46 pages • 1 hour read
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240
Novel • Fiction
Mississippi • 2000s
2018
Middle grade
10-14 years
Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe by Jo Watson Hackl is about a 12-year-old girl named Cricket who, after her grandmother's and father's deaths and her mother's disappearance, tries to solve a decades-old mystery in the Mississippi woods. She hopes that unraveling this mystery will bring her mother back into her life permanently. The book includes discussions of mental illness and grief after the loss of family members.
Adventurous
Inspirational
Mysterious
Emotional
Hopeful
1,151 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe, a middle-grade novel by Jo Watson Hackl, receives praise for its engaging protagonist, richly described setting, and themes of resilience. However, some critics feel the pacing drags in parts. Overall, it's a heartfelt tale that captivates young readers, despite minor flaws.
A reader who enjoys Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe by Jo Watson Hackl would likely appreciate adventurous, coming-of-age stories with a focus on resilience and self-discovery. Fans of Hoot by Carl Hiaasen and Holes by Louis Sachar would find a similar blend of mystery, nature, and heartfelt journeys in this book.
1,151 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mama
Cricket's mother, who is largely absent from the story and remembered through Cricket's memories, is struggling with mental health issues, leading to her unpredictable presence in Cricket’s life.
Daddy
Cricket’s deceased father, who lives on through his teachings and loving memories, significantly impacts Cricket’s survival skills and emotional resilience.
Grandma
A stern figure in Cricket’s life, who tried to maintain stability for Mama and left a lasting impression after passing away before the story begins.
Charlene the Cricket
A cricket found by Cricket in a grocery store, named after her mother, whom Cricket projects her feelings onto and finds companionship with during her journey.
Miss Vidalia
Cricket’s father’s second cousin once removed, with a fondness for poetry and puzzles, who is initially guarded but becomes a supportive figure offering insights into Mama’s situation.
Aunt Belinda
Cricket’s father’s brother’s ex-wife, who takes Cricket in after her father’s death and is responsible for much of Cricket’s immediate care despite initial plans for relocation.
240
Novel • Fiction
Mississippi • 2000s
2018
Middle grade
10-14 years
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