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The In-Between
Cooper is lost. Ever since his father left their family three years ago, he has become distant from his friends, constantly annoyed by his little sister, Jess, and completely fed up with the pale, creepy rich girl who moved in next door, who won’t stop staring at him.
So when Cooper learns of an unsolved mystery his sister has discovered online, he welcomes the distraction. It’s the tale of a deadly train crash that occurred a hundred years ago in which one young boy among the dead was never identified. The only distinguishing mark on him was a strange insignia on his suit coat, a symbol no one had seen before or since. Jess is fascinated by the mystery of the unknown child—because she’s seen the insignia. And, she tells Cooper, he has too.
It’s the symbol on the jacket of the girl next door.
As they uncover more information—and mounting evidence of the girl’s seemingly impossible connection to the tragedy—Cooper and Jess begin to wonder if a similar disaster could be heading to their hometown. Thus begins an unforgettable adventure about the forgotten among us and what it means to be seen.
So when Cooper learns of an unsolved mystery his sister has discovered online, he welcomes the distraction. It’s the tale of a deadly train crash that occurred a hundred years ago in which one young boy among the dead was never identified. The only distinguishing mark on him was a strange insignia on his suit coat, a symbol no one had seen before or since. Jess is fascinated by the mystery of the unknown child—because she’s seen the insignia. And, she tells Cooper, he has too.
It’s the symbol on the jacket of the girl next door.
As they uncover more information—and mounting evidence of the girl’s seemingly impossible connection to the tragedy—Cooper and Jess begin to wonder if a similar disaster could be heading to their hometown. Thus begins an unforgettable adventure about the forgotten among us and what it means to be seen.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 26, 2021
67 people are currently reading
4790 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Ansari
2 books150 followersRebecca Ansari lives in a very loud house in Minneapolis with her husband, their four boys, and two huge dogs. After twelve years as an ER doctor, she shelved her scrubs to write magical and mysterious worlds for middle grade readers. She is drawn to any story that evokes, “Please, mom! Just one more chapter!” and she strives to craft the same. When she isn’t writing, you can find her joyously biking and skiing, begrudgingly running, or escaping “up north” with family, friends and a stack of good books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
March 5, 2021
★ THE IN-BETWEEN is an enjoyable middle grade mystery-fantasy combo with relatable characters and intriguing twists! ★
Cooper has had a lot on his young shoulders since his father abandoned the family three years prior. His mother works two jobs to support them, and often he's left in charge of managing his sister Jess's medical issue. He has a difficult time connecting with old friends, and often feels invisible. Then suddenly a strange girl moves in next door, and all she wants to do is stare at him from her swing. What's her deal?
Cooper and Jess get wrapped up in trying to solve a century-old train crash mystery involving an unidentified boy. Things get really strange when they suspect a connection between that tragedy and their new next-door neighbor. The quest to discover the truth teaches them a lot about friendship, loss, grief, and finding a way to move forward, even though things may seem out of their control. THE IN-BETWEEN is a beautifully written story with plenty of excitement to keep mystery lovers of all ages turning the pages!
Cooper has had a lot on his young shoulders since his father abandoned the family three years prior. His mother works two jobs to support them, and often he's left in charge of managing his sister Jess's medical issue. He has a difficult time connecting with old friends, and often feels invisible. Then suddenly a strange girl moves in next door, and all she wants to do is stare at him from her swing. What's her deal?
Cooper and Jess get wrapped up in trying to solve a century-old train crash mystery involving an unidentified boy. Things get really strange when they suspect a connection between that tragedy and their new next-door neighbor. The quest to discover the truth teaches them a lot about friendship, loss, grief, and finding a way to move forward, even though things may seem out of their control. THE IN-BETWEEN is a beautifully written story with plenty of excitement to keep mystery lovers of all ages turning the pages!
November 13, 2020
How easy it would be to reveal too much with this delicious middle-grade mystery by author Rebecca K.S. Ansari!
Eighth-grader Cooper Stewart has been withdrawn and angry ever since his doctor father abandoned his family in Chicago to create a new one in San Diego. A loner now, Cooper is estranged from his friends, his 10-year-old sister Jess and his worried, overburdened single mother. But his sister Jess stumbles on a mystery about a 100-year-old train crash far away, one in which there was an unidentified dead boy. A boy with the same crest as the rich, aloof girl next door. Cooper’s persistence in solving this mystery could bring Cooper back from his lonely abyss. Unless it dooms him first.
Young or old, this suspenseful, creepy novel will keep you reading much too late into the night. I didn’t finish it in one sitting, but I sure came close. So many twists and turns! I never saw the ending coming, either.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, HarperCollins Children’s Books and Walden Press in exchange for an honest review.
Eighth-grader Cooper Stewart has been withdrawn and angry ever since his doctor father abandoned his family in Chicago to create a new one in San Diego. A loner now, Cooper is estranged from his friends, his 10-year-old sister Jess and his worried, overburdened single mother. But his sister Jess stumbles on a mystery about a 100-year-old train crash far away, one in which there was an unidentified dead boy. A boy with the same crest as the rich, aloof girl next door. Cooper’s persistence in solving this mystery could bring Cooper back from his lonely abyss. Unless it dooms him first.
Young or old, this suspenseful, creepy novel will keep you reading much too late into the night. I didn’t finish it in one sitting, but I sure came close. So many twists and turns! I never saw the ending coming, either.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, HarperCollins Children’s Books and Walden Press in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2021
This was so freaking good! I couldn’t put it down! This has so much going for it y’all. Not only is this a spectacular plot & writing, but we have some amazing characters who are so relatable. I’m reading so many books lately that I know will help so many kids feel SEEN. I could’ve used this book so much when I was a kid, to help me realize I wasn’t alone & it wasn’t my fault my dad didn’t want to be a dad to us-that was on him.
My heart broke for Cooper & Jess. Their situation was a whole other level too. I wanted to get my hands on their dad & shake some sense into him. Ughhhh It’s so frustrating b/c there really are dads AND moms just like that, & I wish there was a way to be screened before you were able to have kids to see whether you were worthy or not. Because it’s an honor some people can’t have, & if you treat your kids like that, you’re despicable. ANYWAY(sorry, another of my “rant” topics), this also has those creepy vibes I love, & fiction drawn from historical facts that I love. The mystery in here of a train crash from the early 1900’s that starts everything off, actually happened. As do other tragedies mentioned in the book. Always read the authors note in the back guys, I always love what I find out. The author changed some things for her book, like names & such, to fit her story but these things actually happened. I’m a history loving nerd, so I immediately took all that down to research soon lol
I also loved Cooper’s “screaming sessions” & thought that was such a clever & great way to get some of that anger out. I also loved who he shared that secret with. Gus was an amazing character. He helped Cooper immensely. Unlike Cooper’s friends from before the divorce that he pushed away, Gus was going through something similar & seemed to get Cooper in the way he needed, & he let him in & it helped so much. Seeing the sibling relationship b/n him & his sister repair & grow was also beautiful.
The whole backstory of the girl at the house, the symbol, the house(the outside, inside, & where it leads-all incredible!)the tragedies-the author took what she found from her research & finding the tragedy w/unknown kids-& created this unique, creative, deeply moving story. TALENT! This also shows what having diabetes as kid can be like, & also what it’s like to be a sibling of someone w/diabetes. My heart broke again lol But Jess is so strong, & she’s got this. That ending was epic! So good!! Then the very end had me so emotional in the best way. Gave this book a big hug after finishing. Such a great book for those of us who feel forgotten or invisible, & how important it is to be seen. HIGHLY recommend. STUNNING cover by the amazing Julia Iredale too!💜
My heart broke for Cooper & Jess. Their situation was a whole other level too. I wanted to get my hands on their dad & shake some sense into him. Ughhhh It’s so frustrating b/c there really are dads AND moms just like that, & I wish there was a way to be screened before you were able to have kids to see whether you were worthy or not. Because it’s an honor some people can’t have, & if you treat your kids like that, you’re despicable. ANYWAY(sorry, another of my “rant” topics), this also has those creepy vibes I love, & fiction drawn from historical facts that I love. The mystery in here of a train crash from the early 1900’s that starts everything off, actually happened. As do other tragedies mentioned in the book. Always read the authors note in the back guys, I always love what I find out. The author changed some things for her book, like names & such, to fit her story but these things actually happened. I’m a history loving nerd, so I immediately took all that down to research soon lol
I also loved Cooper’s “screaming sessions” & thought that was such a clever & great way to get some of that anger out. I also loved who he shared that secret with. Gus was an amazing character. He helped Cooper immensely. Unlike Cooper’s friends from before the divorce that he pushed away, Gus was going through something similar & seemed to get Cooper in the way he needed, & he let him in & it helped so much. Seeing the sibling relationship b/n him & his sister repair & grow was also beautiful.
The whole backstory of the girl at the house, the symbol, the house(the outside, inside, & where it leads-all incredible!)the tragedies-the author took what she found from her research & finding the tragedy w/unknown kids-& created this unique, creative, deeply moving story. TALENT! This also shows what having diabetes as kid can be like, & also what it’s like to be a sibling of someone w/diabetes. My heart broke again lol But Jess is so strong, & she’s got this. That ending was epic! So good!! Then the very end had me so emotional in the best way. Gave this book a big hug after finishing. Such a great book for those of us who feel forgotten or invisible, & how important it is to be seen. HIGHLY recommend. STUNNING cover by the amazing Julia Iredale too!💜
June 27, 2021
5/5 stars
"My friends, please know this now and forever: no matter how much your father or anyone else makes you feel otherwise; you are seen. You are brilliantly visible (...) You are not forgotten."
The In-Between was one of middle-grades biggest surprises for me this year; a fantasy/mystery hybrid that had a lot more depth and heart that I anticipated it would have.
Cooper has felt lost ever since his parents divorced three years ago. Between his mom working two jobs to support the family, his younger sister Jess navigating her life with diabetes, and feeling often invisible both in school and at home, there’s barely any time left to be a normal 10-year old. So when Cooper learns of an unsolved mystery his sister has discovered online, he welcomes the distraction. It’s the tale of a deadly train crash that occurred a hundred years ago in which one young boy among the dead was never identified. The only identifier: a strange insignia on his jacket. Soon after, the mystery literally comes walking into their backyard, in the form of a girl wearing the same insignia on her jacket. Jess and Cooper find themselves more closely related to this historical mystery than they ever expected…
This is one of those incredibly accomplished middle-grade novels that manages to present a phenomenal and entertaining story, whilst seamlessly slipping in so many important lessons, representation and emotional maturity for those who want to find it. It’s one of those books that can be read on many levels, which makes it great for children of many different ages and levels of maturity. There’s the surface level story which is wonderful for everybody, but there’s also themes of bullying, divorce, abandonment, loneliness, chronic illness and many more for those kids who need it.
Apart from being featured in Owlcrate Jr., this book has been highly under-appreciated and I genuinely hope that my mention of it will be able to introduce a few more people to this hidden gem.
"My friends, please know this now and forever: no matter how much your father or anyone else makes you feel otherwise; you are seen. You are brilliantly visible (...) You are not forgotten."
The In-Between was one of middle-grades biggest surprises for me this year; a fantasy/mystery hybrid that had a lot more depth and heart that I anticipated it would have.
Cooper has felt lost ever since his parents divorced three years ago. Between his mom working two jobs to support the family, his younger sister Jess navigating her life with diabetes, and feeling often invisible both in school and at home, there’s barely any time left to be a normal 10-year old. So when Cooper learns of an unsolved mystery his sister has discovered online, he welcomes the distraction. It’s the tale of a deadly train crash that occurred a hundred years ago in which one young boy among the dead was never identified. The only identifier: a strange insignia on his jacket. Soon after, the mystery literally comes walking into their backyard, in the form of a girl wearing the same insignia on her jacket. Jess and Cooper find themselves more closely related to this historical mystery than they ever expected…
This is one of those incredibly accomplished middle-grade novels that manages to present a phenomenal and entertaining story, whilst seamlessly slipping in so many important lessons, representation and emotional maturity for those who want to find it. It’s one of those books that can be read on many levels, which makes it great for children of many different ages and levels of maturity. There’s the surface level story which is wonderful for everybody, but there’s also themes of bullying, divorce, abandonment, loneliness, chronic illness and many more for those kids who need it.
Apart from being featured in Owlcrate Jr., this book has been highly under-appreciated and I genuinely hope that my mention of it will be able to introduce a few more people to this hidden gem.
January 2, 2022
A middle grade story that delicately touches on many difficult life lessons: grief, loss, divorce, illness, loneliness. It’s the type of story that tugs at your heart strings as you watch these children discuss difficult subjects with each other. But also woven between these tough topics is an entertaining unexplained mystery to solve.
“Whether they divorced or not, the damage had been done.” – Cooper
Three years after their father’s betrayal, Cooper and his sister Jess are still living with the ramifications of his decision. One might almost think the unsolved mystery is to find out where their father is. But it’s not. We know where he is. He is in California with his new wife and new child. Three years into a divorce and not once has Cooper been to California to visit his dad. Jess frequently texts her father…but never receives a response back. The grief that each of these children is real. Cooper is angry – isolating himself from others. While Jess is in the bargaining stage of grief, urging to Cooper to look into a mystery because it is located in a place dad always wanted to go. You can see her line of thinking. “If we research this mystery, then maybe dad will spend time with us.” It is heartbreaking, so very heartbreaking.
The mystery begins when Jess finds an unsolved story on the Internet about a train accident that occurred many years ago and involved an child who was never identified. The only clue is a symbol, which coincidentally is also on the jacket of the girl next door. The girl had recently moved in, but there is something unnerving about her and her presence only creates more questions for Cooper, Jess, and Gus – Cooper’s new friend. Soon they are completely engaged in unravelling the mystery and committed to keeping yet another unexplained accident from occurring.
“You are not invisible. You are both unforgettable.” – Gus
This book is wonderful. Now that I have finished, I am amazed at the author’s ability to put so much depth inside the conversations between the characters. Thought-provoking, honest conversations on how to move forward when life hasn’t dealt you a fair hand. All of this while maintaining the mystery side of the story.
I had the pleasure of listening to this on audio. It was very nicely done and can recommend.
Rating: 5 stars
“Whether they divorced or not, the damage had been done.” – Cooper
Three years after their father’s betrayal, Cooper and his sister Jess are still living with the ramifications of his decision. One might almost think the unsolved mystery is to find out where their father is. But it’s not. We know where he is. He is in California with his new wife and new child. Three years into a divorce and not once has Cooper been to California to visit his dad. Jess frequently texts her father…but never receives a response back. The grief that each of these children is real. Cooper is angry – isolating himself from others. While Jess is in the bargaining stage of grief, urging to Cooper to look into a mystery because it is located in a place dad always wanted to go. You can see her line of thinking. “If we research this mystery, then maybe dad will spend time with us.” It is heartbreaking, so very heartbreaking.
The mystery begins when Jess finds an unsolved story on the Internet about a train accident that occurred many years ago and involved an child who was never identified. The only clue is a symbol, which coincidentally is also on the jacket of the girl next door. The girl had recently moved in, but there is something unnerving about her and her presence only creates more questions for Cooper, Jess, and Gus – Cooper’s new friend. Soon they are completely engaged in unravelling the mystery and committed to keeping yet another unexplained accident from occurring.
“You are not invisible. You are both unforgettable.” – Gus
This book is wonderful. Now that I have finished, I am amazed at the author’s ability to put so much depth inside the conversations between the characters. Thought-provoking, honest conversations on how to move forward when life hasn’t dealt you a fair hand. All of this while maintaining the mystery side of the story.
I had the pleasure of listening to this on audio. It was very nicely done and can recommend.
Rating: 5 stars
April 11, 2021
This was a wonderful middle grade novel with such an important message for everyone. The book speaks to the importance of being seen and not feeling invisible. It discusses how pain can shape us in different ways both good and bad. The characters in this book really touched my heart. This is definitely a middle grade novel that I would recommend for a child going through a tough time. Very inspiring!
December 23, 2021
The In-Between is a book you have to STICK WITH! The pay off is worth it in the end.
In The In-Between, Cooper and his sister Jess are trying to solve a mystery they discover on the internet.
Coop and Jess aren't very likeable in the beginning of The In-Between. The family dynamic is a hard one. It makes the kids bitter and they don't get along. Jess has diabetes which I did appreciate seeing here. The characters (and their friends) go through a lot of development in The In-Between, and I wound up loving them all by the end.
Honestly, I considered putting this down which would have been a shame because everything came together beautifully by the end.
The world building and the supernatural setting that was embedded in Chicago was interesting. The In-Between was a really unique ghost story and will probably wind up being one of my favorite middle grade releases from this year.
A quick note - after reading numerous ghostly MG books, I've finally learned MG ghosts usually equal child death. I should have realized this sooner. I loved this book and I highly recommend it; just know - much like Scritch Scratch, it was inspired by a real disaster.
Source: Preordered purchase. This is a review of my personal reading experience.
In The In-Between, Cooper and his sister Jess are trying to solve a mystery they discover on the internet.
Coop and Jess aren't very likeable in the beginning of The In-Between. The family dynamic is a hard one. It makes the kids bitter and they don't get along. Jess has diabetes which I did appreciate seeing here. The characters (and their friends) go through a lot of development in The In-Between, and I wound up loving them all by the end.
Honestly, I considered putting this down which would have been a shame because everything came together beautifully by the end.
The world building and the supernatural setting that was embedded in Chicago was interesting. The In-Between was a really unique ghost story and will probably wind up being one of my favorite middle grade releases from this year.
A quick note - after reading numerous ghostly MG books, I've finally learned MG ghosts usually equal child death. I should have realized this sooner. I loved this book and I highly recommend it; just know - much like Scritch Scratch, it was inspired by a real disaster.
Source: Preordered purchase. This is a review of my personal reading experience.
March 6, 2021
This is the type of story that mystery lovers of any age can enjoy.
There are many twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. The author came up with a narrative that’s engaging and a writing style that keeps you hooked and unable to put the book down.
The entire plot is a whole lot more than just a middle grade mystery as the genres suggest. There’s a slight fantasy/paranormal/magical realism faction woven into it as well. All of this intrigue and magical feeling is tied together with very real issues such as loneliness, parental divorce and sibling diabetes.
*Disclaimer* I received an eARC from Harper Collins on Edelweiss. An honest review was provided.
There are many twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. The author came up with a narrative that’s engaging and a writing style that keeps you hooked and unable to put the book down.
The entire plot is a whole lot more than just a middle grade mystery as the genres suggest. There’s a slight fantasy/paranormal/magical realism faction woven into it as well. All of this intrigue and magical feeling is tied together with very real issues such as loneliness, parental divorce and sibling diabetes.
*Disclaimer* I received an eARC from Harper Collins on Edelweiss. An honest review was provided.
June 17, 2021
M. Night Shyamalan meet WHEN YOU REACH ME, minus the charm of Stead’s writing.
January 31, 2021
First things first, that cool as all get out and yet ultra creepy cover! Once you get started in the book, you can see where the different elements come from and the significance of each, but before you read...it's another puzzle needing to be solved, and I was only so happy to have the chance to do just that!
Story wise...I was glued to every page! The mystery of the catastrophes, the appearance of the crest, the fixture of a girl across the way with little to no interaction, the unusual things they seem to be only privy too (well, Jess, Coop, and Gus, that is)…shall I keep going? Okay, but really....the friendships lost and found, the family connections severed and built, the sense of self and importance rediscovered...there are so many areas of interest to follow, and yet you never lose sight of the main thread. You feel included in this sibling plus friend trio, and despite their own doubts as to their standing in their own worlds, they are quite clearly an important part of your own once you're between the pages.
I can't risk saying too much because to ruin the mystery at its heart would break my own...and trust me, mine was already broken as I had tears streaming down my face further along in the book...but suffice it to say, this is one family despite its history that you will want to be a part of. This is one gathering of friends that you will want to know. This is one story that will keep you on edge right to the very last page, and you most definitely won't soon forget. I mean, once someone has impacted your life, how can they ever truly be gone...
*copy received for review; opinions are my own
Story wise...I was glued to every page! The mystery of the catastrophes, the appearance of the crest, the fixture of a girl across the way with little to no interaction, the unusual things they seem to be only privy too (well, Jess, Coop, and Gus, that is)…shall I keep going? Okay, but really....the friendships lost and found, the family connections severed and built, the sense of self and importance rediscovered...there are so many areas of interest to follow, and yet you never lose sight of the main thread. You feel included in this sibling plus friend trio, and despite their own doubts as to their standing in their own worlds, they are quite clearly an important part of your own once you're between the pages.
I can't risk saying too much because to ruin the mystery at its heart would break my own...and trust me, mine was already broken as I had tears streaming down my face further along in the book...but suffice it to say, this is one family despite its history that you will want to be a part of. This is one gathering of friends that you will want to know. This is one story that will keep you on edge right to the very last page, and you most definitely won't soon forget. I mean, once someone has impacted your life, how can they ever truly be gone...
*copy received for review; opinions are my own
March 11, 2021
This book was so good! I could barely put it down! Cooper and Jess are a brother and sister who have gone through a lot over the past few years. The divorce of their parents and then the abandonment of their father has Cooper feeling invisible and Jess with a false sense of hope. When a strange girl moves in next door things start to change. Throw in an old mystery and these 2 siblings learn that they can count on each other more than they thought.
This book has is all. A spooky story, old mysteries, new friends, heartbreak and loss. But the real growth is seeing the two main characters learn they can trust each other during the most trying time of their life. It mad me laugh, cry and feel sad many times throughout the book. You will not be disappointed!
This book has is all. A spooky story, old mysteries, new friends, heartbreak and loss. But the real growth is seeing the two main characters learn they can trust each other during the most trying time of their life. It mad me laugh, cry and feel sad many times throughout the book. You will not be disappointed!
June 7, 2021
Wow. This book was not what I was expecting but wow wow wow was it so much deeper and meaningful than what I was prepared for!!! Praise for Ansari and her portrayal of Cooper and Jess’s grief of their parents divorce and feelings of abandonment by their father.
Can someone help me understand the ending though, are Cooper and Jess now in the In-Between and going to be sent on quests like Elizabeth and Gwen were?
Can someone help me understand the ending though, are Cooper and Jess now in the In-Between and going to be sent on quests like Elizabeth and Gwen were?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2023
This was an incredible read. The whole concept was interesting, clever, and felt original.
The pain described was real, raw, and human. The twist? Wow. I choked. I did not see it coming.
The start was slow but it sped up and my heart is a mess.
Now, I need to find a bridge to scream off of. ❤️ (read the book to understand. I’m not completely insane 😉)
The pain described was real, raw, and human. The twist? Wow. I choked. I did not see it coming.
The start was slow but it sped up and my heart is a mess.
Now, I need to find a bridge to scream off of. ❤️ (read the book to understand. I’m not completely insane 😉)
March 23, 2021
I almost DNF'd this book at 30%, I did not like one of the main characters. I am so glad I did not DNF it, I really did end up enjoying this book, and it even brought tears to my eyes at the end.
July 20, 2021
Cooper feels lost in his own life; still upset over his dad leaving their family three years ago, annoyed by his little sister Jess and the struggle of helping her manage her diabetes. And now he's got a weird new neighbor who won't stop staring at him. When Cooper learns of an unsolved mystery Jess has discovered online that involves an unclaimed body of a young boy with the same emblem on his jacket as their weird neighbor Cooper welcomes the distraction. But as things start to come together Cooper and Jess realize the mystery is a lot more complicated than they could have ever imagined.
This book would be a very good choice for someone who enjoyed Scritch Scratch as it feels very similar with the mystery, supernatural and siblings. This book is really about the siblings dealing with their dad leaving and the struggle taking care of Jess. I wanted to like it more than I did; it just started to feel like too many elements/important things happening all at once. But the ending did a great job of brining it together and bringing me back on board to some extent. A good recommendation for someone looking for a creepy mystery.
This book would be a very good choice for someone who enjoyed Scritch Scratch as it feels very similar with the mystery, supernatural and siblings. This book is really about the siblings dealing with their dad leaving and the struggle taking care of Jess. I wanted to like it more than I did; it just started to feel like too many elements/important things happening all at once. But the ending did a great job of brining it together and bringing me back on board to some extent. A good recommendation for someone looking for a creepy mystery.
March 18, 2021
This book was truly special. It touched me so deeply due to my own experiences with my parents and growing up and even now as an adult woman. The only reason why it is not a 5 star, is that it’s a little slow at times. But overall, this is such a great story that I’m happy the author chose to tell it. I would absolutely recommend this book!!
Spoiler-ish: I’ve been finally tackling my own mental health and abandonment issues from my Dad. This book truly summed up how I’ve felt about that whole aspect of my life. When they screamed on the bridge, I could see myself there, screaming right along with them.
Spoiler-ish: I’ve been finally tackling my own mental health and abandonment issues from my Dad. This book truly summed up how I’ve felt about that whole aspect of my life. When they screamed on the bridge, I could see myself there, screaming right along with them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2021
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery with some unexpected twists by Rebecca Ansari. I love books that take my by surprise, and this is definitely one of them.
Cooper's dad left three years ago, and since then, he's been wrapped up in his own feelings and pushing away those around him. Lately, though, he's been a bit creeped out by his new neighbor across the street who sits on her swing and stares at him. When he discovers a link between an insignia on the jacket the girl is wearing, and some deadly accidents, Cooper, his sister Jess, and his new friend Gus all work together to try and solve the mystery of its significance and why it keeps appearing at the scene of the disasters. As their investigation continues, they discover that danger may be headed their way, and they need to figure out what's going to happen and stop it before it's too late.
I really enjoyed the intrigue of this mystery, and the research the kids did to try and figure out the significant of the insignia (I think there was some important information also shared about how difficult it can be to find the information you want using a Google search!) I love stories where there is a link to the past, and how it comes back to impact the future, and this one did that very well. I also loved that although there is definitely a magical element to this story, it took place in the real world. Cooper and Jess both struggled to adjust to their dad's absence in different ways, and during the story they become closer and are able to support each other rather than suffering alone.
I will be recommending this book to mystery lovers who love a good plot twist.
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery with some unexpected twists by Rebecca Ansari. I love books that take my by surprise, and this is definitely one of them.
Cooper's dad left three years ago, and since then, he's been wrapped up in his own feelings and pushing away those around him. Lately, though, he's been a bit creeped out by his new neighbor across the street who sits on her swing and stares at him. When he discovers a link between an insignia on the jacket the girl is wearing, and some deadly accidents, Cooper, his sister Jess, and his new friend Gus all work together to try and solve the mystery of its significance and why it keeps appearing at the scene of the disasters. As their investigation continues, they discover that danger may be headed their way, and they need to figure out what's going to happen and stop it before it's too late.
I really enjoyed the intrigue of this mystery, and the research the kids did to try and figure out the significant of the insignia (I think there was some important information also shared about how difficult it can be to find the information you want using a Google search!) I love stories where there is a link to the past, and how it comes back to impact the future, and this one did that very well. I also loved that although there is definitely a magical element to this story, it took place in the real world. Cooper and Jess both struggled to adjust to their dad's absence in different ways, and during the story they become closer and are able to support each other rather than suffering alone.
I will be recommending this book to mystery lovers who love a good plot twist.
September 13, 2021
Couldn't put this book down!! Ansari writes about diabetes, divorce, parents who disappear (figuratively not literally), responsibility and other important issues, but she wraps it up in a riveting mystery/adventure rather than hitting you over the head with it. The reader knows the characters, cares about them, and feels their pain. She writes about children/young adults who feel invisible and are finally seen, friendship that heals, and the sacrifice that anchors a home. Finally, she sprinkles in historical events to peak the reader's interest in learning more about a series of real life catastrophic events like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire while keeping the story modern and current. I can't wait to recommend this to my fourth through sixth graders:)
February 22, 2021
I loved how Ansari uses real unexplained tragedies from history, like two children who died in a train crash nearly a century ago but were never identified, and builds a world that explains what might have happened. This is a mystery and lightly creepy ghost story where two kids try to figure out the story behind their new neighbor girl who does nothing but sit on the swing in her backyard and stare at them, and how they might actually be connected to those historical tragedies. It's also a sensitive and powerful exploration of grief that comes from more personal tragedies like grief and loss.
March 11, 2021
This book checked so many of my boxes: a compelling main character trying to figure out who they are, emotional journeys, and a spooky mystery to round it all out. The family dynamics almost take precedence over the mystery, and I found myself rooting for Cooper and hoping he would come out okay on the other side of the really awful time he was going through. Definitely a recommended read, no matter your age! (Although if you don't enjoy reading about sad, borderline traumatic family issues including one completely absentee parent, this may not be your jam).
March 18, 2023
This book surprised me in a lot of good ways. Cooper and his sister are each dealing with their dad leaving the family in different ways. They both uncover an odd mystery and meet someone who will change their lives and have them questioning everything they know. I loved that it looks at different types of loss and grieving and love. I also liked how diabetes played a role in teaching the family about challenges and family support. A great mix of realistic fiction and mystery with a little bit of a magic spin. Some violence in mass accidents. 6th grade and up.
January 3, 2021
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Harper Collins for an E-ARC of this title.
Cooper is dealing with the loss of his family as he knows it while trying to move on. In the midst of handling his emotions and helping his sister Jess realize she too must accept that things have changed, a new girl moves in to the rundown house across the street. The mysterious neighbor sits on the porch and will not let Cooper alone in his misery. Her stares from across their yards draws him in and makes him want to know why she appears to be obsessed with him. Meanwhile, his sister has connected the girl to an unsolved mystery and tragedy from years ago. The two siblings bond researching the mystery trying to uncover how the two might be related, and what the girl's sudden presence might mean. Cooper and Jess are not prepared for the truth nor do they understand the danger they have uncovered from their digging. Another masterful story from Rebecca Ansari with twists and turns that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
Cooper is dealing with the loss of his family as he knows it while trying to move on. In the midst of handling his emotions and helping his sister Jess realize she too must accept that things have changed, a new girl moves in to the rundown house across the street. The mysterious neighbor sits on the porch and will not let Cooper alone in his misery. Her stares from across their yards draws him in and makes him want to know why she appears to be obsessed with him. Meanwhile, his sister has connected the girl to an unsolved mystery and tragedy from years ago. The two siblings bond researching the mystery trying to uncover how the two might be related, and what the girl's sudden presence might mean. Cooper and Jess are not prepared for the truth nor do they understand the danger they have uncovered from their digging. Another masterful story from Rebecca Ansari with twists and turns that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
April 12, 2021
Okay, this book just moved into one of my top favorite middle grade reads! I was loving the characters and the mystery all the way through, but the way it was tied together at the end, and the moral that came through....absolute perfection! I think even in a so called perfect family, every middle school kid will be able to relate to this story and to the feeling of sometimes being invisible. Highly recommend!
August 6, 2021
Rebecca Ansari's book is a perfect blend of fantasy and mystery with a historical twist. Cooper is a relatable character struggling with his feelings about an absent father and taking responsibility for his younger sister. The mystery of the neighbor's true identity and purpose is engaging, and the ending is open for a possible sequel. Recommended.
Read more at Bookish Adventures.
Read more at Bookish Adventures.
August 14, 2023
What an incredible, beautiful book. I read this middle grade novel because both of my children are obsessed with it. Now that I’ve read it, I can see why. It’s a heartfelt modern story interwoven with historical mystery and a touch of magic. The real magic of the book, though, is how much it gripped my heart. It’s the kind of story that stays with you. And gets you to make others read it, too, just so you can talk about it. A true gem.
March 20, 2021
“I’m glad I was here for a while...”
Creepy, no doubt, but also lots of different themes are at the heart of this mysterious story including friendship, loneliness, divorce, diabetes, and feeling seen.
“If there’s one thing (we’ve) learned... it’s that bad things happen that no one can stop: divorce, illness, lost friendship, family heartbreak, and these awful, awful catastrophes. They, sadly, are part of being alive.
But so are joy, love, and happiness.”
Creepy, no doubt, but also lots of different themes are at the heart of this mysterious story including friendship, loneliness, divorce, diabetes, and feeling seen.
“If there’s one thing (we’ve) learned... it’s that bad things happen that no one can stop: divorce, illness, lost friendship, family heartbreak, and these awful, awful catastrophes. They, sadly, are part of being alive.
But so are joy, love, and happiness.”
June 15, 2022
Allie was right: perfect middle school book! I love that it has a perfect mix of good things: mystery, family, friendship, history, magic, and very real social/emotional issues young people deal with. Love this book, buying copies for our classroom libraries!
October 12, 2020
Rebecca has done it again!!! Superb story!!!
December 3, 2020
A very fun surprise. Hold on to the end!
August 27, 2021
I wanted to reach out and smack the dad in this book. But this was such a sweet and great story.
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