We all have a book that has been sitting in our TBR pile that we've been wanting to read, but haven't. Or maybe MANY books. One of them for me is THE STRANGERS by Margaret Peterson Haddix.
As my Spring Break began, I decided to FINALLY finish it and I was rewarded with a very solid story of a family struggling through loss, siblings pulling together, a mystery I couldn't figure out, and a tale of "alternate worlds". All of that in one book! THIS book!
Of course, the other factor that makes this book a must-read is its author! Haddix is a master of writing mysteries that aren't like any other -- with pages and events that compel wonder and the turning of pages -- from her series THE MISSING to CHILDREN OF EXILE.
This latest series (Greystone Secrets) with the introduction of a family of endearing siblings (Chess, Finn, and Emma) seems more poised towards upper elementary. Haddix gave each member of the family a unique voice, with alternating chapters told from their point of view. All want to help their mother and figure out why she has disappeared --
Other characters are also noteworthy: Natalie, the seemingly surly teen with a backstory who becomes part of their lives as they search for clues to their mother's disappearance; Natalie's own mother, Ms. Morales -- an acquaintance of the Greystones' -- but close enough to take care of them if their mother is gone forever. Does she have a story, too?
This first installment in the series is satisfying-- and made me -- once again-- appreciate and be thankful that we have writers like Haddix who create exciting books for kids that aren't predictable -- and -- even in their fantasy-like qualities -- still make me wonder about my own ordinary life, too.
Many thanks to @HarperChildrens for the review copy!
Read more about the book here.
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