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Nothing Is Little
The case of a missing father is hard to crack . . . even for Felix, a tiny kid with a huge heart and an eye for detail.
Eleven-year-old Felix likes being the smallest kid in school.
At least he knows where he fits in. Plus his nickname, “Short-lock Holmes,” is perfect for someone who’s killing it in forensic science club. To Felix, Growth Hormone Deficiency is no big deal.
And then Felix learns that his biological dad was short, too. This one, tiny, itty-bitty piece of information opens up a massive hole in his life. Felix must find his father. He only has a few small clues to work from, but as Sherlock Holmes said, “To a great mind, nothing is little.”
The further Felix gets in his investigation, though, the more he starts to wonder: What if his dad doesn’t want to be found? And what if Felix’s family—his mom, his stepdad, the baby on the way—needs him right where he is?
Tender and uplifting, this warm novel from Christopher Award–winner Carmella Van Vleet celebrates little differences in us that can make a big impact.
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Eleven-year-old Felix likes being the smallest kid in school.
At least he knows where he fits in. Plus his nickname, “Short-lock Holmes,” is perfect for someone who’s killing it in forensic science club. To Felix, Growth Hormone Deficiency is no big deal.
And then Felix learns that his biological dad was short, too. This one, tiny, itty-bitty piece of information opens up a massive hole in his life. Felix must find his father. He only has a few small clues to work from, but as Sherlock Holmes said, “To a great mind, nothing is little.”
The further Felix gets in his investigation, though, the more he starts to wonder: What if his dad doesn’t want to be found? And what if Felix’s family—his mom, his stepdad, the baby on the way—needs him right where he is?
Tender and uplifting, this warm novel from Christopher Award–winner Carmella Van Vleet celebrates little differences in us that can make a big impact.
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
224 pages, Hardcover
First published July 19, 2022
11 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 16, 2025
this book has a heart-warming storyline and a powerful character to guide it along. though short, felix is a spunky character. i liked the Forensic Science Club in the story, I really liked that that was in the story (i love Forensics heh).
didn't really like the way felix acted at some parts of the book, with his 'bad deeds'. but i did enjoy felix accepting his height as the way he is and embracing it fully 🤍
didn't really like the way felix acted at some parts of the book, with his 'bad deeds'. but i did enjoy felix accepting his height as the way he is and embracing it fully 🤍
July 21, 2022
This sweet story leads us on an adventure into the search for Felix’s bio-dad. Humor and sarcasm reign as this pre-teen interacts with his family and friends. The switch between home and school sheds more light on what’s ticking in his mind. A truly heartfelt story that will have you cheering for this pint-sized boy as he bravely faces the future.
December 9, 2022
(On the blog: https://reviews.rebeccareid.com/nothi...)
In Nothing is Little by Carmella Van Vleet (Holiday House, 2022), middle schooler Felix begins to come to terms with himself, his place in his family, and his identity as a person. His story is driven by his own search for the identity of his absent father, with “detective work” he hides from his mother and stepfather.
To begin with, Felix has always been happy with being short. Shortly before his story begins, he had been diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Treatment is necessary to help his overall health, not just his height. Since he’s known as “Shortlock Holmes” to his forensic science club friends, he is not sure how he feels about giving up his identity as “short.” In fact, he’s even hidden his new treatment from his best friend. As the book progresses, he becomes more comfortable in acknowledging his need for growth hormone therapy (GHT), and he sees that his treatment is not a big deal. His friend even says that it’s cool.
Felix’s developing comfort with his GHT throughout the book parallels his growing comfort with his changing family. He’ll soon have a new sibling, and his mother and stepfather have asked him to consider changing his last name to match theirs. That’s a lot of new things: a new medical treatment that will physically change his body, a new sibling, and a new last name. With all these new things in his life, it is no wonder that Felix feels a little lost at the beginning of his story. When he learns that his father was also short, he wonders if his father also had GHD. In hopes of finding out, Felix begins searching for clues about his father.
I enjoyed Felix’s spunky character but disliked his methods of snooping and tricking his mother and stepfather as he tried to discover more clues about his father. He was a good friend, and yet he let small things get in the way of his goals when he cheated. He was not a flat character: there was some confusion in him (was he a good or bad kid?). His character made him interesting but I would take a point off of a rating because of his lying and cheating.
I was drawn to this book because one of my children likewise receives treatment for GHD. I enjoyed seeing how this medical condition was a part of Felix’s story. Although the GHD didn’t really define him, his developing understanding of himself was a nice parallel to his increasing comfort with his new treatment.
Review at Rebecca Reads: https://reviews.rebeccareid.com/nothi...
In Nothing is Little by Carmella Van Vleet (Holiday House, 2022), middle schooler Felix begins to come to terms with himself, his place in his family, and his identity as a person. His story is driven by his own search for the identity of his absent father, with “detective work” he hides from his mother and stepfather.
To begin with, Felix has always been happy with being short. Shortly before his story begins, he had been diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Treatment is necessary to help his overall health, not just his height. Since he’s known as “Shortlock Holmes” to his forensic science club friends, he is not sure how he feels about giving up his identity as “short.” In fact, he’s even hidden his new treatment from his best friend. As the book progresses, he becomes more comfortable in acknowledging his need for growth hormone therapy (GHT), and he sees that his treatment is not a big deal. His friend even says that it’s cool.
Felix’s developing comfort with his GHT throughout the book parallels his growing comfort with his changing family. He’ll soon have a new sibling, and his mother and stepfather have asked him to consider changing his last name to match theirs. That’s a lot of new things: a new medical treatment that will physically change his body, a new sibling, and a new last name. With all these new things in his life, it is no wonder that Felix feels a little lost at the beginning of his story. When he learns that his father was also short, he wonders if his father also had GHD. In hopes of finding out, Felix begins searching for clues about his father.
I enjoyed Felix’s spunky character but disliked his methods of snooping and tricking his mother and stepfather as he tried to discover more clues about his father. He was a good friend, and yet he let small things get in the way of his goals when he cheated. He was not a flat character: there was some confusion in him (was he a good or bad kid?). His character made him interesting but I would take a point off of a rating because of his lying and cheating.
I was drawn to this book because one of my children likewise receives treatment for GHD. I enjoyed seeing how this medical condition was a part of Felix’s story. Although the GHD didn’t really define him, his developing understanding of himself was a nice parallel to his increasing comfort with his new treatment.
Review at Rebecca Reads: https://reviews.rebeccareid.com/nothi...
August 2, 2022
Like many kids today, Felix has many things to deal with—he has Growth Hormone Deficiency for one. I was intrigued to learn more about this, because I hadn’t heard about it before. Felix’s mom and step-dad are having a new baby, too, which makes him curious about his biological dad, who he has never met. When Felix joins the Forensic Science Club at school, he hopes to get the tools and skills he needs to track down his biological dad. He also gets a cool nickname: Shortlock Holmes. Wow! Reading about this club made me wish I could go back in time and go to Felix’s school too. All of these elements make for a really engaging story. Did I mention there’s also a surprise twist?
This is a fun and emotional read! I especially loved the way this story showed us how a kid learns to cope with some disappointments and also celebrates some of the fun things life can bring.
This is a fun and emotional read! I especially loved the way this story showed us how a kid learns to cope with some disappointments and also celebrates some of the fun things life can bring.
May 6, 2025
This book checked all the boxes for what a good read is to me!
First word I’d use to describe it: “heart-warming”. Overused, I know, but this book was like cuddling up in a blanket on a freezing day, with a cup of hot chocolate; great feels on the outside and inside!
The relationship Felix has with his mom and step-dad was unusual in that they all get along well. Paul is the father figure anyone would want, hard-working and loving towards the entire family, and excited about the baby on the way. The parents want everyone to share the same last name for the sake of family unity, and this provides the only conflict that Felix has with them. If he changes his name, he fears his biological father, whom has has never met, would be unable to locate him if he desired to. Felix, having finally gotten his mother to reveal that his father was of short stature, is intrigued, because he has to endure shots for a growth abnormality on a daily basis. Being short is something that Felix enjoys about himself. His classmates don’t bully him, which is somewhat unusual. In fact, they provide him with cool nicknames and value his friendship.
Being that I’m a former teacher, I enjoy books that portray educators as caring instructors with great ideas. Mr.S. teaches a forensic science class at Felix’s school, and his techniques are amazing! “Forensic Files” is a guilty pleasure of mine to watch, and now I really want to take his class!
This is a great novel, that I highly recommend. (And I dare readers not to giggle when they read the reason why Felix nicknamed his unborn sibling “Boo”)!
First word I’d use to describe it: “heart-warming”. Overused, I know, but this book was like cuddling up in a blanket on a freezing day, with a cup of hot chocolate; great feels on the outside and inside!
The relationship Felix has with his mom and step-dad was unusual in that they all get along well. Paul is the father figure anyone would want, hard-working and loving towards the entire family, and excited about the baby on the way. The parents want everyone to share the same last name for the sake of family unity, and this provides the only conflict that Felix has with them. If he changes his name, he fears his biological father, whom has has never met, would be unable to locate him if he desired to. Felix, having finally gotten his mother to reveal that his father was of short stature, is intrigued, because he has to endure shots for a growth abnormality on a daily basis. Being short is something that Felix enjoys about himself. His classmates don’t bully him, which is somewhat unusual. In fact, they provide him with cool nicknames and value his friendship.
Being that I’m a former teacher, I enjoy books that portray educators as caring instructors with great ideas. Mr.S. teaches a forensic science class at Felix’s school, and his techniques are amazing! “Forensic Files” is a guilty pleasure of mine to watch, and now I really want to take his class!
This is a great novel, that I highly recommend. (And I dare readers not to giggle when they read the reason why Felix nicknamed his unborn sibling “Boo”)!
December 30, 2022
Eleven-year-old Felix Woods has recently been diagnosed with Growth Hormone Deficiency, and is taking shots to help him grow. He's not particularly worried about his height since being short gives him a claim to fame and has become part of his identity. When he learns that his father, whom he's never met was also short, Felix becomes determined to find his father and give the two of them a chance to get to know each other. To do so, he goes to great lengths, using some of the skills and knowledge he's learned at his Forensic Science Club extracurricular activity. But his single-mindedness leads him to betray his mother and stepfather Paul, to pile lie upon lie, and to cheat, disappointing his friends and teammates. While the conclusion with Felix having to help his mother give birth during a snowstorm seemed rather over the top, the rest of the story was well written and honest. Felix as a character is endearing even while he heads down a slippery moral slope. It's easy to understand why he makes the choices and mistakes he does. The inclusion of the various scenarios presented by Mr. S and the older students during the Forensic Science Club meetings enhances readers' interest in the story while covering some unfamiliar territory. This book with its short chapters and a family struggling valiantly toward a bright future is a good choice for an after-lunch read aloud or intermediate reading choice.
July 13, 2022
Felix is a eleven year old who is the smallest kid in school. He likes being the smallest child because he knows where he fits in. He has a growth hormone deficiency but, he doesn't let it bother him. He has been doing so well in his forensic science club that his friends call him "Shortlock Holmes".
When Felix learns that his biological dad was short, it opens up a hole in his life. He starts to wonder more about his father and who he was. He decides that he would use the skills he learned in forensic class to find his father.
I thought the book was a cute and heart warming book. The book was well written with developed characters. I felt for Felix when he was trying to find his father and he kept hitting dead end after dead end. I loved reading the quips and conversations between Felix and his family and his inner thoughts about Boo. I also liked reading the interesting facts about the forensics club and I wish I had something like that when I was in school. Lastly, I think the author did a great job with Felix and the way he dealt with his condition. It gave readers an understanding of the condition that they might not know about.
When Felix learns that his biological dad was short, it opens up a hole in his life. He starts to wonder more about his father and who he was. He decides that he would use the skills he learned in forensic class to find his father.
I thought the book was a cute and heart warming book. The book was well written with developed characters. I felt for Felix when he was trying to find his father and he kept hitting dead end after dead end. I loved reading the quips and conversations between Felix and his family and his inner thoughts about Boo. I also liked reading the interesting facts about the forensics club and I wish I had something like that when I was in school. Lastly, I think the author did a great job with Felix and the way he dealt with his condition. It gave readers an understanding of the condition that they might not know about.
December 28, 2022
Miss Lori read this sweet book in 1 sitting...under a blanket, on a cold, cold afternoon! What a great book that touches on themes that middle grade readers are experiencing. Felix has a growth hormone deficiency. He doesn't mind being small as it gives him an "identity". However he begins to wonder if he received this issue from his father, whom he has never met. And if he did, what else did he get from "dad"? What if his dad would like to get to know him? The more he asks mom, the more she deflects answering him and he becomes almost obsessed with finding out who and where his dad is.
His middle school offers a Forensic Science Club and he joins and begins to learn how to investigate, which leads him to make decisions (about finding his dad) with consequences that involve more than just him.
This story is so good in that the author throws in tough questions about "family", relationships with step-parents, friendships (new and old), guilt after making decisions....so much more.
I highly recommend this book to 5th graders up through junior high. The reading is easy/simple, but the story is good and reminds us to think through decisions and to go with our "guts".
His middle school offers a Forensic Science Club and he joins and begins to learn how to investigate, which leads him to make decisions (about finding his dad) with consequences that involve more than just him.
This story is so good in that the author throws in tough questions about "family", relationships with step-parents, friendships (new and old), guilt after making decisions....so much more.
I highly recommend this book to 5th graders up through junior high. The reading is easy/simple, but the story is good and reminds us to think through decisions and to go with our "guts".
July 17, 2022
Nothing is Little is a fantastic middle-grade novel that many readers are sure to enjoy. Felix is the smallest kid in his class, but this doesn't bother him. He's comfortable with who he is and so are his friends. Still, his mom takes him to the doctor who notifies them that Felix has a growth hormone deficiency and is undergoing treatments.
It's Felix, his mom, her boyfriend, and a baby on-the-way. Together, they make a supportive, loving family. But Felix is curious about the biological dad he's never met and his mom barely talks about. When he joins the ferensic team at school, he learns how to piece together clue and how to questions others in order to uncover the truth. When he discovers his biologic dad was also short, he digs into his mom's past.
It was fun to follow Felix on his journey to discover more about his father as well as what he wants for himself. It's not all smooth sailing, but Felix is brave and strong and that's all he really needs to be.
ARC provided by Holiday House in exchange for an honest review.
It's Felix, his mom, her boyfriend, and a baby on-the-way. Together, they make a supportive, loving family. But Felix is curious about the biological dad he's never met and his mom barely talks about. When he joins the ferensic team at school, he learns how to piece together clue and how to questions others in order to uncover the truth. When he discovers his biologic dad was also short, he digs into his mom's past.
It was fun to follow Felix on his journey to discover more about his father as well as what he wants for himself. It's not all smooth sailing, but Felix is brave and strong and that's all he really needs to be.
ARC provided by Holiday House in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2022
I love this book! Felix is one of the funniest, most human, and most sympathetic characters I've come across in middle grade literature. He's short -- and he loves being short! His collection of T-shirts with funny sayings like "vertically challenged" is priceless. But what Felix wants more than anything is to find his Dad. Apparently he's short too. Mom won't talk about him, other than to tell Felix he didn't want to be a father, so he left when Felix was a baby. There are no pictures of Felix's dad in the house, no details about him at all. Mom has recently married a nice funny guy named Paul, and now she's expecting. So Felix will be a big brother.
He uses the skills he's learning in Forensic Science Club to uncover clues about his father -- where he lives now, what he looks like, what his name is. Forensic Science Club sounds so cool! I wish they had something like that when I was in sixth grade. But Felix also gets in big trouble using the skills at home. No spoilers here! You need to read this book.
Perfect for classrooms.
He uses the skills he's learning in Forensic Science Club to uncover clues about his father -- where he lives now, what he looks like, what his name is. Forensic Science Club sounds so cool! I wish they had something like that when I was in sixth grade. But Felix also gets in big trouble using the skills at home. No spoilers here! You need to read this book.
Perfect for classrooms.
November 21, 2022
It was a 'WHAT?!' kinda read - emotional, enlightening and incredibly heart-touching. I even teared up a couple of times. Felix is a wonderful human being who's caring, observant, humourous and short. As an eleven years old to-be-big-brother, his inner struggles were totally relatable. I admire how he doesn't let his shortness effect his self-esteem and is comfortable being who he is. That's something I have yet to learn. He makes mistakes but he also knows to take responsibility for what he's done and is unafraid to apologize. That wasn't always the case tho. He was a good kid from the beginning of the story and by continuosly being exposed to confusing, difficult situations, he slowly grew up to be a better person. I had already high expectations from it as the blurb sounded brilliant but this lovely, lovely story knocked it out of the park. Highly recommended ❤️✨
January 19, 2024
I love books that teach me new things I didn't know I wanted to learn - like forensic science! The plot included many unique themes alongside the kid-looking-for-their-estranged-dad trope, which kept the story fresh. Because of the focus on the new baby, there was a lot of binary gendering that I didn't love, hence only 4 stars. I will still be recommending, but not over my favorite gender-inclusive novels!
May 29, 2022
I absolutely loved the story! Enjoyed all the different pieces of the plot including Felix questioning why he doesn’t know his real dad, the family dynamic that is very loving, the forensics science club was also super cool! Makes me want to join a club like that in real life. I will definitely be ordering a copy of this from the middle school library.
November 26, 2022
Sixth grader Felix has a lot going on. There’s a baby sister due in a few months, he’s taking growth hormones (for a pituitary deficiency) although he is perfectly happy being a short kid, and he knows nothing about his biological dad, though he really wants to. Felix joins the Forensic Science Club at school and realizes he can apply what he learns there to finding out more about his father.
June 5, 2023
4 stars for this "mystery" about Felix who is looking for his biological father as his half-sister is about to be born and his mother and step-father are merging their names legally and want him to dot he same. Felix has always been on the the short side, a trait inherited from his unknown father. As he joins the forensic science club at school, he begins to investigate his parentage.
April 18, 2025
A good story about a boy trying to find where he fits in. Felix is about to become a big brother in a blended family. He wants to know more about his biological father. Felix joins the Forensic Science club and finds that his abnormal shortness may be a clue to finding his dad. Join Felix in this adventure to find out who he is and how to belong when he feels like he's the odd man out.
July 9, 2022
EARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Excellent middle grade fiction! Many readers will empathize with Felix (with his family situation and/or his short stature). The inclusion of the forensic club’s activities fit perfectly in the story and it was also informative.
Excellent middle grade fiction! Many readers will empathize with Felix (with his family situation and/or his short stature). The inclusion of the forensic club’s activities fit perfectly in the story and it was also informative.
January 18, 2023
I really loved this one. I think a lot of kids will be able to relate in some way to Felix. As someone with a huge soft spot for family stories, I particularly appreciated a story about blended families/a new sibling with a lighter touch.
July 13, 2023
Overall effective story with some annoying goody-goody aw-shucks moments. Best strength is MC's attitude toward his short stature. He has a rotation of funny t-shirts with short jokes. He is hesitant to begin growth hormones because his shortness is a defining part of his identity. Also effective is his honesty about the trepidation of going from only child to big brother.
May 21, 2024
Think this will be an easy and engaging read for kids. I think in particular they will like the bits about the forensic science club and the pretend crime scenes. Felix is a realistic MC and fun to read about. Also yay for the Ohio shoutouts, and the Olentangy Orange one in particular!
July 24, 2024
Great book! I read from my 11 year olds strong recommendation. Interesting with a lot of great themes with blended families, body differences, love and importance of character. It was funny & also clever! Totally entertained me reading on an airplane. Excited to discuss with my son
August 19, 2022
4.5 stars. What a treat. Felix may have his flaws, but he is one of the most likable characters I’ve read lately in any genre.
August 30, 2022
This is a sweet, sweet story about a young man so focused on one thing, and an important thing, that he loses focus on all the other things, small & big, that are truly so important to him.
September 13, 2022
Love, love, love this book. Felix might be small, but his heart is huge and his love for his family knows no measurement. And kids will love the forensic science club!
October 12, 2022
Uniques storyline involving a MC requiring growth hormone shots.
November 14, 2022
As a parent of an 11 year old boy who also takes growth hormones this book was a delight. How wonderful for kids like my son to see themselves in this sweet book
November 28, 2022
Such a cute story! Has great plot with real topics woven throughout. The writing brings a cozy vibe to the reader and really pulls them into Felix’s world.
December 24, 2022
I very much enjoyed the forensic science club Feliz joins. The consequences for poor choices Felix made are well done. Reinforcing strong character values. A great story to share.
March 22, 2023
A wonderful story about being a young person in search of a parent they never knew. And incredible experiences in middle school that make you realize how wonderful your life is.
March 29, 2023
Great plotting! I love how she wove together Felix looking for his real dad with the forensics club, his pregnant mom, and his Growth Hormone Deficiency.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews