The Astonishing Maybe

by Shaunta Grimes

A middle-grade novel about a girl searching for her father and the boy who helps her find him.

Gideon hates the idea of moving to Nevada from the East Coast. It's so empty and hot in his new neighborhood. Only one person his age lives nearby: the girl next door, Roona.

Gid notices right away that Roona is . . . different. She wears roller skates and a blanket as a cape when she needs to feel strong. What he doesn't bargain for, however, is how far outside his comfort zone Roona will take him as she enlists his help in finding her long-gone father. For a kid who's not allowed to ride his bike more than a few blocks from home, this will be the adventure of a lifetime.

Friendship, heartbreak, and defining what family means are rarely as sensitively, beautifully portrayed in middle-grade fiction. Shaunta Grimes is an extraordinary new talent.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Friendship, Fiction, Juvenile, Audiobook, Family

240 pages, Hardcover

First published March 26, 2019

Reviews

[Christine Indorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Great 4 star!!

I love the author Shaunta Grimes. She writes Middle Grade and she includes the family unit. I love contemporary Middle Grades the most and Shaunta Grimes is one of the best. The story of Gideon. He and his family moves to Nevada, there he meets Roona. She is goofy but has a big heart. When Roona wants to see her Dad Gideon decides to go with her across the state. Gideon parents are very protective, So when he gets back from his adventure his parents doesn't want Gideon to see Roona again, but he has a heart for her and he will do anything to help her. Can Gideon help Roona and will Gideon be able to be with Roona again? This was a wonderful read. Mental illness is in the front of this book so if you have a problem with discussion of Mental illness this book won't be for you. I thought the book was nicely done. I would recommend this book for all ages!!

[Samantha (WLABB) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gideon was not happy about relocating from the Jersey Shore to the Nevada desert. He thought this move would equal disaster, but then he saw a girl, his age, wearing a cape and roller skating. He was immediately drawn to her. She was vivacious, adventurous, and imaginative. Essentially, the opposite of him, but Gideon soon discovered that Roona was dealing with a lot of grown up issues.

Like Gideon, I was immediately drawn to Roona. I saw an early description for this book that described it was Pippi Longstocking meets My Girl, and I thought that was a pretty fair comparison. Roona came across larger than life, and she had a way of convincing Gideon to do things, which he normally wouldn't do. But, she was also generous and loving, and most of her schemes were for the benefit of others, not herself.

I thought Gideon was enamored with Roona, because she seemed so free, whereas Gideon lived under the very overprotective watch of his mother, being normal and Quinton-ish. I could totally understand this pre-teen wanting to explore beyond his boundaries, and who better to go on Tookish adventures with, then someone with an alter ego called Super Roo.

But, this wasn't the only way Gideon grew over the summer. I watched him become a better friend and a better brother. He learned to appreciate his family a little more, while still trying to do some un-Quinton-like things, such as getting involved in Roona's life, when she really needed some support. He also had to makes some big decisions about keeping secrets, and he learned the difference between when it's ok to keep a secret for your friend, and when you need to ask an adult for help.

Though Roona came across as a free spirit, she actually had to worry about many grownup things due to her absent father and depressed mother. I thought the author handled these issues, and other that arose, beautifully, and reading them from Gideon's perspective softened the blow a little too. I won't lie, watching the demise of Super Roo was tough for me. It's always heartbreaking to see someone so young have to deal with these issues, but what's more heartbreaking is that I know there are non-fictional kids with similar struggles. I can only hope they are lucky enough to have a friend like Gideon, who worked so hard to try and resurrect Super Roo.

Overall: A charming and moving story of friendship and finding those people you know you can count on in your time of need, which tugged on my heartstrings and put a smile on my face.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Gideon moves to Arizona, his expectations couldn't be lower. But then he meets Roona, the girl next door who won't let anything intimidate her -- not hard questions, not blistering heat, not even epic quests across the state. Roona only seems to have two fears: 1) That her mom will succumb to depression (again), and 2) That Roona will be sent to live with her aunt's family.

I really appreciated this read, though I think some of the content might be harder for younger middle grade readers. Shaunta Grimes did a good job choosing her POV character (a safe, sensible boy in a safe, sensible family), which helps create distance between the reader and the truly troubling situations Roona faces. Even so, I think I would want to read this alongside an 8-12 year old to discuss the darker parts of the story.

(I'll also admit that I'm not wholly sure how much of my reading was influenced by personal trauma. There is a point in the narrative where the author pulls back but my experience filled in the blank (which I think is canon, but rightly left out of what Gideon is told), and I do think that very much colored the last third of the book for me.)

I also rather wished there was an author's note at the end of the book. Gideon struggles to know what to do to help Roona, and whether or not he has a right to tell authorities (or his parents). There is a lot of fear and uncertainty around this complicated issue -- I think it would have been reassuring (and empowering) to young readers to be given a note at the end that perhaps demystified some of the guidelines about what you can do when your friend might be in a neglectful or abusive family situation.

All in all, a really intriguing story that pulls you through to the end. Would be good for readers who want to understand what friends in troubled circumstances are going through, and how they can help.

(Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!)

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounded up from 4.5 stars. Roona gives a new meaning to the girl next door. When Gideon gets his first glimpse of her through the window of their car, he compares her to a space alien. Then he gets to know Super Roo. This book is full of heart, with some magic realism baked in and adventure, too. You will root for Gideon and Roona who share a love for the Hobbit and bring out each other's inner Bilbo.

Thank you to MacMillan and NetGalley or a digital ARC of this debut children's book in exchange for an honest review.

[Aeicha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upcoming seventh grader, Gideon, hates that his family has relocated to hot, dry Nevada. He hates that the only kid in his neighborhood is Roona, a girl his age that wears roller skates, a swimsuit over her clothes, and a blanket cape. But then Gideon gets to know Roona and discovers that different can be good. And when Roona enlist his help to find her long-gone father, Gideon finds himself caught up in more than he may be able to handle.

Shaunta Grimes’ The Astonishing Maybe is a deeply felt coming of age middle-grade, with captivating storytelling, endearing characters, and a poignant story sure to stay with readers for a long time.

Sweet humor, a bit of adventure, a splash of maybe magical realism, a handful of wonderful character building, and a heaping of heart all come together to create a refreshingly honest and relatable story that young readers will connect with. Grimes deftly explores mental illness, abuse, grief, love, and what it means to be family, and does so with age appropriate authenticity and care. The heart and soul of The Astonishing Maybe are, of course, its characters, and Grimes has done a stellar job of crafting wholly engaging, complex, and realistic characters. Separately, Gideon and Roona are both unique and great, but together they are just fantastic. I really love the sweet, genuine, supportive friendship that grows between these two.

The Astonishing Maybe is an unforgettable gem that will, at times, tickle the funny bone, captivate the mind, and stir the soul.

[Katie Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and publisher for sharing an ARC with our #bookexpedition group.

Gideon has just moved to Nevada, and the only other kid his age that lives near him is a girl named Roona, who lives with her mom. They become friends, and Roona confides in Gideon that her dad’s at an Air Force base and that she hasn’t seen him in years. She also tells Gideon that her mother’s emotions can be found in the cookies, pies, and cakes she bakes and shares with the community.

When her mom’s depression intensifies, Roona convinces Gideon to take a road trip to find her dad and bring him home. But the road trip leads to secrets being revealed that cause Gideon to fear for his new friend’s safety.

With a sprinkle of magical realism and themes of mental health awareness and friendship, this heart-tugging story will be a hit with middle grade readers.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the plot line in this one to be too rushed and disjointed. The characters felt underdeveloped and the speed at which the friendship developed made it feel unrealistic.

[Shaye Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Astonishing Maybe is Grimes’ first middle grade novel. The book blurb describes it as “Pippi Longstocking meets My Girl and Waitress” — and while Pippi is funny, quirky, and light-hearted, if you’ve ever seen My Girl and Waitress, then you know to be prepared for heavy topics and an emotional experience.

12-year-old Gideon is new to Logandale, Nevada, and one of the first things he notices is his new neighbor, Roona. She is roller-skating up and down the sidewalk with rainbow-striped socks pulled up to her knees, a swimsuit on top of her clothing, and a cape on her back. Her eyes are focused somewhere down the road and never, not once, does she look over at him while his family unloads their car. He really wishes she would.

Gideon’s parents are ultra protective, not allowing him to even ride his bike across the street or to answer the home phone when they run an errand across town. On the other hand, Roona, is a free-range child who is able to travel the city freely, with little notice that she’s even gone. What Gideon also learns about Roona is that she has a heart for adventure, she still believes in magic and super powers, and she desperately wants her dad to come home because her mom really needs him.

While much of the story is devoted to Roona’s attempts to handle her mother’s depression, it also addresses issues of abuse, crime/prison, attempted suicide, and the difficult balance between obeying a parent’s firm rules while also looking out for a friend in need. Sadly, the painful childhood experiences discussed in this story are very real to non-fiction children, today, so this story will resonate with those who understand this pain all too well.

Personally, I was hooked on this story within the first few pages. Grimes absolutely nailed the 12-year-old voice through a fast-paced storyline with just a touch of magical realism. There were moments of laughter, a few tears, and some very believable flashes of anger — including one mention of “shit” (at least in the advanced copy), which I note only because it is a bit unusual for a middle grade novel (realistically, though, this word was used in my kindergarten classroom). Overall, I found The Astonishing Maybe to be a meaningful story that I enjoyed and would happily recommend. My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Feiwel and Friends for approving an e-ARC so that I could provide an honest review of this book.

For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!

[La La · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first half of the story was dry and boring drivel, but it picked up in the second half. However, like I always say... if kids drop a book like a hot potato in the beginning because they are disinterested, what good is it? Also, in the second half a concept was changed to accommodate two instances, but it made no sense and made the concept void, and it was a major concept. The way the author writes dialogue is awkward, too. There was also a very dangerous undertaking by the two young MCs that had only mild consequences and I always feel that is irresponsible on the part of Middle Grade authors.

I was approved for an eARC, via NetGalley, in return for an honest review.

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher on Netgalley.

I liked it, but out of the 3 middle grade books I read that day from Netgalley this was by far the lesser story. It was very short and no one seemed developed quite enough. It reminded me most of About a Boy except with a girl instead of a boy, but the same feelings of sort of manic mother-child relationship and energy due to mental illness, a previous suicide attempt, etc. A lot of plot is crammed into a very short text and it doesn't quite allow for the characters to breathe or develop. I also didn't really like or feel attached to any of the characters in the way that would have allowed me to root for them or care what happened.

So, it was okay, but not great. I would recommend from the other 2 upcoming reads I got that day Maybe a Mermaid or The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise over this one.

[Katlyn Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fast-paced read explores friendship through tough situations. These kids (Gideon and Roona) experience so much in a short period of time. But their friendship is one to root for. This book was unputdownable as Grimes packed so much into this memorable story.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't stop reading

I really enjoyed the characters and the subject matter. The story dealt with sensitive issues in a straight forward way.

[Carin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gideon has just moved from New Jersey to Nevada at the beginning of summer. Since school is out and he's not even allowed to cross the street on his bike, his only friend option is his next-door-neighbor, Roona. She's nice but a bit odd--wearing a baby blanket tied around her neck as a cape and rainbow-colored knee socks even though it's stiflingly hot. Very soon, Gideon and we readers realize Roona's got bigger problems and Gideon and Roona might be in over their heads in trying to solve them.

Overall, this is a wonderful, albeit somewhat difficult novel, perfect for kids who like realistic and heartbreaking stories. There's an element of magical realism in the book that doesn't really go anywhere--Roona's mother bakes for the whole town and when she's upset, her feelings go into her baked goods--and it's primed to be a major plot point at the climax, but that is literally dashed to pieces and isn't mentioned again. But this is a minor quibble.

It's very realistic in the best ways. In other middle grade books I've read recently, even ones that are ostensibly realistic, I knew everything was going to work out. Everything would slot into place and at the end (or close enough to the end that you could see it), everyone would be happy. This book isn't like that. Readers have a serious worry that things won't work out. And a couple of really, really not-good things do happen. And in the end, even though there's a satisfactory resolution, and you know things will in the very long run probably be okay, nothing is tied up neatly in a bow, and several people are not happy or have a strong chance of being not happy. Sorry for all the vague-ness but I don't want to give away spoilers.

As with a lot of great middle grade books dealing with difficult subjects, the main character, Gideon, is a step removed, giving us perspective and safety in the reading. In the meantime, through his worrying over Roona, he understands his mother better and her worrying over things like him biking across the street. While the book isn't perfect--the little sister doesn't have much purpose and the cover is too cheerful--its heart is enormous and its issues are important and its insights are powerful. It might cause some of the most sensitive kids anxiety, but it's also easy to argue that since you can't protect them from bad things forever, this is great exposure in a safe, discussable way to some problems they or their friends might face down the road, and it's very important for kids to be prepared emotionally and intellectually, to deal with the inevitable bad stuff. I sometimes wish I could have a magic cape when I'm feeling overwhelmed. I hope Roona gets the support she and her mother desperately need.

[Emmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

•audiobook•

Some books have weird titles, but when the book has concluded, it makes sense. This doesn’t. I still don’t know why it’s called The Astonishing Maybe. But it doesn’t lose a star for that.

The Book Description compares it to a combination of the classic Pippi Longstocking and tear jerker My Girl (and I’m clueless about Waitress). Roona’s pigtails and high socks are the the only thing that connects her to Pippi. And because the topics are deep doesn’t mean it’s similar to My Girl. But it doesn’t lose a star for that either.

The book starts off as the family is moving (driving) to Nevada (the middle A is pronounced like in ‘apple’ - say it like a native) at the beginning of the summer. While unloading boxes, he sees a girl his age is his neighbor next door.

I liked how this began in a very old fashioned way. Nowa days, companies help with relocation; families fly instead of drive; kids have googled or already found friends because of social media. This book - with few (less than 5 mentions) exceptions, is reminiscent of a book written in the 70s or 80s. Readers will find a connected family with a mom, dad, and two kids. Yeah, no Snoopy or Fluffy.

By the second chapter, the band aid comes off and the Roona and Giddeon become real. To the audience and one another while playing a game of dare. And it’s obvious the secrets Roona keeps eat her upside while she puts on a smile and pretend to be Wonder Roo, her version of Super Girl.

And whoa. Boy does it become real. It wasn’t too long ago that my adult children were adolescents and teens and their friends spent more time at my home than at theirs. How many times did that phrase “put on a smile and pretend everything was okay” or how much they covered for mom/dad or took care of them. More than once I found myself counseling (advising, not providing professional medical help), guiding, advocating, or intervening.

And as Roona’s layers peeled off, that’s where it lost a star. Not because Giddeon didn’t break his promise, but because once it all unraveled, it lacked closure or guidance. But because Giddeon’s parents, with their rosy glasses and avoidance of things unpleasant, didn’t take the time to tell him how he should have handled things differently. And it seemed sooo unlike them.
And kids today sometimes need a book to tell them - because some of the readers will relate to these two teens.

Mental Illness is on the rise. Despression is more common. Coping skills is necessary - for the diagnosed and caregivers.

Overall, a strongly recommended book to listen or read. I liked the realism.

[Jana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read a NetGalley digital ARC of this middle grade novel in exchange for a review. The description of the book that was provided – “Pippi Longstocking meets My Girl and Waitress” – led me to believe that this book was going to be a lighter story about a quirky adolescent girl. And while I liked it all right, the story was a bit heavier than what I thought it was going to be.

Gideon and his family have moved across the country from New Jersey to a small town in Nevada. It’s the summer before seventh grade for him and he doesn’t have any friends. Roona, a plucky, peculiar girl from next door, becomes friends with him quickly. Roona and her mother, Mrs. Mulroney, are fun-loving folks who sing at the top of their lungs during animated kids’ movies at the movie theater. Gideon loves that they are so different from his uptight, overprotective parents.

But it doesn’t take long to realize that there is a serious backstory to Roona and Mrs. Mulroney. Roona has never really known her father, believing he’s in the military. She talks Gideon into taking a long-distance bus trip to Las Vegas to try to find her father at Nellis Air Force Base. But when they get there, all of Roona’s family’s secrets start unraveling. Gideon has some tough decisions to make as he realizes that Roona’s not living in safe circumstances, but he has promised to keep all of her secrets from his parents.

I think that middle grade students will be able to relate to these characters. Unfortunately, there are many kids who have unstable circumstances at home that involve parents that are suffering from mental illness and addiction. And oftentimes, kids think they’re helping one another by keeping secrets about abuse and other dangerous situations. The tension in the plot events keeps the reader turning pages. I like that Gideon finally figures out how to confide in a trusted adult and find help for Roona.

Roona’s discovery of her parents’ deceit about her fathers’ true circumstances at Nellis Air Force Base reminds me of Macy Hollinquest’s discovery of her father’s “important” secret work for the Marines in Eleven and Holding by Mary Penney. And Roona’s insistence that Gideon not tell his parents her secret about what’s happened in her family kind of reminds me of Sean’s insistence that Owen keep his abusive situation a secret in The Summer of Owen Todd by Tony Abbott.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 5/5

Publication Date: March 26, 2019

Genre: Upper Middle Grade Contemporary

Recommended Age: 13+ (slight language like one or two bad words, TW for mentions of suicide, TW for mentions of abuse and domestic violence, definitely an upper middle grade book)

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Pages: 240

Amazon Link

Synopsis: Pitched as Pippi Longstocking meets My Girl and Waitress, the book tells the story of the unlikely friendship between 12-year-old Gideon, who has just moved across the country to Nevada, and Roona, the adventurous girl next door who rollerskates everywhere, isn't afraid of anything, and can transform herself into Wonder Roo, a superhero version of herself. The book will publish in 2019.

Review: I DEVOURED this cute book in like less than two hours. It was adorable and amazing. It was fantastical and wonderful. I felt so connected to Roo and Gideon. I felt that the book handled sensitive topics well and it showed how kids shouldn’t be afraid to confide in adults when things are going wrong. I feel that’s something that’s missed in a lot of middle grade and younger YA books. A lot of them revolve around what the kids can do, but adults are needed for certain things, especially if it involves abuse. I also felt that the book showed a realistic view of how a child reacts to trauma. I think this book would be a great family read and a great read for parents to discuss certain elements of the book with your growing middle graders.

My only concern is that the book might be a bit tough on some middle graders. The book is fairly discreet, but you can catch what’s going on behind the scenes. I’d say that if you know your kid can handle the tough stuff then this is for them.

Verdict: A great MG read!

[Karen McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gideon is less than thrilled when his family moves across the country to Nevada. His moving woes quickly become overshadowed when his new neighbor befriends him. Roona is quirky, hopeful, and even a bit magical. But her family holds dark secrets. As Gideon goes against his overprotective parents to adventure with Roona, he discovers just how in over his head he is.

I liked the theme of friendship and the lesson of not looking the other way when someone else's life is messy. I loved the references to the Hobbit. Roona's family secrets kept me intrigued, as did her mom's magical baking abilities.

Unfortunately, as other reviewers have pointed out, this subplot disappears in the last third of the book. The last part of the book also turns very dark . Domestic violence, physical abuse, mental illness, and suicide are all touched on in the story. At one point I was really worried that Roona did not want to go to Idaho to live with her aunt's family because she might have been sexually abused. It turns it she was physically abused, but I still worry about how this story will hit nerves with readers.

At the end I was also concerned as Gideon makes promises not to tell Roona's secrets to adults. Her secrets were screaming for help and Gideon at first tries to handle things on his own. I was worried about what message this could send to students who find themselves in similar situations, and relieved when Gideon figures out a way to bring a trusted adult in to help (I don't want to spoil too much).

Overall, this is a deep, important story that is probably best read and discussed with students. It is a window into the world, but I would be careful with getting this into the hands of students with whom this might be a mirror as it could have a lot of triggers. I would also suggest 6th grade and up. #LitReviewCrew

[Kristin Crouch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to MacKids SL for sharing an ARC with Collabookation.
My comp reads for The Astonishing Maybe would be The Science of Breakable Things (parental mental illness), The Infinity Year of Avalon James (a wonderful friendship), and/or The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Claire.
Gideon never wanted to move, but alas, his family has relocated from New Jersey to Nevada right at the beginning of summer. All he can really do is stay indoors and unpack, but an interesting neighbor skating around her porch is intriguing. When she shows up the next morning, an unlikely but fantastic friendship begins.
All is not carefree though. Roona's mom is mentally unstable, and Roona has been removed from her care before. When Roona begins to recognize that her mom may be heading into dangerous territory again, she's determined to rescue her father from his military base so that her mother's mindset will improve.
What I loved most about this book was that the biggest issue was one step removed: the instability and abuse did not happen to Gideon. In fact, Gideon soon realizes how lucky he is to have his loving, supportive, if entirely predictable, family.
That distance could be perfect for kids even younger than fifth grade, and adds some safety and a new perspective to the thread about parental mental imbalance. Gideon wants to keep Roona safe, and she's pretty determined to get herself into some sticky situations. This book could be a great model for how to listen and try to support friends going through stressful life events.

[Gayle Cappelluti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this middle grade coming of age tale in a GoodReads giveaway. I remember entering the giveaway thinking my 12-year-old granddaughter might like this story. Well, that was a minor misperception. Having read the book, I'm sure she will LOVE it as much as I did and I cannot wait for her to finish it so we can discuss it!
Ms. Grimes has crafted a remarkable story of friendship, family, and love, with believable, relatable characters that will stay with you long after you've read the last page. Gideon and his family have moved from New Jersey to Nevada, and he couldn't hate it more. How could anyone want to trade the ocean for the desert? And what's he supposed to do all summer with no friends?? No doubt about it, he thought, this summer was definitely going to stink.
That was before he met Roona, the interesting girl who lives next door. The very first time Gideon lays eyes on her, he knows there's something special about her. Is it her crazy outfit? Or is it the way she tirelessly skates small circles on her porch, never taking her eyes off the deserted road in front of their homes? One thing was certain, Gideon and Roona were about to have an adventure of a lifetime, one that will change them both forever.
The Astonishing Maybe is an excellent book, eye opening and real. The last time I read such a moving middle grade account of family dysfunction, it was The Pinballs by Betsy Byars. Each of these stories reveal that no family is perfect; however, resilience and friendship just may be more important to healthy development than family perfection.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Small-town Nevada is nothing like the New Jersey home to which Gideon Quinton is accustomed. As time draws near for him to start his seventh grade year, his family moves. Since school hasn't started yet, Gideon has nothing to do except read and keep an eye on his little sister. Roona Mulroney, the girl who lives next door, seems quite different from anyone he's ever met. She's strong and confident and wears a cape made from a blanket and is clearly not bound by the same rules and restrictions that Gideon is. As he is drawn into her world, he is both attracted and frightened, but he also feels protective of her. When she hatches a desperate plot to visit her father in Las Vegas, Gideon goes along for the ride even though he knows it will result in his own punishment. What Roona discovers on this trip rocks her to her core, and once she returns home, things go from bad to worse. Readers may find her description of how her mother somehow bakes her feelings into her baked goods intriguing, if unlikely. While I loved the descriptions of the effects of those foods on those who happened to eat them, I'm not sure whether I liked this aspect of the book or not. The bottom line, though, is that Roona needs help in coping with her mother's behavior and self-destructive behavior, and Gideon helps her find a lifeline. Many middle grade readers may find this one worth reading as they ponder what they might risk to help a friend and when it's dangerous to keep a secret.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although Roona’s family issues of mental illness and imprisonment are far too real, this book provides a nice dash of magical realism in her mother’s baking. The reader does see the possible fallout of the baked goods (the entire crying nursing home and the chaos of the PTA meeting), but the narrative never clarifies if the magic is real or not. The novel continuously returns to the adventure theme, referencing the friends’ favorite book, The Hobbit. Grimes does a fantastic job of narrating Gideon’s internal struggles as he deals with conflicting feelings over how to help his friend, eventually betraying her trust by telling grown ups about the trouble in her family. The author also brings up the important point that, although one’s family can be comprised of ‘good’ and upright people, they can sometimes do better in reaching out to others; Gideon is made to feel that getting involved is the wrong thing to do. The plot is an interesting twist on ‘moving to a new town’ stories: Gideon doesn’t encounter the usual troubles of fitting in but instead the task of navigating of a new relationship and new aspects of his own personality with one unique person. This wonderful friendship tale that helps readers question right and wrong, while also being an entertaining adventure story, will provide food for thought to a wide readership in grades 4-6.

[Selena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gideon moves with is family to Nevada. He doesn't want to be there, he doesn't want to leave his friends or life on the East Coast behind. Suddenly his outlook changes when he sees the girl next door. She's his age, and strange. She has long legs and arms, she is wearing roller skates and a bathing suit over her clothes, AND is wearing a blanket as a cape. She also ignores him when he tries to talk to her.

Soon they do meet and she, Roona, tells him that she waits on her porch every night waiting for her father who is in the military, but should be coming home soon. One day an event happens that forces Gideon to decide what he is willing to do for Roona and their friendship. Should he listen to his parents or should he keep her safe. Are there secrets he can tell or should he keep silent.

Gideon learns what he will do to keep a friend safe and what rules he is willing to break to make that possible. Roona learns what she should tell and who she can tell it to. Their parents learn to trust their children and what they can tell or keep from them.

I found myself talking to the characters and trying to guide them, all of them- the parents and Gideon and Roona. I have already recommended this to my students and a few of my friends.

I was given the opportunity to read this book by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Cindy Stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelve year old Gideon moves with his family to Nevada during the summer between 6th and 7th grades. Roona, a girl his age, lives across the street. The two tentatively form a friendship, though Gideon is wary of Roona's strange superhero outfit and claims that her mother's pies and cakes cause people to have strange uncontrollable emotions (a magical realism device that reminded me of the book, The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake). The story revolves around a secret trip that Roona and Gideon take to Las Vegas to visit Roona's absent father.

Middle grade is not a genre I know well, so perhaps I can't judge this book as representative of the genre (or not). The story starts out slowly but then picks up speed (and catches the reader's interest) once the secret trip is in motion. From there through the end of the book, it is pretty engaging.

I'm going with 4 stars because I wasn't always sure that the dialogue and inner thoughts of the characters were age appropriate. Also, there was very little representation of pop culture, something that would show up in the lives of 12 year olds.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the characters, and I think my students will too! Just the right mix of sad (we're very into sad right now) with a touch of magical realism, which my firm fans of realistic fiction are enjoying! Gideon is miserable when his family moves from New Jersey to empty, hot Nevada. But the girl next door, with her roller skates and swimsuit-over-clothes aesthetic is very intriguing. Could she be the friend he needs to stave off a summer's worth of boredom and loneliness before 7th grade? Luckily for him, Roona comes over and introduces herself before he expires of curiosity. It turns out she's even more mysterious up close - from the baked goods her mom supplies, to the absence of her father. Free-spirited and way less supervised than Gideon, Roona is about to change more than the course of his summer. But will it be a good thing, or a very bad thing?

[Taryn Yarbrough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love kid lit! So happy to have this one in my collection. The only thing I don’t recommend is reading it while pregnant! As a woman who suffers from depression, the story of Roona’s mother and how her depression affects her daughter WRECKED me. It was so real and I love how it brought the issues to light in a language that middle grade children could understand. I love that Roona’s mom isn’t vilified for getting help and leaving Roona in the care of someone else in order to do so. I loved that the end wasn’t happy rainbows and sunshine, but very realistic. Not everything was wrapped neatly in a bow. The characters were changed. They went through a lot and some things were never the same. It was such a good story! I imagine that children are gonna identify more with Gideon or Roona. But if you find yourself identifying with Roona’s mother, read at your own risk!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book that tackles some heavy themes in a powerful way. The cover led me to believe this would be a lighthearted book- it was anything but. It has a good message for middle-grade kids about when it's ok to keep secrets for friends and when it is better to tell an adult.

I was really pulled in by the story and the characters were very likable and easy to root for. The book wasn't an easy read, but it was a great story that was suspenseful and kept me turning pages until the end.

I'm curious as to what the title refers to because it isn't clear. I guess it could refer to a couple of things. Overall, this was a really good book and definitely worth reading for a middle grade or even an adult reader.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, my heart. I want to find Roona and hug her... I want to find Gideon and tell him he’s the best kind of brave.

I loved this middle grade book. Such a beautifully told story of friendship while bringing light to the importance of mental health awareness.

I truly think this book is missing an opportunity by excluding an author’s note. After a story like that, I was expecting to turn the page and see lists of resources and blurb from the author, diving deeper into mental health awareness and who to reach out to if kids know their friend is suffering. For kids to turn the page and not have those things is a lost chance to connect readers with those things, so hopefully this is something that could be added to future editions of the novel.

[Jim Stiles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this book, while I was walking.A middle grade tale about a child who needs help and the amazing new neighbor who moves in next door. Gideon is miserable having moved from NJ with lots of friends to Nevada. It is the beginning of summer and he dreads the months ahead till school starts.

Amazingly the little girl next door is his age and needs him even more than he needs her. She is ready for adventure and he longs to go from reading about adventures to having them. She of course is unwittingly trying to escape her life, he realizes what she really needs and helps to architect her saving against all of the odds.

Lovely book about very unpleasant topics with a. Warm true abiding friendships at its center.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy through my ARC group.

This is a great middle grade story about kids from very different families who become fast friends. Gideon comes from a loving, if smotheringly overprotective family. Roona has a dad who has been MIA all her life and a mother battling mental illness. Gideon is very babied, while Roona often has to play the adult.

Despite, our because of, these differences they quickly become friends when Gideon moves in next door. This friendship leads to a series of adventures, some sad discoveries, scary moments, and moments where they learn they can truly count on one another.

[Susan Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Astonishing Maybe by Shaunta Grimes is one of those remarkable books that will stay with you for a long time. The characters, both major and minor, are fully developed. They felt like people I could have known. And the plot, with its many issues like mental illness, abandonment, and child abuse, is handled sensitively and with great finesse. These are issues made clear but open to a discussion between the reader and other people.

I follow Grimes on a site called Medium.com. I love how she writes and am thrilled with this book. I'd like to see more of Gideon and Roona.

I highly recommend this novel to people of all ages.