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The Stickleback Catchers
Lisette's debut The Secret of Haven Point was described by award-winning author Elle McNicoll as 'A charming tale . . . with my favourite kind of hero at its heart'.
400 pages, Paperback
Published February 9, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 27, 2023
4,5
I read and loved "the Secret to Haven Point" by Lisette Auton last year so I had to preorder this one !! I really enjoyed this as well and I'm so glad middlegrade books like this are out there for children to read and see the amazing representation!
We have a bunch of wonderful disabled, chronically ill, neurodiverse and queer characters! Mimi, the main character, is neurodiverse and disabled and walks with super funky colourful walking sticks. While going on an adventure to save her grandma she makes two good friends. Titch, who is non binary and uses they/them pronouns and Nus who goes on adventures from her bed with sunglasses and headphones on because she is bed bound.
The way this book uses super cool and magical metaphors to talk about Mimi her Grandma suffering from dementia/Alzheimer's was super beautiful and emotional to read. As someone who has seen both my Grandma's battle with dementia and Alzheimer's since I was a child and who lost both of them because of it, it hit very close to home. But the conversations around it were so well done and think will help a lot of young people reading this book who deal with this with loved ones.
I read and loved "the Secret to Haven Point" by Lisette Auton last year so I had to preorder this one !! I really enjoyed this as well and I'm so glad middlegrade books like this are out there for children to read and see the amazing representation!
We have a bunch of wonderful disabled, chronically ill, neurodiverse and queer characters! Mimi, the main character, is neurodiverse and disabled and walks with super funky colourful walking sticks. While going on an adventure to save her grandma she makes two good friends. Titch, who is non binary and uses they/them pronouns and Nus who goes on adventures from her bed with sunglasses and headphones on because she is bed bound.
The way this book uses super cool and magical metaphors to talk about Mimi her Grandma suffering from dementia/Alzheimer's was super beautiful and emotional to read. As someone who has seen both my Grandma's battle with dementia and Alzheimer's since I was a child and who lost both of them because of it, it hit very close to home. But the conversations around it were so well done and think will help a lot of young people reading this book who deal with this with loved ones.
February 27, 2023
One that made my disabled, enby heart very happy indeed! Funky mobility aids, dinosaur dungarees, unapologetic stimming and a main character taking part in adventures from her bed- noise cancelling headphones and sunglasses on.
The note on language, especially the lack of diagnostic labels, because disabled and neurodivergent people don't owe you an explanation for existing as they do, simply excellent 🥲
The note on language, especially the lack of diagnostic labels, because disabled and neurodivergent people don't owe you an explanation for existing as they do, simply excellent 🥲
February 6, 2023
This Book is Fantastic, My Mum & I Enjoyed the Spiritual & Mythical Elements in this Tale.
(Thanks to Net Galley for the Book).
(Thanks to Net Galley for the Book).
February 1, 2023
Another stunning book by Lisette Auton! A truly magical story of love and connection even under the most difficult of circumstances, featuring a cast of glorious characters who happen to be disabled. So many moments touched my heart and one little droplet of info towards the end genuinely made my jaw drop. I wish these books had existed when I was reading middle-grade fiction, but I'm so glad young people will be growing up with them now. It's stories like these that really can change the world for the better.
November 16, 2025
4.5 rounded up to 5
Every child should read this book.
Meet Mimi Evergreen, an 11 year-old with unruly plaits, bee patterned crutches, and the most amazing conker collection. But Mimi's life is changing – her friends don't want to catch sticklebacks anymore, her gran is acting differently, and large cracks keep mysteriously appearing.
Mimi decides to solve the mystery in the hopes of getting on her favourite podcast, The Puzzler. And when Titch lands on her doorstep, waving a "Wanted: Friend for Stickleback Catching" advertisement, Mimi has found the perfect accomplice to do it with.
Mimi and Titch must navigate their new friendship, and solve the puzzle (with the help of Nusrat) before its too late. But when secrets come to light, and Gran takes a turn for the worse, is Mimi in too far over her head?
A heartwarming story of family, friendship, loss, and memory, and an important reminder that the most powerful thing we can do is live in the present and not take a single moment for granted.
Auton combines the Very Real, Very Scary undertones of real life with frankly hilarious one-liners, a talking crow, and rivers that move backwards, to create one of the best children's books I have perhaps ever read.
Each character is well-developed, each with their own story, their own fears and hopes (even if Mimi forgets sometimes). I hardly want to mention the diversity of the characters, because you hardly notice (in a way that "this is part of this character, end of), but I think it has to be said. Authors, publishers, take note. This is how it's done.
In the author's note, Auton writes "When you're an author you get to create your own world, and this is the world I want to live in. One that contains all sorts of hoomans, kindness and acceptance, access, a little bit of magic – and, most of all, love." Well, I can't speak for everyone, but I would say it is a success. That world is real within these 379 pages, and I wish there was more. I would have loved this book as a child, and I love it now.
Every child should read this book.
Meet Mimi Evergreen, an 11 year-old with unruly plaits, bee patterned crutches, and the most amazing conker collection. But Mimi's life is changing – her friends don't want to catch sticklebacks anymore, her gran is acting differently, and large cracks keep mysteriously appearing.
Mimi decides to solve the mystery in the hopes of getting on her favourite podcast, The Puzzler. And when Titch lands on her doorstep, waving a "Wanted: Friend for Stickleback Catching" advertisement, Mimi has found the perfect accomplice to do it with.
Mimi and Titch must navigate their new friendship, and solve the puzzle (with the help of Nusrat) before its too late. But when secrets come to light, and Gran takes a turn for the worse, is Mimi in too far over her head?
A heartwarming story of family, friendship, loss, and memory, and an important reminder that the most powerful thing we can do is live in the present and not take a single moment for granted.
Auton combines the Very Real, Very Scary undertones of real life with frankly hilarious one-liners, a talking crow, and rivers that move backwards, to create one of the best children's books I have perhaps ever read.
Each character is well-developed, each with their own story, their own fears and hopes (even if Mimi forgets sometimes). I hardly want to mention the diversity of the characters, because you hardly notice (in a way that "this is part of this character, end of), but I think it has to be said. Authors, publishers, take note. This is how it's done.
In the author's note, Auton writes "When you're an author you get to create your own world, and this is the world I want to live in. One that contains all sorts of hoomans, kindness and acceptance, access, a little bit of magic – and, most of all, love." Well, I can't speak for everyone, but I would say it is a success. That world is real within these 379 pages, and I wish there was more. I would have loved this book as a child, and I love it now.
July 15, 2026
I had the joy of meeting the author and purchasing this from her at a local children's book event, and started reading it the same day.
I was gripped from the start.
A wonderful book, with excellent neurodivergent, disability and non-binary representation that made my neurodivergent, disabled and non-binary heart sing with joy.
My children got to the other books by Auton we bought before I could, so I'll have to wait for those. I can barely wait!
I was gripped from the start.
A wonderful book, with excellent neurodivergent, disability and non-binary representation that made my neurodivergent, disabled and non-binary heart sing with joy.
My children got to the other books by Auton we bought before I could, so I'll have to wait for those. I can barely wait!
January 28, 2023
We had not come across this author before but she made us feel as if we were living in the story with these people. It covers many issues and I was proud that my grandchildren understood and empathise with all of the characters no matter what they were challenged by. It had us laugh and cry but generally just made us feel thankful.
January 28, 2023
This book has EVERYTHING . It seems to cross genres. Is it a thriller? ,a coming of age drama? A comedy? a sit com? A time travelling science adventure mystery? It's all of this all woven together into a magically written story that will tug at your heartstrings. It deals with aging so beautifully. We feel so much for the characters and can empathise how they react they way they do. The disability representation is superb and actually enhances the exciting plot.
February 12, 2023
All THE FEELS with this one . So touching. Funny and imaginative. Feels like an old style tale but so very much in the now. Mimi Evergreen will make you laugh and cry then break your heart. It's so endearing and Kids will adore her and her love for her Gran. She's tough as old boots yet so vulnerable too.
October 18, 2024
Lisette Auton’s second novel, the Stickleback Catchers is just as spectacular as her debut novel, The Secret to Haven Point. Again, we see her create a wide range of characters featuring disabilities, LGBTQ and neurodiversity. Auton approaches these issues in an age-appropriate way for younger audiences to relate to, but adults could easily see themselves in these traits.
This novel is set in the Northeast of England, using settings local people will instantly recognise, such as the layout of Darlington (Crawlington) and Redcar. Local shops such as Guru are included, and it is easy to find yourself at home in her setting. Her protagonist Mimi lives with her loving grandparents, but unfortunately, her grandma, once a beautiful singer and performer, is beginning to suffer from dementia. This is symbolized through Mimi’s visions of cracks appearing in their home and surroundings, as grans memories and life begins to fall through the cracks. Although grandma has a lot going on, she is concerned for Mimi’s social life, so encourages her to make friends with Titch, a brilliant character. Titch is non-binary and is also lonely, as their father works a lot. They form a group called the Stickleback Catchers, hoping to fish for small Sticklebacks in the local rivers and chat about a podcast called The Puzzler. They uncover the anonymous author as Nusrat, who is bedbound and sensitive to light and sounds, so is unable to join them on their adventures in person, but through calls and messaging. They become a good friendship group and support Mimi as her life begins to revolve around elements of magic, symbolizing her grandmother’s deterioration. We see the characters bond over their determination to uncover the mystery of the crows, the cracks and Dr Death. The fantasy is beautifully woven between real life issues, and Auton creates a world which becomes so real, it’s impossible to imagine that there isn’t an underground world filled with peoples bottles memories, guarded by dementor-like creatures.
This novel is set in the Northeast of England, using settings local people will instantly recognise, such as the layout of Darlington (Crawlington) and Redcar. Local shops such as Guru are included, and it is easy to find yourself at home in her setting. Her protagonist Mimi lives with her loving grandparents, but unfortunately, her grandma, once a beautiful singer and performer, is beginning to suffer from dementia. This is symbolized through Mimi’s visions of cracks appearing in their home and surroundings, as grans memories and life begins to fall through the cracks. Although grandma has a lot going on, she is concerned for Mimi’s social life, so encourages her to make friends with Titch, a brilliant character. Titch is non-binary and is also lonely, as their father works a lot. They form a group called the Stickleback Catchers, hoping to fish for small Sticklebacks in the local rivers and chat about a podcast called The Puzzler. They uncover the anonymous author as Nusrat, who is bedbound and sensitive to light and sounds, so is unable to join them on their adventures in person, but through calls and messaging. They become a good friendship group and support Mimi as her life begins to revolve around elements of magic, symbolizing her grandmother’s deterioration. We see the characters bond over their determination to uncover the mystery of the crows, the cracks and Dr Death. The fantasy is beautifully woven between real life issues, and Auton creates a world which becomes so real, it’s impossible to imagine that there isn’t an underground world filled with peoples bottles memories, guarded by dementor-like creatures.
March 21, 2023
Wonderful, wonderful story. I Knew this would be so good after reading The Secret Of Haven Point. Again it has such good disability rep. The story and plot is so different to Auton's debut. This is much pacier. I Loved the magical and spiritual elements. Again with characters you really care about. The relationships between the protagonist's new found friends and her grandparents are wonderful. So heartfelt 💔
May 2, 2023
Lisette Auton’s fantasy novel for readers aged 9+ is a moving affair that covers the effects of dementia and features a trio of characters with different disabilities. I respected Auton’s decision not to specify the characters’ conditions because it makes it easier for readers to identify with them and while the plot does meander at times, it’s still absorbing and Mimi’s reaction to what’s happening to her Gran is very believable.
March 3, 2023
The Stickleback Catchers is about a girl named Mimi who lives with her gran & grandad. One day Mimi found out that her gran has dementia and Mimi’s trying to save her gran. I love this book because of the family relationships. My heart’s torn when i read that gran suddenly forgetting Mimi. I love the family found trope between Mimi, Titch and Nus. I guess moral of the story is we have to be grateful for all that we have now, don’t dwell too much on the past. Fill our life with lots of love!
April 9, 2023
Wonderful exciting well thought out plot. Just like the secret of haven point, this was also very engaging. This is more plot driven and faster paced than Auton's debut. The characters are wonderful. I'd love to see it made into a movie. I think it would be great. It's quite scary too and dark...I loved it .
April 10, 2023
Unique. Original. Like lisette's debut novel The Secret Of Haven Point this is old school adventuring but also very much of our time. So clever how she manages to do that. Apparently this was the Sunday Times children's book of the week. I can see why. It's again wonderfuly written. So much intrigue with this one. My son loved it and did I.
April 10, 2023
I got this for my daughter after reading The Secret Of Haven Point and both of us really enjoying it. Adored it actually. And we did we did with this one! This one has a lot more action in it. It's faster paced. and quite scary too. Again wonderful disability representation which is not at all part of the plot. It just is. Writing is SUPERB!!
June 29, 2023
I fell in love with Lisette Auton’s writing in The Secret of Haven Point and, having read this she is firmly cemented as one of my favorite authors. The story is thrilling, heart-wrenching, comforting…all in one. Her characters highlight the best and the hurt in all of us and their differences and disabilities make them who they are without ever defining them. I am so grateful these books exist.
July 12, 2025
For most of the book I thought it was great and I thought I'd end up giving it a 4 maybe 4.5 out of 5 but then I finished it and the ending really got me and made me far more emotional than I expected, reminding me of my own Gran who passed when I was young and I consequently have very few memories of and it was at that point I knew it truly deserved a 5/5 🌟🥹
February 18, 2023
Intriguing, spiritual and magical three words I can use to describe this book. Lovely read covering lots of topics which might be of benefit to a child struggling. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy
March 24, 2023
I got this for my daughters aged 11 and 13. They both loved it. I'm really enjoying it myself now. It's very different. The writing style is gorgeous. The characters are are so well drawn out. It's actully really quite funny and endearing. The plot is intriguing and exciting. Extremely impressed.
October 8, 2024
Love that this book features some unique characters and features heavily on those who are not so typically represented within books. Tackles some heavy topics but in a way that really made me think even as an adult.
February 15, 2023
We loved this book so much. A real exciting adventure whilst being so heartwarming and touching too. We both did a "soggle" ( it's a thing. A new word from Lisette Auton).
March 18, 2023
hurray for lemon tops
Mentions of Redcar, lemon tops and people who say howay warmed this north eastern ladies heart. Great story, poignant and full to brim of acceptance.
Mentions of Redcar, lemon tops and people who say howay warmed this north eastern ladies heart. Great story, poignant and full to brim of acceptance.
April 4, 2023
Wonderful book, wonderful representation, absolute joy to read. I wish every book was as hopeful.
May 27, 2023
Another superb read from Lisette Auton. Intrigued throughout and adored the characters.👏👏👏
July 7, 2023
Another utter gem of a novel from the author of The Secret Of Haven Point. Again all the family enjoyed it.. NOT JUST THE KIDS 😄
January 19, 2023
Heartwarming, hearbreaking, endearingly funny. Touches upon issues with dementia in the family all woven into a thrilling time travelling original adventure. I think this is even better than lisette Autons debut THE SECRET OF HAVEN POINT..and I loved that..
February 25, 2023
Clever, unique ,rich story telling. Auton manages to capture our hearts with her beautiful sensitive writing of the naivety of childhood in the real world and the prospect of loss ( with a few chuckles along the way) whilst seamlessly taking us on a thrilling eerie adventure into another world.
February 14, 2023
The Stickleback Catchers is a fantastic follow up to Lisette Auton's debut novel with her signature beautiful style of writing. It's no wonder it was awarded the Time's newspaper's children's book of the week. It's another stunning literary adventure written with such heart.
Like her debut novel The Secret Of Haven Point, this is also very much set in the North East. This time time not so far north and further inland. DARLINGTON. ( re- named CAWLINGTON I'm guessing with reference to the strong presence of crows in the book). It's a superb read. It made me chuckle. It made me teary. It made me gasp. I was thrilled. The characters are beautifully written. Again the disability representation is wonderful. I can't imagine how any children reading this book with a diference or disability will feel anything other than empowerment and it's all the more wonderful for that.
Mimi’s childish logic is heart-breaking and truly believable, and Auton sensitively explores the grief and confusion of a child facing the loss of those she holds most dear
It's a nostalgic read but somehow very relevant to today and touches on themes with such remarkable sensitivity.
Lisette Auton really is simply proving to be the finest writer of MG fiction.
Like her debut novel The Secret Of Haven Point, this is also very much set in the North East. This time time not so far north and further inland. DARLINGTON. ( re- named CAWLINGTON I'm guessing with reference to the strong presence of crows in the book). It's a superb read. It made me chuckle. It made me teary. It made me gasp. I was thrilled. The characters are beautifully written. Again the disability representation is wonderful. I can't imagine how any children reading this book with a diference or disability will feel anything other than empowerment and it's all the more wonderful for that.
Mimi’s childish logic is heart-breaking and truly believable, and Auton sensitively explores the grief and confusion of a child facing the loss of those she holds most dear
It's a nostalgic read but somehow very relevant to today and touches on themes with such remarkable sensitivity.
Lisette Auton really is simply proving to be the finest writer of MG fiction.
July 12, 2023
Exciting reading for me and my girls. We all really enjoyed the story and relationships and friendships.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews