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The Ginghams
Not yet published
Expected 21 Jul 26An eerie middle grade mystery debut that follows a young girl who returns home to find the people of her little town, including her best friend, chillingly changed after the arrival of the prim and proper Gingham family.
"A rip-roaring adventure, but more importantly, a kids’ power ballad to the importance of being yourself.” —New York Times-bestselling author Gordon Korman
When 12-year-old Joni Bird returns home from summer camp, it’s clear something strange is afoot in Olive Springs. May, her usually head-banging best friend, now wears her hair in a tight bun and calls playing the drums “unladylike.” The ice cream shop only serves vanilla ice cream. The women and girls of the neighborhood all sport big pearl earrings and crisp cotton dresses.
At the heart of it all? The creepy new family in the neighborhood with their soulless, carnival smiles and retro fashion sense: the Ginghams. Everyone they invite to their Thursday night book club re-emerges as dead-eyed, smiling, Gingham-approved "model citizens," all thanks to Mr. Gingham’s lifestyle guide, The Pillars of Perfection—and something even more sinister hidden behind his basement door.
Through quick thinking and cunning, Joni and her friend Tyler set out to fight not only to get their friend May back, but to save their whole town from forever falling under the Ginghams' control.
"A rip-roaring adventure, but more importantly, a kids’ power ballad to the importance of being yourself.” —New York Times-bestselling author Gordon Korman
When 12-year-old Joni Bird returns home from summer camp, it’s clear something strange is afoot in Olive Springs. May, her usually head-banging best friend, now wears her hair in a tight bun and calls playing the drums “unladylike.” The ice cream shop only serves vanilla ice cream. The women and girls of the neighborhood all sport big pearl earrings and crisp cotton dresses.
At the heart of it all? The creepy new family in the neighborhood with their soulless, carnival smiles and retro fashion sense: the Ginghams. Everyone they invite to their Thursday night book club re-emerges as dead-eyed, smiling, Gingham-approved "model citizens," all thanks to Mr. Gingham’s lifestyle guide, The Pillars of Perfection—and something even more sinister hidden behind his basement door.
Through quick thinking and cunning, Joni and her friend Tyler set out to fight not only to get their friend May back, but to save their whole town from forever falling under the Ginghams' control.
240 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 7, 2026
Wow! I inhaled this! Kemper’s thoughtful writing and spot-on pacing combined meant I never wanted to put this down. This story was so creative and entertaining! It shared powerful thoughts about individuality and modern society, but it did it in a way that was easy and fun for young readers to think about these ideas and concepts on their own. Through powerful analogies and fierce protagonists, it shows — not tells — readers why diversity is so good. I can’t wait for young readers to get sucked into the visual storytelling and then celebrate their uniqueness and their friends, neighbors, and classmates uniqueness, too. I also can’t wait to pick up whatever Kemper writes next!
November 15, 2025
I haven't read a middle grade novel in a while, but this book was honestly one of the best books I've read this year. This middle-grade retelling of The Stepford Wives is so thrilling and also highlights such important aspects of community, friendship, and conformity. While our country is so individualistic, this book still celebrates being a unique individual while also being part of a wonderful community. I really loved the friendship that the characters had, and the overall plot was suspenseful and enjoyable. I loved this book as an adult, but if I read this as a middle schooler, it may have encouraged me to lean into my hobbies and passions even more.
HOWEVER... I will say, I wish Joni apologized at the end of the book for the action that occurs. I think it would make Joni more well-rounded and a more compassionate person!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for this eARC!
HOWEVER... I will say, I wish Joni apologized at the end of the book for the action that occurs. I think it would make Joni more well-rounded and a more compassionate person!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for this eARC!
October 2, 2025
The Ginghams is a deliciously eerie middle grade debut that perfectly blends suburban strangeness, small-town mystery, and the kind of creeping dread kids love to read with a flashlight under the covers. T. C. Kemper has crafted a story that’s as thrilling as it is empowering, with 12-year-old Joni Bird at its heart—a sharp, brave heroine who refuses to let conformity swallow her town.
From the moment Joni notices her best friend transformed into a pearl-wearing, polite stranger, the story builds with uncanny detail: vanilla-only ice cream, cookie-cutter smiles, and the too-perfect Ginghams pulling all the strings. The atmosphere is unsettling in the best way, like Coraline crossed with Goosebumps, but layered with the warmth of friendship and the importance of staying true to yourself.
What makes this shine is its balance—creepy and suspenseful without being too dark, while delivering an empowering message about individuality and courage. Kemper’s pacing is tight, the imagery is vivid, and the ending is both satisfying and just the right amount of unsettling.
This is a must-read for fans of spooky middle grade adventures—one that kids will devour and parents/teachers will love for its heart and message. An instant favorite.
From the moment Joni notices her best friend transformed into a pearl-wearing, polite stranger, the story builds with uncanny detail: vanilla-only ice cream, cookie-cutter smiles, and the too-perfect Ginghams pulling all the strings. The atmosphere is unsettling in the best way, like Coraline crossed with Goosebumps, but layered with the warmth of friendship and the importance of staying true to yourself.
What makes this shine is its balance—creepy and suspenseful without being too dark, while delivering an empowering message about individuality and courage. Kemper’s pacing is tight, the imagery is vivid, and the ending is both satisfying and just the right amount of unsettling.
This is a must-read for fans of spooky middle grade adventures—one that kids will devour and parents/teachers will love for its heart and message. An instant favorite.
November 5, 2025
You’re telling me this is a debut novel? I read it not knowing that and was in love with the characters immediately, but also the writing style. When I came on to submit a review I saw in the description that this is a debut novel and was blown away. If this is what this author can do with their debut novel, they are going to be a big name in the future. This book is easily read and perfect for the middle grade audience it was intended for and I have already recommended it to the patrons of my Little Free Library for them to read when it comes out next year! Fantastic job!
* Thank you, Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. *
* Thank you, Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. *
November 3, 2025
From the beginning of this story, it seemed like there was going to be a good mystery involved. I wasn’t disappointed. The tone started fun but turned creepy and mysterious, which kept me reading! The friendship between the three main characters kept me interested the most. Their friendship was heartwarming and I was silently rooting for everything to work out for them.
I think kids ages 9–12 would really enjoy this book, especially since the main characters are in middle school. It has a great message, which I won’t reveal :)
The story wrapped up in a satisfying way, leaving me glad I stuck with it. I recommend this one!
I think kids ages 9–12 would really enjoy this book, especially since the main characters are in middle school. It has a great message, which I won’t reveal :)
The story wrapped up in a satisfying way, leaving me glad I stuck with it. I recommend this one!
October 8, 2025
Eerie without being scary or too dark. This is a very interesting sci-fi mystery story for middle-grades readers that is sure to keep them engaged! This book gave me vague vibes of The Giver (though it's a very different type of story and setting) -- a type of world that makes you stop and think about how "utopian" societies like the one that the villain here was ostensibly trying to build actually really do just feel quite dystopian after all. There's probably a good lesson here about the importance of diversity and being your true self, but honestly I loved the whole story in itself, taking it at face value. The main characters had personality and were easy to care about.
The one thing I found annoying was how the author overused various ways of stating "My stomach dropped/clenched" and "A chill ran up my spine." At some point I started noting each new instance, and I ended up with a pretty long list. It was so repetitive it was distracting and comical. Perhaps more of a me problem though.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the digital ARC!
The one thing I found annoying was how the author overused various ways of stating "My stomach dropped/clenched" and "A chill ran up my spine." At some point I started noting each new instance, and I ended up with a pretty long list. It was so repetitive it was distracting and comical. Perhaps more of a me problem though.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the digital ARC!
December 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I wasn’t expecting this book to go as deep as it did. The Ginghams starts out creepy and strange and slowly reveals a really thoughtful story underneath. It tackles big ideas like individuality, autonomy, and the pressure to conform in a way that feels natural and never preachy.
I loved the characters and how much the story trusts its main character’s instincts. It also handles complicated family dynamics with a lot of care, which felt especially refreshing for a middle-grade book. This is one of those reads that sticks with you — great for kids, but just as impactful for adults
I wasn’t expecting this book to go as deep as it did. The Ginghams starts out creepy and strange and slowly reveals a really thoughtful story underneath. It tackles big ideas like individuality, autonomy, and the pressure to conform in a way that feels natural and never preachy.
I loved the characters and how much the story trusts its main character’s instincts. It also handles complicated family dynamics with a lot of care, which felt especially refreshing for a middle-grade book. This is one of those reads that sticks with you — great for kids, but just as impactful for adults
September 27, 2025
Tackling the importance of individuality, not caving to peer pressure, and embracing "otherness," Kemper's debut offers fast-paced excitement that will enthrall middle graders. A must-add to everyone's reading list, The Ginghams is 100% rock n roll!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Kemper, T.C. The Ginghams
July 21, 2026 by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Joni Bird has returned from an arts summer camp with her friend Tyler. The two had to leave behind their friend May, a drummer in Olive Springs because she had broken her arm. In their absence, May has started to hang out with a new girl, Charlotte Ann Gingham, whose family has an odd fashion sense and even odder world view. Charlotte Ann and her mother wear clothing reminiscent of the 1950s, heavy on pastel dresses, cardigans, and pearl accessories. They also espouse “virtues” of the era through their weekly book club that studies Mr. Gingham’s book Pillars of Perfection: Building a Flawless American Family. Since May has started wearing similar dresses instead of ironic band t-shirts, and putting her hair in a bun, Joni is concerned. The trio loves the Twister Trio series of graphic novels, but before long May is saying that they are inappropriate. Joni and Tyler, a boy who favors sparkly eyeshadow and paisley tank tops, spend a lot of time trying to research the Ginghams at their school library, consulting Miss Peters, an older woman with a bright pink Pixie and fun t-shirts. Joni’s parents make her attend the book club, and once Ms. Bird gets earrings from the Ginghams, she starts turning into one of them. Mr. Bird starts sporting a silver watch and also seems to change. More horribly, May’s cool mother, who runs the local Bookies and Cream bookstore/ice cream shop, stops riding her motorcycle and paints the cool store beige! Mr. Gingham runs for mayor, and Joni has her suspicions about what ‘s going on. When he persuades the school board to remove all of the books from the library for “evaluation” Joni and Tyler know they need to act. Will they be able to figure out how the Ginghams are brainwashing the town in order to stop them?
Strengths: The premise of this, as well as the mechanics of how people were controlled, was intriguing and a bit brilliant, and the book certainly embraces the current social zeitgeist concerning behavior, identity, and societal norms. Joni and her friends have a great relationship and varied interests, and it’s nice to see how well they complement each other. This makes the horror of May’s change all the more terrifying. Mr. Gingham is clearly the most evil, but he is also clever, glib, and politic… in the way that all the most truly evil people are. It’s a modern, middle grade twist on Ira Levin’s classic 1972 The Stepford Wives with the visual effect of the 1998 movie, Pleasantville.
Weaknesses: This felt very heavy handed. It seemed a bit odd that Joni and her friends complained that they were “weird” because they liked graphic novels and quirky fashions. ALL of my students seem to be this particular flavor of quirky, and even the new stereotype of school librarians is a dyed, tattooed, and pierced person in Chucks and message t-shirts. The Ginghams weren’t entirely wrong– aren’t most adults against social media apps and too many video games? To be petty, I’m not sure you can really describe a sweater as “gingham”. Gingham is a distinctive weave of fabric, but I guess you could reproduce this with knitted color work.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like strong social commentary like King’s Attack of the Black Rectangles or Dee’s Tear This Down. It also could be paired with van Eekhout’s Happy Town, Haydu’s Eventown, or Korman’s Masterminds.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
July 21, 2026 by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Joni Bird has returned from an arts summer camp with her friend Tyler. The two had to leave behind their friend May, a drummer in Olive Springs because she had broken her arm. In their absence, May has started to hang out with a new girl, Charlotte Ann Gingham, whose family has an odd fashion sense and even odder world view. Charlotte Ann and her mother wear clothing reminiscent of the 1950s, heavy on pastel dresses, cardigans, and pearl accessories. They also espouse “virtues” of the era through their weekly book club that studies Mr. Gingham’s book Pillars of Perfection: Building a Flawless American Family. Since May has started wearing similar dresses instead of ironic band t-shirts, and putting her hair in a bun, Joni is concerned. The trio loves the Twister Trio series of graphic novels, but before long May is saying that they are inappropriate. Joni and Tyler, a boy who favors sparkly eyeshadow and paisley tank tops, spend a lot of time trying to research the Ginghams at their school library, consulting Miss Peters, an older woman with a bright pink Pixie and fun t-shirts. Joni’s parents make her attend the book club, and once Ms. Bird gets earrings from the Ginghams, she starts turning into one of them. Mr. Bird starts sporting a silver watch and also seems to change. More horribly, May’s cool mother, who runs the local Bookies and Cream bookstore/ice cream shop, stops riding her motorcycle and paints the cool store beige! Mr. Gingham runs for mayor, and Joni has her suspicions about what ‘s going on. When he persuades the school board to remove all of the books from the library for “evaluation” Joni and Tyler know they need to act. Will they be able to figure out how the Ginghams are brainwashing the town in order to stop them?
Strengths: The premise of this, as well as the mechanics of how people were controlled, was intriguing and a bit brilliant, and the book certainly embraces the current social zeitgeist concerning behavior, identity, and societal norms. Joni and her friends have a great relationship and varied interests, and it’s nice to see how well they complement each other. This makes the horror of May’s change all the more terrifying. Mr. Gingham is clearly the most evil, but he is also clever, glib, and politic… in the way that all the most truly evil people are. It’s a modern, middle grade twist on Ira Levin’s classic 1972 The Stepford Wives with the visual effect of the 1998 movie, Pleasantville.
Weaknesses: This felt very heavy handed. It seemed a bit odd that Joni and her friends complained that they were “weird” because they liked graphic novels and quirky fashions. ALL of my students seem to be this particular flavor of quirky, and even the new stereotype of school librarians is a dyed, tattooed, and pierced person in Chucks and message t-shirts. The Ginghams weren’t entirely wrong– aren’t most adults against social media apps and too many video games? To be petty, I’m not sure you can really describe a sweater as “gingham”. Gingham is a distinctive weave of fabric, but I guess you could reproduce this with knitted color work.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like strong social commentary like King’s Attack of the Black Rectangles or Dee’s Tear This Down. It also could be paired with van Eekhout’s Happy Town, Haydu’s Eventown, or Korman’s Masterminds.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
December 7, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
T.C. Kemper’s “The Ginghams” is a bold, eerie, and emotionally resonant middle-grade debut that perfectly captures suburban creepiness while also giving an empowering message about individuality. It’s the kind of story kids read with wide eyes and adults finish thinking, Wow—this is going to stick with someone.
The book follows 12-year-old Joni Bird, who returns to her small hometown only to realize something is very wrong. Her best friend is suddenly polished, polite, and obsessed with perfection. The ice cream shop sells only vanilla now. Everyone, kids and adults, is becoming eerily identical, like shiny replicas of themselves. At the center of it all sits the mysterious, too-perfect Ginghams family, pulling quiet strings and reshaping the town into a smiling, obedient copy of their own ideals.
The tone is delightfully unsettling, making it ideal for those who love a good chill but don’t want nightmares. There’s even a subtle sci-fi thread that adds depth to the strange mind control spreading through town, raising questions about how conformity can creep in without anyone noticing.
Beneath the suspense and eerie perfection, Kemper delivers a meaningful exploration of identity, creativity, and the courage it takes to resist social pressure. The book champions being “weird, artsy, loud, quiet, different—whatever makes you you.” As the town becomes more controlled and uniform, the horror doesn’t come from monsters or ghosts; it comes from watching choice, expression, and individuality disappear.
Joni makes a compelling heroine. She is authentic, flawed, and determined, and her friendships become the emotional backbone of the story. You watch bonds fracture under pressure, then rebuild stronger as the kids reclaim their agency and fight back against enforced perfection. The climax is fast-paced, thrilling, and deeply satisfying, offering both triumph and reflection.
The emotional honesty of Joni’s character arc and the hopeful ending land beautifully. The book leaves just enough lingering questions to spark conversation about conformity, autonomy, gender expectations, creativity, and what it really means to belong, which would work perfectly in a middle grade classroom or book club.
Short, punchy, and paced for burning through in a single evening, “The Ginghams” manages to be both a compelling sci-fi mystery and a powerful invitation to celebrate individuality. It feels like a future classroom staple; one that could fuel book-club discussions and, more importantly, remind kids (and adults) that “perfect” is often the scariest word of all.
Overall, the story is strange, sharp, heartfelt, and unforgettable. “The Ginghams” is an instant standout in contemporary middle-grade fiction and an astonishingly strong debut.
T.C. Kemper’s “The Ginghams” is a bold, eerie, and emotionally resonant middle-grade debut that perfectly captures suburban creepiness while also giving an empowering message about individuality. It’s the kind of story kids read with wide eyes and adults finish thinking, Wow—this is going to stick with someone.
The book follows 12-year-old Joni Bird, who returns to her small hometown only to realize something is very wrong. Her best friend is suddenly polished, polite, and obsessed with perfection. The ice cream shop sells only vanilla now. Everyone, kids and adults, is becoming eerily identical, like shiny replicas of themselves. At the center of it all sits the mysterious, too-perfect Ginghams family, pulling quiet strings and reshaping the town into a smiling, obedient copy of their own ideals.
The tone is delightfully unsettling, making it ideal for those who love a good chill but don’t want nightmares. There’s even a subtle sci-fi thread that adds depth to the strange mind control spreading through town, raising questions about how conformity can creep in without anyone noticing.
Beneath the suspense and eerie perfection, Kemper delivers a meaningful exploration of identity, creativity, and the courage it takes to resist social pressure. The book champions being “weird, artsy, loud, quiet, different—whatever makes you you.” As the town becomes more controlled and uniform, the horror doesn’t come from monsters or ghosts; it comes from watching choice, expression, and individuality disappear.
Joni makes a compelling heroine. She is authentic, flawed, and determined, and her friendships become the emotional backbone of the story. You watch bonds fracture under pressure, then rebuild stronger as the kids reclaim their agency and fight back against enforced perfection. The climax is fast-paced, thrilling, and deeply satisfying, offering both triumph and reflection.
The emotional honesty of Joni’s character arc and the hopeful ending land beautifully. The book leaves just enough lingering questions to spark conversation about conformity, autonomy, gender expectations, creativity, and what it really means to belong, which would work perfectly in a middle grade classroom or book club.
Short, punchy, and paced for burning through in a single evening, “The Ginghams” manages to be both a compelling sci-fi mystery and a powerful invitation to celebrate individuality. It feels like a future classroom staple; one that could fuel book-club discussions and, more importantly, remind kids (and adults) that “perfect” is often the scariest word of all.
Overall, the story is strange, sharp, heartfelt, and unforgettable. “The Ginghams” is an instant standout in contemporary middle-grade fiction and an astonishingly strong debut.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was quite nifty!
The Ginghams starts when Joni and Tyler find their best friend, May, has made friends with the daughter of the Gingham family who just moved to town while they were away for the summer. Both May and her mom are acting differently—neater and plainer when normally they’re loud and bold. Joni knows that something is off about the Ginghams, who are inviting everyone in town to their book club meetings. Soon, her classmates and parents aren’t acting like themselves anymore and instead are acting just like the perfect, old-fashioned Gingham family. Joni and Tyler are two of the few who haven’t been affected yet, and they need to figure out how to stop what the Ginghams are planning before it’s too late.
I enjoyed the way the author writes middle-grade. Right from the start, the characters are so likeable, and they sound like real kids. Even though the book is centered around younger characters, the story doesn’t feel young. The kids are the ones making their own decisions and teaming up to solve the problem. I liked how the solution doesn’t depend on them needing an adult to help them; they’re capable and powerful on their own. The kids in the story support one another’s differences and are enthusiastic about expressing their creativity.
Comic books play a role in the story where the three main friends look up to these superheroes as role models. I think the books helped connect to what was going and clearly describe what the characters were feeling or thinking without overexplaining it. The little world that the author set up and how each character corresponded to a hero was also very cute (plus the Human Sunflower, that was so subtle and perfect).
I liked the story and the concept, the only thing was that the mystery part seemed to draw out. There was a lot of foreshadowing which made it so that Joni’s thought process was very understandable and clear, but for me it was obvious from the first clues. I can’t say how quickly a younger reader would have been able to predict the ending, so maybe it was the right amount. I wouldn’t say that the mystery dragged out unnecessarily, and I enjoyed where the plot went after they figured it out.
The overall message of the book is about being yourself. The author did a good job at showing why conformity would be bad, both in this fictional situation and the real world. As technology is advancing, creativity and individualism in both kids and adults is slowly disappearing. The author addressed all of this in a very casual way but still clearly enough that I think readers will still be able to pick up on it. The Ginghams is such a cute but spooky story about friendship and knowing when you need to fight for what you believe is right.
I requested this book through NetGalley, and I’m glad that I got the opportunity to read it early.
The Ginghams starts when Joni and Tyler find their best friend, May, has made friends with the daughter of the Gingham family who just moved to town while they were away for the summer. Both May and her mom are acting differently—neater and plainer when normally they’re loud and bold. Joni knows that something is off about the Ginghams, who are inviting everyone in town to their book club meetings. Soon, her classmates and parents aren’t acting like themselves anymore and instead are acting just like the perfect, old-fashioned Gingham family. Joni and Tyler are two of the few who haven’t been affected yet, and they need to figure out how to stop what the Ginghams are planning before it’s too late.
I enjoyed the way the author writes middle-grade. Right from the start, the characters are so likeable, and they sound like real kids. Even though the book is centered around younger characters, the story doesn’t feel young. The kids are the ones making their own decisions and teaming up to solve the problem. I liked how the solution doesn’t depend on them needing an adult to help them; they’re capable and powerful on their own. The kids in the story support one another’s differences and are enthusiastic about expressing their creativity.
Comic books play a role in the story where the three main friends look up to these superheroes as role models. I think the books helped connect to what was going and clearly describe what the characters were feeling or thinking without overexplaining it. The little world that the author set up and how each character corresponded to a hero was also very cute (plus the Human Sunflower, that was so subtle and perfect).
I liked the story and the concept, the only thing was that the mystery part seemed to draw out. There was a lot of foreshadowing which made it so that Joni’s thought process was very understandable and clear, but for me it was obvious from the first clues. I can’t say how quickly a younger reader would have been able to predict the ending, so maybe it was the right amount. I wouldn’t say that the mystery dragged out unnecessarily, and I enjoyed where the plot went after they figured it out.
The overall message of the book is about being yourself. The author did a good job at showing why conformity would be bad, both in this fictional situation and the real world. As technology is advancing, creativity and individualism in both kids and adults is slowly disappearing. The author addressed all of this in a very casual way but still clearly enough that I think readers will still be able to pick up on it. The Ginghams is such a cute but spooky story about friendship and knowing when you need to fight for what you believe is right.
I requested this book through NetGalley, and I’m glad that I got the opportunity to read it early.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Holy smokes this was amazing!!!
This is one of those books were the ending is either going to make it or break it and it absolutely NAILED it! All the build up and the situation coming to light wasn't for nothing! Kemper could have easily gone down the path of the villain getting a slap on the wrist and everyone forgiving them but Kemper said "not on my watch"! The ending was fantastic and was everything I was wanting!
The story takes no time to unravel, there is no slow build up, we met our main character Joni and instantly everything starts going off the rails. I found this to be great as it kept the story moving and kept me engaged and wanting more. There was never a lull in the storytelling, never a moment were I felt I needed to put it down, I just kept wanting to read (I only stopped because I was reading this on the train and was starting to get motion sickness haha).
Joni and Tyler are amazing characters, so full of life and their commitment to staying true to themselves in a place where individuality is being sucked out of it, makes them even more endearing. I loved Tyler and his passion for fashion even in the face of danger, and how Joni loves him for who he is. The message this sends that its better to be individual than the same is fantastic.
I don't often find quotes that I love from middle grade books but this one had some bangers!
My favorite and probably what I think is the most powerful:
Considering how we currently live in a world where so much history is trying to be erased because it makes certain people feel uncomfortable this is an extremely powerful message to give kids!
The Ginghams is thrilling, and captivating with a powerful message both kids and adults could learn from! An absolutely fantastic debut!
Thank you netgalley for providing me with an early copy!
This is one of those books were the ending is either going to make it or break it and it absolutely NAILED it! All the build up and the situation coming to light wasn't for nothing! Kemper could have easily gone down the path of the villain getting a slap on the wrist and everyone forgiving them but Kemper said "not on my watch"! The ending was fantastic and was everything I was wanting!
The story takes no time to unravel, there is no slow build up, we met our main character Joni and instantly everything starts going off the rails. I found this to be great as it kept the story moving and kept me engaged and wanting more. There was never a lull in the storytelling, never a moment were I felt I needed to put it down, I just kept wanting to read (I only stopped because I was reading this on the train and was starting to get motion sickness haha).
Joni and Tyler are amazing characters, so full of life and their commitment to staying true to themselves in a place where individuality is being sucked out of it, makes them even more endearing. I loved Tyler and his passion for fashion even in the face of danger, and how Joni loves him for who he is. The message this sends that its better to be individual than the same is fantastic.
I don't often find quotes that I love from middle grade books but this one had some bangers!
My favorite and probably what I think is the most powerful:
Sometimes the past is uncomfortable to relive. That doesn't mean we shouldn't talk about it."
Considering how we currently live in a world where so much history is trying to be erased because it makes certain people feel uncomfortable this is an extremely powerful message to give kids!
The Ginghams is thrilling, and captivating with a powerful message both kids and adults could learn from! An absolutely fantastic debut!
Thank you netgalley for providing me with an early copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This one feels like Stepford Wives but for kids—and honestly, it’s way creepier than I expected.
The Ginghams starts off with a simple, slightly odd premise: a girl comes home from summer camp and realizes her town—and even her best friend—has changed. But not in a normal way. Everything becomes overly perfect, controlled, and… unsettling. What makes it work is how quickly that uneasy feeling builds into something much bigger and more sinister.
The atmosphere is easily the standout. There’s this eerie, almost “something is very wrong but no one else sees it” vibe that runs through the entire story. The Ginghams themselves are genuinely creepy in that polished, picture-perfect way, and the slow spread of their influence across the town adds a layer of tension that keeps the story moving.
Joni is a strong main character—curious, stubborn, and willing to question things even when the adults around her don’t. The friendships feel real, and I liked how the story leans into kids trusting their instincts when something isn’t right. That theme of individuality vs. conformity is a huge part of the book, but it never feels forced—it’s woven naturally into the mystery. ()
Pacing-wise, this is a quick, engaging read. It’s very plot-driven, with enough twists and reveals to keep it interesting without getting too complicated. The mix of mystery, slight sci-fi elements, and social commentary gives it more depth than you’d expect from a middle grade novel. ()
If I had to critique anything, it’s that some elements are a bit predictable once you catch onto the pattern—but for the target audience, it works well and keeps things satisfying.
Overall, this is a fun, eerie, and surprisingly thoughtful read about identity, pressure to conform, and standing up for yourself—even when you’re the only one who sees the truth.
The Ginghams starts off with a simple, slightly odd premise: a girl comes home from summer camp and realizes her town—and even her best friend—has changed. But not in a normal way. Everything becomes overly perfect, controlled, and… unsettling. What makes it work is how quickly that uneasy feeling builds into something much bigger and more sinister.
The atmosphere is easily the standout. There’s this eerie, almost “something is very wrong but no one else sees it” vibe that runs through the entire story. The Ginghams themselves are genuinely creepy in that polished, picture-perfect way, and the slow spread of their influence across the town adds a layer of tension that keeps the story moving.
Joni is a strong main character—curious, stubborn, and willing to question things even when the adults around her don’t. The friendships feel real, and I liked how the story leans into kids trusting their instincts when something isn’t right. That theme of individuality vs. conformity is a huge part of the book, but it never feels forced—it’s woven naturally into the mystery. ()
Pacing-wise, this is a quick, engaging read. It’s very plot-driven, with enough twists and reveals to keep it interesting without getting too complicated. The mix of mystery, slight sci-fi elements, and social commentary gives it more depth than you’d expect from a middle grade novel. ()
If I had to critique anything, it’s that some elements are a bit predictable once you catch onto the pattern—but for the target audience, it works well and keeps things satisfying.
Overall, this is a fun, eerie, and surprisingly thoughtful read about identity, pressure to conform, and standing up for yourself—even when you’re the only one who sees the truth.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After being away at camp all summer long, Joni Bird is excited to return to her small and simple, but charming hometown. She's especially looking forward to seeing her best friend, May, who would have been with her if not for an ill-timed injury. However, as soon as Joni steps off the bus and greets her friend, she notices something is amiss. Many people, May included, are just not quite themselves. They're a little more poised, put-together, and old-fashioned. It doesn't take long for Joni to find the source: a new family in town, The Ginghams. Rooted in "traditional" and "American" values, the Ginghams soon expand their influence throughout the town. Can Joni and her friends uncover their insidious schemes and set the town free from their spell?
This was a fun and quick little read. I think many young readers today would like the sense of mystery within the pages and Joni and her friends are easy characters to root for. However, I can't quite come to terms with how I feel about this book. I like how Kemper uses the story to teach against harmful societal expectations and forcing others to conformity, but it did feel a little heavy-handed. I can't decide if it worked, since it is for a younger audience, or if it was just somewhat eye-roll worthy with the very obvious messages and themes. I've sat with this one for a while, and I'm still not sure.
Thank you NetGalley for my advanced e-book.
This was a fun and quick little read. I think many young readers today would like the sense of mystery within the pages and Joni and her friends are easy characters to root for. However, I can't quite come to terms with how I feel about this book. I like how Kemper uses the story to teach against harmful societal expectations and forcing others to conformity, but it did feel a little heavy-handed. I can't decide if it worked, since it is for a younger audience, or if it was just somewhat eye-roll worthy with the very obvious messages and themes. I've sat with this one for a while, and I'm still not sure.
Thank you NetGalley for my advanced e-book.
November 16, 2025
I fell head over heels for this book. It has everything I love in middle grade—strange, funny, heartfelt, and just the right amount of eerie. From the moment Joni steps back into her too-perfect town, the story pulls you in with this creeping sense of “something’s not right,” and every little reveal is so perfectly placed. I found myself reading faster and faster because I needed to know what was behind all those bright smiles and polished routines.
Joni is an absolute standout. Her voice is so genuine and full of heart that you can’t help but root for her. The whole cast feels intentional and alive, and the town itself becomes this wonderfully unsettling character you’re dying to unravel. The mystery is clever, surprising, and deeply satisfying.
But what really makes this book shine is its emotional core. Beneath all the uncanny details is a beautifully honest look at identity and the pressure to fit into a version of "perfect" that doesn’t feel true. It never preaches; instead, it trusts the reader to feel the message right alongside the story’s chills and twists.
THE GINGHAM's is spooky, it’s thoughtful, and it’s gorgeously crafted. I loved every single page and can't wait to read what TC Kemper writes next!
Joni is an absolute standout. Her voice is so genuine and full of heart that you can’t help but root for her. The whole cast feels intentional and alive, and the town itself becomes this wonderfully unsettling character you’re dying to unravel. The mystery is clever, surprising, and deeply satisfying.
But what really makes this book shine is its emotional core. Beneath all the uncanny details is a beautifully honest look at identity and the pressure to fit into a version of "perfect" that doesn’t feel true. It never preaches; instead, it trusts the reader to feel the message right alongside the story’s chills and twists.
THE GINGHAM's is spooky, it’s thoughtful, and it’s gorgeously crafted. I loved every single page and can't wait to read what TC Kemper writes next!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Middle grade fiction meets The Stepford Wives and Pleasantville in this debut novel by T.C. Kemper. When Joni and her best friend, Tyler, return from camp, the can't wait to see the third member of their trio, May, forced to miss camp because of a broken arm. But something seems different... Very quickly they realized that a new family has moved to town and things are starting to change - and not in a good way. From gingham clothing and pearl earrings to book club and vanilla ice cream, the Ginghams sure seem to be a weird impact on everyone in town...
I enjoyed this read, which included some twists and turns that we're not expected, including how the end of the book unfolded. The book definitely had a clear message about conformity and why staying true to yourself (and your friends) is so valuable. The only thing I didn't love was that the adults seemed totally useless and unaware, including a few that you'd think might have been a bit more suspicious.
Overall, readers will be hooked by this story of a town turning perfect and the kids fighting against it.
I enjoyed this read, which included some twists and turns that we're not expected, including how the end of the book unfolded. The book definitely had a clear message about conformity and why staying true to yourself (and your friends) is so valuable. The only thing I didn't love was that the adults seemed totally useless and unaware, including a few that you'd think might have been a bit more suspicious.
Overall, readers will be hooked by this story of a town turning perfect and the kids fighting against it.
October 20, 2025
This was a quick, suspenseful mystery with an intriguing hook and really strong pacing. I thought this story was very similar to the plot of the movie Don't Worry, Darlings, just repackaged for MG readers. The thing about The Stepford Wives was that it was subversive for the time period in which it was published, so I was expecting something a little more subversive here, given The Stepford Wives was mentioned in the description.
The writing felt a little repetitive, with a lot of instances of similar sentences (i.e. "She walks in, all smiles and cherry lipstick"). This kind of phrasing was repeated at least 6-7 times throughout the book that it took me out of the story. I also thought Joni lacked an arc and would've benefited from deeper character development.
Overall, the story delivers a fun, creepy adventure, leaning more commercial than literary.
Thank you Macmillan and NetGalley for this ARC!
The writing felt a little repetitive, with a lot of instances of similar sentences (i.e. "She walks in, all smiles and cherry lipstick"). This kind of phrasing was repeated at least 6-7 times throughout the book that it took me out of the story. I also thought Joni lacked an arc and would've benefited from deeper character development.
Overall, the story delivers a fun, creepy adventure, leaning more commercial than literary.
Thank you Macmillan and NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely devoured this book! Kemper's debut is a stunning, fast-paced, dark yet delightful read that keeps you glued to the page from start to finish. I was drawn in instantly by Joni's distinct voice and keen eye, and was horrified alongside her to discover the slow insidious changes that her new neighbors brought to Olive Springs (sidenote: SUCH a good name!), especially because she paints such a clear picture of how things *should* be - full of ice cream and comic books and creative, passionate kids, not bland smiles and pastel colors. Most of all, I was impressed by Joni's refusal to give in and determination to get to the bottom of things, even when it seems like there's no one left to help her. Between the thrillingly creepy premise, all the jaw-dropping twists & turns, and the book's strong message about the importance of individuality, I just know that so many middle-schoolers will be obsessed with THE GINGHAMS!
December 27, 2025
Read a free ARC on NetGalley.
Joni and her friend Tyler return from camp to find their bestie May has changed. The change is due to the new neighbors, the Ginghams and their daughter Charlotte Ann. Slowly other girls at school start changing and many moms in the neighborhood too- now they are conforming to more traditional gender roles and leaving their individuality behind. Mr. Gingham wins the mayoral race and their town starts changing rapidly- a dress code is enforced, books are banned and students who do not conform are threatened. Joni and Tyler must figure out what is going on and how to stop it. They find an unlikely ally in Charlotte Ann, who is actually brilliant and not under the control of her father like she pretends to be. Can they stop Mr. Gingham from taking over their town and their state?
Joni and her friend Tyler return from camp to find their bestie May has changed. The change is due to the new neighbors, the Ginghams and their daughter Charlotte Ann. Slowly other girls at school start changing and many moms in the neighborhood too- now they are conforming to more traditional gender roles and leaving their individuality behind. Mr. Gingham wins the mayoral race and their town starts changing rapidly- a dress code is enforced, books are banned and students who do not conform are threatened. Joni and Tyler must figure out what is going on and how to stop it. They find an unlikely ally in Charlotte Ann, who is actually brilliant and not under the control of her father like she pretends to be. Can they stop Mr. Gingham from taking over their town and their state?
December 2, 2025
This book was perfectly spooky for middle graders. Instead of ghosts and gore, this delightful cast of kids had to contend with creepy smiles, blank eyes, and the threat of another person's idea of perfection at the cost of what makes them unique.
Each character was unique, and had a part of them that they held dear that the villian wanted to wipe away in the name of making his own version of utopia. I loved that this book was a truly fun and exciting read, but also reminds kids that while their differences might not be everyone's cup of tea, they are the things that make them THEM. And those differences are often the things that help them create the deepest bonds with others.
I read an early e-copy on netgalley, but I will 100% be buying this for my kids when it comes out!
Each character was unique, and had a part of them that they held dear that the villian wanted to wipe away in the name of making his own version of utopia. I loved that this book was a truly fun and exciting read, but also reminds kids that while their differences might not be everyone's cup of tea, they are the things that make them THEM. And those differences are often the things that help them create the deepest bonds with others.
I read an early e-copy on netgalley, but I will 100% be buying this for my kids when it comes out!
December 8, 2025
The Ginghams is a fast paced middle grade novel filled with suspense. A new family, the Ginghams, has moved to town and suddenly girls are wearing dresses, women are quitting their jobs and staying home to bake pies and Joni, who has been away at summer camp, wants to know why. As more and more people are assimilated into a "Stepford Wives" type mentality, time is running out for her. An accident and a nighttime foray into enemy territory brings a solution to light. Good prevails, the bad guy is taken to jail and friendships are restored. The book has a few tense scenes, but is squeaky clean and perfect for middle grades on up.
I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It’s fascinating – and honestly, a bit chilling – how this middle grade novel manages to reflect so much of what’s happening in the world today. As someone who grew up believing in a country that championed freedom, it’s unsettling to see how quickly those ideals can be challenged or forgotten.
This book is geared toward the older end of ther middle grade age range. Personally, I found the pacing a bit slow for my taste, but I can still appreciate the heart of the story. It does a great job showing that kids can be brave and make real change, even when they're facing frightening situations. Overall, it's a solid and worthwhile read. I’m giving it 3 out of 5 stars—engaging, with a meaningful message.
This book is geared toward the older end of ther middle grade age range. Personally, I found the pacing a bit slow for my taste, but I can still appreciate the heart of the story. It does a great job showing that kids can be brave and make real change, even when they're facing frightening situations. Overall, it's a solid and worthwhile read. I’m giving it 3 out of 5 stars—engaging, with a meaningful message.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
THIS BOOK!!!
I was immediately hooked by the VERY creepy Gingham family and along for the ride with the coolest kids ever (Joni and Tyler) in this page-turning mystery. I had to figure out what was going on and the twist (actually many twists and turns and clues I dodn't even realize were clues) did NOT disappoint. This book is going to be a hit with my students. But my favorite part has to be the message of the beauty and importance of individuality. It's so needed, especially with all the pressure for middle grade aged kids to conform and all the ways being different is treated as wrong in our country today. I got emotional at the end. This book is so important, so fun, so exciting, so everything. I loved it.
I was immediately hooked by the VERY creepy Gingham family and along for the ride with the coolest kids ever (Joni and Tyler) in this page-turning mystery. I had to figure out what was going on and the twist (actually many twists and turns and clues I dodn't even realize were clues) did NOT disappoint. This book is going to be a hit with my students. But my favorite part has to be the message of the beauty and importance of individuality. It's so needed, especially with all the pressure for middle grade aged kids to conform and all the ways being different is treated as wrong in our country today. I got emotional at the end. This book is so important, so fun, so exciting, so everything. I loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
T.C. Kemper's debut novel is an eerie middle-grade mystery following 12-year-old Joni Bird, who returns home from summer camp to find her best friend and her town changed after the arrival of the Gingham family.
While resisting the influence of the Ginghams' principles of propriety and perfection, Joni searches for a way to save the people of her town from losing themselves. With motifs of community, technology, and individuality versus conformity, the story is timely and empowering for its audience. I particularly loved the story's central theme: being yourself and embracing the quirks, flaws, and passions that make you unique.
While resisting the influence of the Ginghams' principles of propriety and perfection, Joni searches for a way to save the people of her town from losing themselves. With motifs of community, technology, and individuality versus conformity, the story is timely and empowering for its audience. I particularly loved the story's central theme: being yourself and embracing the quirks, flaws, and passions that make you unique.
April 16, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for access to this ARC.
I loved this fun middle grade mystery even though I got mad every time Mr. Gingham said anything (which was the point, but still). I loved the characters of Joni and Tyler and eventually loved May and Charlotte Ann as they came out of their Gingham-induced slumber. I felt the kids were all well-rounded characters and felt very real. While some of the elements of this book may be considered predictable for adults, I think the target audience will still find this book to be perfectly creepy and twisty! I am very impressed that this is also the author’s debut novel and I am very curious to see what they create next!
I loved this fun middle grade mystery even though I got mad every time Mr. Gingham said anything (which was the point, but still). I loved the characters of Joni and Tyler and eventually loved May and Charlotte Ann as they came out of their Gingham-induced slumber. I felt the kids were all well-rounded characters and felt very real. While some of the elements of this book may be considered predictable for adults, I think the target audience will still find this book to be perfectly creepy and twisty! I am very impressed that this is also the author’s debut novel and I am very curious to see what they create next!
December 5, 2025
This book surprised me with how engaging it was, even though it’s marketed as children’s fiction. I got pulled in right away and stayed hooked as Joni and her friends chased clues and tried to fix a problem the adults around them kept overlooking. The mix of spooky moments and a surprisingly warm mystery gave me real chills in the best way. As a reader who enjoys stories where kids trust their instincts and push back when grown-ups don’t listen, I ended up having a genuinely fun reading experience.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a fantastic read!
This story beautifully celebrates individuality and the importance of friendship in a way that feels both meaningful and engaging. The gradual, spooky transformation adds just the right amount of intrigue, while the unexpected twists keep readers fully invested from beginning to end. It’s an imaginative and timely reminder of the power of creativity, self-expression, and connection. This is a book every classroom and library should have on its shelves. Looking forward to seeing more stories from this author!
This story beautifully celebrates individuality and the importance of friendship in a way that feels both meaningful and engaging. The gradual, spooky transformation adds just the right amount of intrigue, while the unexpected twists keep readers fully invested from beginning to end. It’s an imaginative and timely reminder of the power of creativity, self-expression, and connection. This is a book every classroom and library should have on its shelves. Looking forward to seeing more stories from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This debut is impressive, and a must-have for middle school classrooms everywhere. Current events demand we talk to our kids about propaganda, censorship, and conformity, and The Ginghams tackles all of those themes in a fun, spooky, kid-friendly way. I know a few adults that should really read this book, too. There are genuinely spooky parts, laugh-out-loud parts, and characters you’ll adore (especially Tyler, the theatre kid sidekick with a big heart!). Buy this book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgallery for the ARC.
Not just a great middle-grade adaptation of The Stepford Wives, but an excellent modern take on the premise. Joni comes back from summer camp and notices that her whole town has started to change. Even though I knew what was going to happen, I was still left guessing about how the book would end up. An excellent book championing the importance of staying true to yourself and the power of friendship. I will definitely be recommending this to my patrons.
Not just a great middle-grade adaptation of The Stepford Wives, but an excellent modern take on the premise. Joni comes back from summer camp and notices that her whole town has started to change. Even though I knew what was going to happen, I was still left guessing about how the book would end up. An excellent book championing the importance of staying true to yourself and the power of friendship. I will definitely be recommending this to my patrons.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A middle grade take on The Stepford Wives describes this book perfectly! It starts as an intriguing sci-fi mystery and turns full horror by the end. Joni and her friends are fun to root for as they save their community from a tech-based mind control and brainwashing scheme, with themes of control, conformity, individuality, and a bonus layer about the power of books! The characters feel true to the age group, with a fart joke or two sprinkled in to this exciting, relevant, sci-fi horror MG!
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