters becomes a powerful outlet, a thread that ties her to a sense of identity amid the chaos of relocation. Andy’s storyline adds depth and poignancy to the narrative. His quiet grief and longing for connection complement Grace’s struggles, weaving a parallel tale of loss and healing. Although his arc feels slightly less developed compared to Grace’s, it remains a touching addition that enhances the book’s emotional resonance.
One standout element is the inclusion of equine therapy. This unique detail symbolizes Grace’s evolving confidence and emotional resilience. It’s a meaningful addition that highlights her progress, subtly underscoring her transformation from feeling lost to finding her footing. The prose is simple yet evocative, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Grace’s world. Although I feel her internal reflections occasionally slow the pacing, these moments provide valuable insights into her character. The story’s steady unfolding invites readers to empathize with her struggles and celebrate her triumphs. It’s the kind of book that feels personal, drawing readers into its heartfelt and character-driven narrative.
Those of a similar age to Grace will find her story especially meaningful, while older readers may appreciate its nostalgic look at childhood resilience. Grace’s Write Time is a powerful yet understated exploration of growth and belonging. Anna Maria DiDio crafts a tender, relatable story that captures the essence of small troubles and the quiet strength needed to overcome them. It’s an ideal choice for readers who appreciate heartfelt, character-focused tales and a reminder that even in the face of upheaval, connection and personal growth are always within reach.
DiDio masterfully captures the bittersweet emotions of growing up. While the book targets middle-grade readers, its universal themes of change, self-discovery, and connection resonate across all ages. Grace’s emotional journey feels authentic, offering an intimate look at her frustrations, fears, and personal growth. Her love of books and letters becomes a powerful outlet, a thread that ties her to a sense of identity amid the chaos of relocation. Andy’s storyline adds depth and poignancy to the narrative. His quiet grief and longing for connection complement Grace’s struggles, weaving a parallel tale of loss and healing. Although his arc feels slightly less developed compared to Grace’s, it remains a touching addition that enhances the book’s emotional resonance.
One standout element is the inclusion of equine therapy. This unique detail symbolizes Grace’s evolving confidence and emotional resilience. It’s a meaningful addition that highlights her progress, subtly underscoring her transformation from feeling lost to finding her footing. The prose is simple yet evocative, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Grace’s world. Although I feel her internal reflections occasionally slow the pacing, these moments provide valuable insights into her character. The story’s steady unfolding invites readers to empathize with her struggles and celebrate her triumphs. It’s the kind of book that feels personal, drawing readers into its heartfelt and character-driven narrative.
Those of a similar age to Grace will find her story especially meaningful, while older readers may appreciate its nostalgic look at childhood resilience. Grace’s Write Time is a powerful yet understated exploration of growth and belonging. Anna Maria DiDio crafts a tender, relatable story that captures the essence of small troubles and the quiet strength needed to overcome them. It’s an ideal choice for readers who appreciate heartfelt, character-focused tales and a reminder that even in the face of upheaval, connection and personal growth are always within reach.
February 18, 2025
"Grace's Write Time" is a charming middle-grade novel that resonates with readers of all ages. The story follows Grace Mackenzie, a seventh-grader navigating the challenges of moving to a new city while finding her place in the world. What makes this book special is how it authentically captures the struggles of making friends and building self-confidence during the difficult middle school years.
The friendship that develops between Grace and Andy through their shared adventures, particularly as they uncover the mystery of Andy's birth mother, feels genuine and heartwarming. I especially appreciated how the book addresses serious themes like adoption, bullying, and self-discovery while maintaining an engaging and age-appropriate tone.
The pacing is flexible - you can either savor it over several days or enjoy it in one sitting. The author skillfully weaves together Grace's love of writing, horseback riding, and her growing friendship with Andy into a compelling narrative that keeps you invested in the characters' journey.
While not perfect, this book deserves 4 out of 5 stars for its relatable characters, important themes, and meaningful exploration of friendship, family, and finding one's voice. Highly recommended for middle-grade readers, particularly those dealing with transitions or struggling to find their place, though readers of any age will find something to appreciate in this story.
The friendship that develops between Grace and Andy through their shared adventures, particularly as they uncover the mystery of Andy's birth mother, feels genuine and heartwarming. I especially appreciated how the book addresses serious themes like adoption, bullying, and self-discovery while maintaining an engaging and age-appropriate tone.
The pacing is flexible - you can either savor it over several days or enjoy it in one sitting. The author skillfully weaves together Grace's love of writing, horseback riding, and her growing friendship with Andy into a compelling narrative that keeps you invested in the characters' journey.
While not perfect, this book deserves 4 out of 5 stars for its relatable characters, important themes, and meaningful exploration of friendship, family, and finding one's voice. Highly recommended for middle-grade readers, particularly those dealing with transitions or struggling to find their place, though readers of any age will find something to appreciate in this story.
October 6, 2025
Fitting in with Family and Friends
Grace's Write Time is a delightful coming-of-age novel about budding author Grace Elizabeth. Author Anna Maria DiDio did a superb job with this story about finding friendship and her place in a new school and her own family. Grace writes letters to senior citizens describing events in her own life including the betrayal by her best friend Connie. The added issue of her friend's adoption was an intriguing feature. I appreciated the emotional dynamics when Grace stuck out her neck to help her new friend Andy. I appreciated the realistic family dynamics with Grace's parents and brother. The pacing was precise and I especially appreciated the character development. In the end it is up to Grace to gain the wisdom to like herself and feel comfortable in her own skin. This book would be an awesome choice for middle-grade readers. As a writer myself, I loved it!
Grace's Write Time is a delightful coming-of-age novel about budding author Grace Elizabeth. Author Anna Maria DiDio did a superb job with this story about finding friendship and her place in a new school and her own family. Grace writes letters to senior citizens describing events in her own life including the betrayal by her best friend Connie. The added issue of her friend's adoption was an intriguing feature. I appreciated the emotional dynamics when Grace stuck out her neck to help her new friend Andy. I appreciated the realistic family dynamics with Grace's parents and brother. The pacing was precise and I especially appreciated the character development. In the end it is up to Grace to gain the wisdom to like herself and feel comfortable in her own skin. This book would be an awesome choice for middle-grade readers. As a writer myself, I loved it!
October 11, 2024
What a great story for tweens.
This is a great coming of age story, especially for girls. There are many twists and turns in this 12-year old’s life as she tries to maneuver through the shadow of a “perfect” big brother, and making new friends in a new school where kids can be fickle. Life gets complicated when she befriends a classmate who is on a mission to find his birth mother. The main character is deep and introspective and brings to light many issues faced by tweens today as they struggle to make sense of the world around them. This book definitely keeps the reader’s attention and should be recommended reading in all middle schools as it touches on so many subjects. I also enjoyed the special relationship between Grace and her grandmother, and I can hardly wait to share this book with my 11-year-old granddaughter. Dr. Kathleen M.
This is a great coming of age story, especially for girls. There are many twists and turns in this 12-year old’s life as she tries to maneuver through the shadow of a “perfect” big brother, and making new friends in a new school where kids can be fickle. Life gets complicated when she befriends a classmate who is on a mission to find his birth mother. The main character is deep and introspective and brings to light many issues faced by tweens today as they struggle to make sense of the world around them. This book definitely keeps the reader’s attention and should be recommended reading in all middle schools as it touches on so many subjects. I also enjoyed the special relationship between Grace and her grandmother, and I can hardly wait to share this book with my 11-year-old granddaughter. Dr. Kathleen M.
October 26, 2024
Wonderful read!
I just had the most wonderful time reading Anna Marie DiDio’s children’s book, Grace’s Write Time. Her characters are so charming and richly developed. There are the shy girls vs. the mean girls juxtaposed nicely with the shy girl meets the shy boy scenarios.
The story, while familiar, creatively takes you places you never really thought about. That is where the warmth of family is nicely interwoven with the conflict. Ms. DiDio’s “adoptive children “ theme is beautifully highlighted with a conversation later on in the book that is so poignant, it makes you want to cry and scream, thank you, at the same time!
I truly believe many, a middle-schooler, would read this book with the same joy I did.
I just had the most wonderful time reading Anna Marie DiDio’s children’s book, Grace’s Write Time. Her characters are so charming and richly developed. There are the shy girls vs. the mean girls juxtaposed nicely with the shy girl meets the shy boy scenarios.
The story, while familiar, creatively takes you places you never really thought about. That is where the warmth of family is nicely interwoven with the conflict. Ms. DiDio’s “adoptive children “ theme is beautifully highlighted with a conversation later on in the book that is so poignant, it makes you want to cry and scream, thank you, at the same time!
I truly believe many, a middle-schooler, would read this book with the same joy I did.
October 8, 2024
What a great book for middle school! It was a page turner and I really wanted to find out how Grace and Andy were going to solve finding his adoptive mother. Grace's developed character is one where kids can relate to when being new at school, or a sibling getting more attention in a family, or maybe not popular in class. I liked how Grace's personality came through by writing to senior citizens that weren't allowed to ever response back to her in her hunger for letter writing. She used this avenue to ask and answer her own questions. Grace in the end, finds her true friends and the meaning of family as she learns to love herself, and even her big brother, Nate.
Victoria Smith
Victoria Smith
October 9, 2024
Heartfelt exploration of grief and healing
Anna Maria Didio’s Grace’s Write Time is such a heartfelt, raw exploration of grief, healing, and the power of writing to process complex emotions. Grace’s journey of loss and rediscovery resonated deeply with me, especially the authentic way her emotions are portrayed. It’s beautifully written, and I couldn’t help but feel inspired by the strength she finds in vulnerability. This book is a must-read for anyone going through difficult times or just needing a reminder that healing isn’t linear—but it’s always possible.
Anna Maria Didio’s Grace’s Write Time is such a heartfelt, raw exploration of grief, healing, and the power of writing to process complex emotions. Grace’s journey of loss and rediscovery resonated deeply with me, especially the authentic way her emotions are portrayed. It’s beautifully written, and I couldn’t help but feel inspired by the strength she finds in vulnerability. This book is a must-read for anyone going through difficult times or just needing a reminder that healing isn’t linear—but it’s always possible.
December 6, 2024
This book is great for late tweens to early teens who will be or have already entered the phase in life where they deeply explore friendships, self belonging, and learning new things about themselves. This book is about a girl who struggles with loneliness after moving to a new city, but through writing letters, she makes a connection with a new friend and together, they grew as they faced challenges that kids can relate to. This book is a very meaningful story and empowers one to find their voice!
October 16, 2024
Great book for adoption discussions!
This book about a middle-schooler named Grace is wonderful. Well-written, readers are introduced to Grace, a middle-schooler trying to navigate moving to a new city, making friends, and feeling like her older brother gets all the attention. She meets a new friend named Andy who he is curious about his adoption. The story is well-told and has great discussions between the adults in the story and Grace and Andy.
This book about a middle-schooler named Grace is wonderful. Well-written, readers are introduced to Grace, a middle-schooler trying to navigate moving to a new city, making friends, and feeling like her older brother gets all the attention. She meets a new friend named Andy who he is curious about his adoption. The story is well-told and has great discussions between the adults in the story and Grace and Andy.
October 30, 2024
The middle school struggle is real
What a lovely story that really captures the essence of the difficulty teenage girls face. Friendship is a central part of the experience and Grace navigates her own journey through that while managing a move to a new place and family dynamics. The story is so relatable and real, highlighting a lesson learned in the impermanence and imperfection of life. Very well-written and I highly recommend it!
What a lovely story that really captures the essence of the difficulty teenage girls face. Friendship is a central part of the experience and Grace navigates her own journey through that while managing a move to a new place and family dynamics. The story is so relatable and real, highlighting a lesson learned in the impermanence and imperfection of life. Very well-written and I highly recommend it!
October 18, 2024
A window into a young heart.
Grace's write time by Anna Maria Didio is a creative and insightful window into the heart and mind of a 7th grader. It is a compelling coming-of-age story of Grace's personal struggles and triumphs as she navigates her world toward young adulthood and self-acceptance.
Grace's write time by Anna Maria Didio is a creative and insightful window into the heart and mind of a 7th grader. It is a compelling coming-of-age story of Grace's personal struggles and triumphs as she navigates her world toward young adulthood and self-acceptance.
October 25, 2024
A heartwarming story
What makes this book captivating is its gentle exploration of complex themes through a young person’s lens. Grace’s curiosity and loyalty shine as she steps into Andy’s journey to find his birth mother. Didio beautifully captures Grace’s growth as she learns about trust, empathy, and what it means to support a friend on a deeply personal quest.
What makes this book captivating is its gentle exploration of complex themes through a young person’s lens. Grace’s curiosity and loyalty shine as she steps into Andy’s journey to find his birth mother. Didio beautifully captures Grace’s growth as she learns about trust, empathy, and what it means to support a friend on a deeply personal quest.
November 15, 2024
A great middle school book
A relatable chapter book for any middle school reader. Preteen life is tough but with Grace and her adventures it's a captivating book. It's an easy read and the friendship of grace and Andy is relatable to any child. Empathy an item that needs to be reintroduced to all and this book clearly helps convey it .
A relatable chapter book for any middle school reader. Preteen life is tough but with Grace and her adventures it's a captivating book. It's an easy read and the friendship of grace and Andy is relatable to any child. Empathy an item that needs to be reintroduced to all and this book clearly helps convey it .
December 10, 2024
Captivating Story!
This compelling story follows a young girl as she navigates the challenges of moving to a new school, while involving herself in the personal quest of her new friend seeking to find his birth mother. Overall, this story is a touching portrayal of friendship, family and self-discovery, and will surely leave a lasting impression.
This compelling story follows a young girl as she navigates the challenges of moving to a new school, while involving herself in the personal quest of her new friend seeking to find his birth mother. Overall, this story is a touching portrayal of friendship, family and self-discovery, and will surely leave a lasting impression.
October 5, 2024
Perfect Middle Grade Read
For me this book felt like everything a middle grade book should be. Solid story, life lessons and straightforward writing. And I love that there are chapter titles. I wish more YA and adult fiction had that. Definitely an enjoyable read.
For me this book felt like everything a middle grade book should be. Solid story, life lessons and straightforward writing. And I love that there are chapter titles. I wish more YA and adult fiction had that. Definitely an enjoyable read.
November 9, 2024
A Lovely Story
I fell in love with Grace and her friend Andy. It was fun to follow their journey. I love the letter writing, so sweet. The ending was a happy surprise. This is a wonderful story!
I fell in love with Grace and her friend Andy. It was fun to follow their journey. I love the letter writing, so sweet. The ending was a happy surprise. This is a wonderful story!
December 6, 2024
It is an exceptional read that resonates amongst teenagers. 👏 There's so much transition in today's society and Grace balances parents, family, friends, community, and school all at the same time. She's a trooper!
February 6, 2025
Charming and Insightful
This story was an easy read, full of rich characters and insightful storyline. It was easy to get caught up with Grace and her friends as they face various challenges. This book will keep your child’s interest as they learn about important topics.
This story was an easy read, full of rich characters and insightful storyline. It was easy to get caught up with Grace and her friends as they face various challenges. This book will keep your child’s interest as they learn about important topics.
October 7, 2024
A great middle grade read!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews