I'm very behind on my reviews, but I've been enjoying some wonderful middle grade books as well as picture books. Now that I'm on my spring break, I'm hoping to catch up a little because I do have a great list of books that need to be shared!
Why you want to read this book…
All the characters in this story felt so real! Their dialogue, actions and situations were all realistic and individual -- no exaggerated stereotypes here. Since the main character, Frankie, noticed things that others did not, she was able to put together clues to help solve the mystery of what happened to one of her friends. But the main reason why I enjoyed this story so much was the heartbreak and the difficult emotional journey of navigating friendships.
The author carefully included unique details to show what Frankie experienced, which helped me to stay very absorbed in the story. As a writer, I was interested to study how she used flashbacks to develop the story. I also liked the tornado facts sprinkled into the story!
I think I'll remember this story long after reading it. It made me think about how an event or situation can seem different depending on your perspective. I definitely learned something from diving a little deeper into a way of thinking that is different from my own.
Here’s the summary from the publisher:
Things never seem to go as easily for thirteen-year-old Frankie as they do for her sister, Tess. Unlike Tess, Frankie is neurodivergent. In her case, that means she can’t stand to be touched, loud noises bother her, she’s easily distracted, she hates changes in her routine, and she has to go see a therapist while other kids get to hang out at the beach. It also means Frankie has trouble making friends. She did have one–Colette–but they’re not friends anymore. It’s complicated.
Then, just weeks before the end of seventh grade, Colette unexpectedly shows up at Frankie’s door. The next morning, Colette vanishes. Now, after losing Colette yet again, Frankie’s convinced that her former best friend left clues behind that only she can decipher, so she persuades her reluctant sister to help her unravel the mystery of Colette’s disappearance before it’s too late.
Tornado Brain by Cat Patrick was published by G. P. Putnam's Sons in 2020. I read an e-book from my local public library.
If you’re looking for another thought-provoking, or maybe funny, middle grade book to read, check out Marvelous Middle Grade Monday on Greg Pattridge's blog.
