HIDDEN TRUTHS: A Middle Grade Book Review by Guest Blogger, Brooke White

I last featured Brooke White when I introduced her and her self-published book. Today she returns as one of my guest reviewers. Take it away, Brooke!

REVIEW

Have you ever felt guilty for something that you think is your fault? 

In the novel Hidden Truths by Elly Swartz (Delacorte Press, 2023), each chapter is told from Eric or Dani’s point of view. This book is mainly realistic fiction and a mix of adventure and tragedy. Relatable experiences that happen in most middle schools are shown in this book.

Best friends Eric and Dani go on a camping trip but then a fire starts and Eric does his best to save Dani. Eric partially succeeds, but medical professionals soon help Dani with her injuries. Once this event happens, Eric and Dani’s friendship becomes distant. The mayhem of the friendship breakup leads Eric to believe Dani’s injuries are his fault. Although he feels deep guilt, he keeps it to himself for a few months.

I believe this book is great for middle-grade readers because learning about how to cope with grief, friendship troubles, and how to make a large difference as shown in the novel are important lessons for middle-grade students to understand. After finishing this story, I realized how hard it can be in different situations, which allows me to view my peers in a more empathic way. I also believe that Dani is a great role model because she always perseveres and confesses when she does something wrong. Dani is also a leader because she did something no other girl had done for the sports team. Dani deals with harsh feelings but pulls through them. Dani is very responsible for her actions. 

Some people may think this book is too mature for younger readers, considering there are some injuries and the book shows some examples of Eric and Dani facing anxiety and pain.

This book is very well-rounded with a captivating beginning and satisfying ending. Hidden Truths is a story that will grasp readers' attention. Overall, I would recommend Hidden Truths by Elly Swartz for ages 8+ (or around that age so they can fully grasp the story and its meaning).  I love the characters’ reactions and traits shown in the bittersweet parts of the book.

Brooke White is a 10-year-old 5th grader and lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has written two books, “ Cupcake the Lying unicorn” and “Cookie Cat and the Tagalongs”. When Brooke isn’t reading or writing you’ll probably spot her sewing, scootering, swimming, or studying. This is Brooke’s first-ever book review! She has been dreaming about becoming a book reviewer ever since she could read!

GIVEAWAY

This book is creating a lot of buzz! If you'd like to win a copy, please leave a comment by October 31. If you're new to my blog, please leave your email address or email me here. Remember, I have to approve your post before you'll see it online. U.S. addresses only.

I ESCAPED THE CALIFORNIA CAMP FIRE: A Middle Grade Review by Guest Blogger, Blake Kurta

         I Escaped the California Camp Fire, by Scott Peters and S.D. Brown, is historical fiction, part of the I Escaped Series that is aimed towards 8–13 year-old readers. However, with its clever descriptions, relatable characters, and pop culture references, it can easily appeal to all ages. For instance, on page 8, the book mentions a character “doing her version of Vanna White and sweeping her hand across the spotless kitchen.” 

            I Escaped the California Camp Fire is a captivating book that draws you in right from the start. I was so engrossed that I had a hard time putting it down. In the opening scene, the protagonists are left at home alone because their parents are on a trip for twenty-four hours. While their parents are away, chaos breaks out. The siblings, Emma and Troy, are racing against a monstrous fire. Amidst all of this frenzied excitement, an electrical black-out takes place making it harder for them to escape. 

            The vivid descriptions made the dangers seem life-like and had me clinging to the edge of my seat, rooting for Emma and Troy to make it out alive. For instance, on page 2 the fire is described as accelerating at a rate fast enough to consume “the equivalent of a football field every second.” Further along, the author writes, “It felt like an oven cranked up to broil.” Later, Troy states, “Look at the hill, flames are spilling down it.” This gave me terrifying visual images while creating a phenomenal picture in my mind. I could practically feel the scorching heat right through the pages. And finally, when I read, “The flames hit the ravine and it looked like a movie filmed in Hades” it made me realize how dangerous the California campfire really was.

            Troy and Emma were in a couple of tricky situations, but they fought through the smoke and flames managing to survive. It’s truly remarkable how they were able to live through the sixth most likely devastating fire in the U.S. all by themselves.

This book demonstrates how devastating fires can be and the long-lasting impact on people’s lives and the environment. For example, the California Camp Fire destroyed thousands of buildings, and some people are still financially recovering from the fire. It is estimated that the fire cost people 150 million dollars. 

            For all of the reasons above I would highly recommend this book. Overall, it was thrilling, action-packed and I really enjoyed reading it. While the story itself is fictitious, I learned about a fascinating, albeit scary historical event from reading this book.

Blake Kurta is 12-years-old and lives in Charlotte, NC. He is homeschooled. In his spare time he enjoys constructing 3D Metal Earth rockets, painting, and pickle ball.