Life as the middle child feels cramped and unfair, but one girl discovers the that the best things in life are found in the middle. Being Middle is a heartwarming and playful picture book that celebrates the special role of middle children in family dynamics. With lyrical rhymes and relatable scenarios, it captures the ups and downs of being caught between a big sibling and a little one. From sharing cramped car rides to getting only hand-me-downs, the story explores challenges with humor and honesty—while ultimately revealing why being in the middle is something to treasure. The second installment of the award-winning BeingMe series, this book is perfect for middle children who sometimes feel left out and for families looking to celebrate their unique dynamics. Full of warmth, charm, and an empowering message, Being Middle is perfect for readers 3-9. Order now to celebrate the middle child in your life—because the middle is a great place to be!
Lori Orlinsky is a multi award-winning, best-selling children's book author who lives in Chicago. Lori is certified by the CDC in Bullying Prevention and Response Training and is an ambassador for the PACER's National Bullying Center. At 5"1, she wishes her book Being Small (Isn't So Bad After All) was around while she was growing up. Other books by Lori include The Tooth Fairy's Tummy Ache, Balloons for Tiger and The Adventures of Lefty & Righty: The Windy City.
Lori is available for author visits and wants to connect with you, so be sure to visit her on Facebook and Instagram: @loriorlinskyauthor and visit her website, loriorlinskyauthor.com.
Little A - Well look its Me, I and S mum, we look like the cover. The pictures are so beautiful.
Middle I - I understand how Ellie feels at times, but this made me see things a bit differently.
Mum - I kinda feel like the old lady tagging along on this ride right now.. the old Narrator as it would go. This is a beautiful story that showcases the positives of being 'Middle'
This is available on Kindle Unlimited and is book 2 in the Being Me series, the books are aimed for ages 3 - 9.
This is a heartfelt picture book narrated from the perspective of a young girl who is the middle child. She learns that being in the middle isn’t just tolerable—it can be fantastic, as she finds someone to look up to and someone who looks up to her. I appreciate how her feelings are acknowledged and validated, while also offering her a fresh outlook on her middle child status. The book is beautifully illustrated by Vanessa Alexandri, with playful and expressive artwork. It’s perfect for bedtime or circle time and offers a blend of thoughtfulness and sentimentality. Suitable for large families, it encourages positive relationships and self-acceptance.
Lori Orlinsky’s Being Middle is a heartwarming picture book that speaks directly to the woes and wonders of being the middle child. Told through the eyes of a young girl caught between her older and younger sisters, the story starts with frustration and ends with pride. She laments hand-me-downs, cramped car rides, and cold showers, classic middle-child grievances, but slowly learns that being in the middle isn’t just tolerable. It’s kind of amazing.
What really grabbed me was the honesty in Ellie's voice. That opening line “My tummy is achy, and I feel quite queasy” sets the stage for a raw, relatable peek into the middle-child mindset. She feels overlooked and underappreciated, evoking a strong sense of empathy as her emotions unfold on the page. The moment she laments receiving only hand-me-down shoes is both humorous and strikingly relatable, an all-too-familiar reality for many middle children. When she remarks, “Most of the time, they don’t even call me the right name,” it brings to mind the common mix-ups that happen in families with multiple children, a small detail that rings true and adds to the authenticity of her experience.
What truly sets this book apart is its thoughtful shift in tone. Rather than dismissing Ellie's feelings, her mother gently reinterprets them, offering a new and affirming perspective. The line, “There’s a sis to look up to and one who looks up to you,” stands out as particularly poignant, reframing the middle child role as one of unique connection and importance. In this way, being in the middle transforms from a source of frustration into a powerful metaphorical bridge. The comparison to the center of an Oreo, universally regarded as the best part, adds a lighthearted yet effective touch, reinforcing the message with humor and warmth.
Visually, the illustrations by Vanessa Alexandre add a playful, expressive energy to the story. They carry just the right mix of whimsy and warmth. Every pout, eye-roll, and smile feels familiar, especially for anyone who's ever been stuck in the middle seat. The layout flows well, too, making it perfect for a bedtime read or a classroom circle.
I found Being Middle to be a thoroughly enjoyable and meaningful read. It strikes a careful balance of thoughtful without being didactic, and heartfelt without veering into sentimentality. I would recommend this book to families with multiple children, particularly those with a middle child who may be struggling to find their place. It would also serve as a valuable resource for educators seeking to initiate discussions about family roles, emotions, and self-worth. Even for readers who are not middle children themselves, the book offers a charming reminder to appreciate the value found in the spaces between, whether in families, food, or everyday life.
“Being Middle” is the short story that catches the readers mind how the middle child holds a position in the family than their other siblings.The author “ Lauri Orlinsky and Vanessa Alexandre “ had done great work by explaining the reality which middle person have to face with the other Siblings . Being a middle is not an easy task.middle person always have to faces challlenges and difficulties which they can overcome through their power which only middle person possess .The word “ middle” signifies in between the two person .So In the family where there is any sort of disputes between elder and younger,everyone blames middle person but the middle person tries to deal with the situation,finds out the solution and tried to make everything calm. For parent there is no differences between the child but in some family the middle person gets nothing only they tolerate in their life .Some families only considered Elder to be supreme or younger ones .The middle person has to work to get the identity in their own family .The middle person always remains helpless because Either the position is occupied by elder one or younger one .so There were some families where middle person known by their relatives because Either the child is known through elder one or younger ones.so the middle person always searching for identity and position to get in the family.The middle person have lots of responsibilities in the family
The story draws our attention when Ellie doesn’t like her middle position in the family as it’ brings lots of challenges and responsibilities towards her siblings .As a middle child she is also the intermediatory for her siblings .she s not getting that freedom which other siblings so she talks to her mother for the position which she holds in the family that brings very sadness but the mother explained that no one is supreme and everyone holds a same position in the eyes of mother’s .Mother’s love cannot be measured for single person either younger one or elder one .Mother console her daughter and then she became very happy she holds a middle position in the position and she got the greatest gift of Mother’s Love and one day as a middle person she will be succesful in her career other than her siblings will identity and prosperity in life .
Have you ever picked up a children’s book and found it offered far more than you expected? That was exactly my experience with Lori Orlinsky’s 𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞: (𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞).
This book touches on what it’s like being the middle child. As a mom to three girls, I’ve always appreciated each of my daughters’ unique personalities and loved them for who they are. But I’d never really thought about how being the middle child might shape my daughter Juliette’s feelings and actions. You would not believe it, but although she is the middle child, she is the clingiest; She is never too far and is always eager to help. I absolutely love that about her.
I do my best to show my girls how much I love them but reading this made me realize that some of Juliette’s traits are probably connected to her place in the family. I never considered that she might sometimes feel lonely or overlooked, especially since she has two sisters. But this story opened my eyes.
After I finished the book, I sat down and read it with Juliette. We ended up having such an amazing conversation where she was able to open about her feelings. I listened with an open heart and made a commitment to always make sure she knew just how special she is and that she should never feel lost in our family. Juliette is such an integral part of who we are as a family and as the author beautifully puts it, she is the bridge that brings her two sisters and our entire family, together.
I’m honestly so grateful for this book. It’s a reminder that adults are always learning, often in unexpected ways, and I learned a lot just from this beautiful children’s story. I absolutely loved it and would recommend it to any and everyone. The story is wonderful and the illustrations are simply gorgeous. I am so happy to add this book to the kiddo’s bookshelf.
Ellie doesn’t like being the middle child. She’s too little for rides, but too big for strollers. She constantly feels skipped over and invisible. And she only gets hand-me-down shoes. But after talking to her mom, Ellie begins to find that maybe, just maybe, being in the middle isn’t so bad after all. “Being Middle (Is a Great Place to Be)” by Lori Orlinsky is the story of a middle child’s struggles. As a middle child myself, I closely identified with Ellie, having encountered many of the same problems growing up. The illustrations by Vanessa Alexandre are vibrant and full of whimsical charm, and I was able to see myself in the story very easily. I liked that Ellie’s mom takes the time to talk to her daughter about the complicated feelings she experiences in the tale. However, I would have liked it if there had been more concrete examples that show what makes being in the middle special. The comparison of a bridge or the middle of an Oreo cookie are great. But in the face of being overlooked, ignored, and missing out on so much, the few concrete blessings listed are ultimately overshadowed by the innumerable challenges Ellie still faces. That said, this is still a step in the right direction as Ellie’s parents take time just for her. Being in the middle is challenging, but with her parents’ love and support, the future can be bright. Earning four out of five stars for its engaging story that draws the reader in, this book is suitable for children of all ages. Great for reading together or independently, this gentle rhyming tale is an accurate snapshot into the complex life of a middle child. I received a free review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
'Being Middle' is second in line in the 'Being Me' series. Written by Lori Orlinsky, it's a story of a middle child Ellie being sandwiched between her siblings.
There is a girl who feels left out and neglected in the family. She believes her parents' attention is taken by her eldest and the youngest sister, and the only thing she is left with is her older sister's leftovers. This injustice is not just at the home but at the school too, where she is known as Hayley's sister (Hayley is the eldest). Her sorrow comes to an end when her mother addresses her concerns and readjusts her viewpoint. When she sees herself from her mother's eyes, she finds herself important and valued just like the cream in the Oreo biscuit.
When I read the story, I was instantly hooked on it. It was easy to relate to. Even though, I am the eldest - I am the Hayley of the story - I always found my middle sister groaning over issues like those mentioned in the story. Until the first half, you will find a girl moaning here and there over problems you may find petty. But middle ones only understand how much it hurts them. The reality is, if these remain unsolved, they can create grudges. How to resolve a middle child's concerns? The story gives a good solution to this. Mom. A mom who is emotionally available and doesn't brush her children's problems under the carpet, but takes time to listen to them and resolve them really changes the game, the way the story portrays it as well.
The story is relatable, and its rhythmic narration makes the storytime fun. Also, the illustrator has worked at their best in expressing all the expressions a middle child has at times. Children aged 4 to 9 will absolutely love reading it- especially the middle ones.
I absolutely loved this second book in the Being Me series and even though I haven't read the first book, it was super easy to enjoy this read on its own.
Now, I'm not a middle child but I do have 3 children of my own and so therefore do have a middle child and all of those things you hear about the poor middle child are sadly true!
We see so many books helping children through difficult things as they grow up - but I've never seen a book dedicated to being middle and so this book really spoke to me.
I love how this girl here points out all the things that they feel being left out, too old, yet too young and stuck right in the middle - but it's so much better when mum points out why being middle is also special and I think that every middle child needs to hear this!
I think that this would be a great book to read to old and younger siblings too, just to show them how the middle child might be feeling and this will hopefully make them a little more mindful of being kind and sharing too.
I love the illustrations which are bright and bold and draw the eye for any of those younger children to follow as a carer reads out loud.
A great book for any and all families - and I think this would be a good book to share at reading time in school too.
Thank you so much to Yorkshire Publishing and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
A little girl doesn’t like that she’s the middle child, she has an older sister and a younger sister and she’s just in the middle.
A very adorable and accurate account of what it’s like being a middle child, being stuck with an older sibling that you’re in the shadow of and a young sibling that is too cute and little. It’s a hard place to be stuck and this book does such a wonderful job of describing it.
I really enjoyed that though it pointed out the bad and annoying parts of being in the middle it also highlighted the good reasons about it too, which is so wonderful to see as being in the middle has both positives and negative and I loved that it was showed that way.
A really lovely book, told in a really fun and easy way, with beautiful illustrations through the story. I think this is a wonderful read for children with siblings as it really helps give a description of life with siblings can be like and I’m sure many readers will relate too.
Being Middle by Lori Orlinsky is a children's book about being a middle child. I can not say that I was a middle child, I am the baby of my family but I can understand middle children. Sometimes you feel invisible to your parents and they can't see all the good you do. I liked the illustrations and also the story itself about being in the middle of two sisters is rough. As a parent of two kids I understand how it is much easier to watch over two children with my husband versus 3 children, one could get lost in the day's activities and I saw my parents sometimes struggle with taking care of three kids. I did always hope for more kids as a mom, however I understand that multiple children mean you can not pay each child the attention that they need. I do like that the mom explains that being a middle child is great to her daughter though, she does have an older sister to look up to and a younger sister who can look up to her as well. I think the author did a great job writing a story about how some middle kids feel in bigger families and recommend this one to middle children!
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔 🧒🏼 are the middle child 📖 love children’s books 👯♀️ have sisters 🖼️ enjoy beautiful drawings
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Being Middle is a heartwarming and playful picture book that celebrates the special role of middle children in family dynamics. With lyrical rhymes and relatable scenarios, it captures the ups and downs of being caught between a big sibling and a little one. From sharing cramped car rides to getting only hand-me-downs, the story explores challenges with humor and honesty—while ultimately revealing why being in the middle is something to treasure.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was such a sweet read, and so fitting considering my youngest will soon be a middle child when his little sister makes her arrival later this year! I loved how her parents pointed out how special it is to be a middle child, and I just hope to make my son feel like this as well if he ever gets upset about being the middle child. I highly recommend this one if you are a parent of three (or more!) kiddos too!
It's truly so special that the author of this book made a story dedicated to middle children everywhere. I know for certain that this book is going to be so special to the intended audience, and that is just awesome. Another thing that makes this book great was the examples given at the end that demonstrated why being in the middle was great in its own way (my personal favorite was the Oreo analogy). Lastly, I thought that the illustrations demonstrated emotion flawlessly. It was clear when the main character felt discouraged, and also when she felt happy. I have nothing bad to say about this book so, bravo!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is such a heartwarming and lovely read that I think could be a very special read for families as it gives the perfect blend of emotion and sentimentality and has such a perfect message behind it.
This picture book is so well written and the illustrations are very cute and almost playful which kids will love. The story is told through the eyes of Ellie and does a great job of depicting the anxiety and emotions that can come with being a middle child before spinning it into a positive of how being middle can actually be an amazing thing.
This book is thought provoking and my nephew hasn't stopped talking about it since we read it he loved it.
"I say this with my heart because I know it's true. There's a sis to look up to and one who looks up to you."
The protagonist of the story is Ellie, a middle kid. Her elder sister is Hayley and younger one is Avery. She feels awful that she is a middle kid as her parents don't hold her, and at the same time, she isn't the first to try out stuff.
At the end, the author has sent out a beautiful message to all the middle kids who feel lost. This is a beautiful book that made me smile and the illustrations are brilliant. I definitely urge you to read this book, especially if there are three kids at home.
This is a lovely rhyming picture book that captures the experience of being the middle child. It portrays all the little frustrations that come with the role of the middle child, but then shifts beautifully to the unexpected joys and unique strengths of being in the middle. The ending is heartwarming message about finding the positives and seeing the best in any situation. It has a warm and funny tone, and beautiful illustrations, and it’s perfectly suited to younger children.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Love Book Tours and Lori Orlinsky for my ePub.
This is such a lovely, heartwarming book that shows being a middle child is a superpower, not a setback. With delightful rhymes and wonderful illustrations, it’s a fantastic read for any child who might be struggling with what it means to be in the middle, it is so relatable.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. But when the book is released, I’ll definitely be buying a copy for my best friend, a middle child herself, and a mum of three — I know she’ll absolutely love it.
Being Middle shares the experience of a middle child in a family of three. The narrator captures the challenges between older sibling Hayley and younger Avery. From cramped car rides to lukewarm showers, the story works through familiar situations until her mom helps her think of it as the best of both worlds.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It is never easy to be the one in the middle- a position Ellie knows a lot about. To small to hang with the big sis and too big to hang with the little sis. Being a middle child is like being invisible or so she thinks.
Mummy lets her see that there are perks to being in the middle too.
A fantastic read for children.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is an adorable, relatable picture book that guides kids through the ups and downs of being a middle child. I don't have a middle child, but my 4-year-old still enjoyed the rhyming story and the colorful pictures, giggling in parts. And it opened up a great discussion about what makes it special to be an only child.
This is such a lovely picture book that you can read with your children. I loved images which were so vibrant and led to some additional conversations with my daughter! We love reading together, so finding a book that is beautiful and has a lovely message is perfect ❤️. Definitely reccomend giving this one a go if you have little ones!
sweet and encouraging!! the illustrations are beautiful too!! 💕 i’m a middle child who once experienced the middle child syndrome, but then realised that being middle was not so bad. there are so many benefits to being a middle child. and now i enjoy being one.
As a middle child, I can relate to the story in this book. I think every middle child needs to read this to realize that being middle is not so bad. I also love every illustration here. Super cute!
Thank you, NetGalley and Yorkshire Publishing for providing me this lovely book.
A received a ARC free from Book Sirens and this my voluntary honest review. August 05, 2025. Lovely Fun. Enjoyable. Entertaining. Informative. Wonderful illustrations. Well done. Don't miss. Enjoy
Being Middle (is a great place to be) follows the story of Ellie the who’s the filling to her sibling sandwich. It’s full of beautiful illustrations and a great message of how being the middle sibling is a blessing. As a mum of three myself I really wish it had been out when my children were small specifically my daughter as she’s struggled at times with her role as a big and little sister. Lori has created a really special book.
I received a ARC free from Book Sirens and this is my voluntary honest review. Lovely. Fun. Enjoyable. Well written. Entertaining. Informative. Easy to read. Wonderful illustrations. Well done . Don't miss. Enjoy.
I'm not in the middle, I'm the youngest of two. I then have two children, And they also have two.
But I do understand This much is true, That a baby can hog All the limelight from you.
I'd have loved a baby sister, brother not so much, I already had an annoying older one of those. I never thought about being in the middle, being the youngest was already a pain. In this story, we hear from Ellie, the one in the middle and how she feels invisible.
But her mum explains to her that being in the middle is the best place to be. You have a sibling to look up to she tells her, and one who looks up to you. You are the bridge between here and there. You are the filling in a sandwich and the cream in an Oreo biscuit.
It's a lovely little story and the illustrations are fabulous.
A fairly well-rhymed message to all those brought up as middle children – no, you don't get first dibs of the poshest clothes when hand-me-downs are needed, and you don't always have the run of the bathroom like you'd want, but you're not the baby – and hey, Oreo cookies are only better for their centres, so be happy to be one yourself. That's it in a nutshell, but it's more colourful and engaging than that, with both child and mother putting their case across before the happy ending. I was the runt of just two, but I can see this being an issue, and this being a friendly way to return harmony to things.