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Mosquitoland

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2015

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Book Brief

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David Arnold

Mosquitoland

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary अमेरिका • 2010s

Theme
Publication Year

2015

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL750L

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Super Short Summary

In David Arnold's Mosquitoland, sixteen-year-old Mary Iris Malone, known as Mim, embarks on a solo journey from Mississippi to Ohio to reconnect with her estranged mother. Following her parents' divorce, Mim struggles with the move, resents her stepmother, and grapples with her father's concerns about her mental health. The story unfolds through Mim's present journey, flashbacks, and letters to her unborn sister. The book addresses themes such as mental health and family dynamics.

Emotional

Adventurous

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Humorous

Reviews & Readership

4.1

36,040 ratings

68%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

David Arnold's Mosquitoland captures readers with its quirky protagonist and emotional depth. Praised for strong character development and heartfelt storytelling, the novel's vivid narrative is engaging though some found the plot a bit predictable. Overall, it's a compelling read balancing humor and serious themes effectively.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Mosquitoland?

Readers who enjoyed John Green's Paper Towns or Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl will find Mosquitoland a compelling read. Ideal for teens and young adults, it combines a quirky protagonist, relatable coming-of-age themes, and a road-trip adventure, exploring issues of family, mental health, and self-discovery.

4.1

36,040 ratings

68%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Mary Iris Malone (Mim)

A unique and imaginative 16-year-old who travels from Mississippi to Ohio, navigating complex emotions and life changes while seeking a connection with her estranged mother.

An aspiring photographer taking a break from college to find his foster sister, serving as a supportive and protective figure for Mim during her journey.

A joyful teenager with Down’s syndrome who befriends Mim, offering companionship and a new perspective on life.

Mim’s pragmatic father who struggles with understanding her, influenced by his past experiences with mental health issues in the family.

An idealized figure in Mim’s memory who used to be very close to her before losing contact after the divorce.

Mim’s pregnant stepmother, initially seen as a negative presence but ultimately shown to have her best interests at heart.

An older woman with wisdom and flair who briefly connects with Mim during a bus ride, offering compassion and understanding.

A predatory middle-aged man on Mim’s bus journey, who presents himself differently to the public than he does in private.

A teenager with schizophrenia who has a troubled background, symbolizing a contrast to Mim’s life but also a potential parallel.

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary अमेरिका • 2010s

Theme
Publication Year

2015

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL750L

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