46 pages 1 hour read

Jo Watson Hackl

Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2018

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

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.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe?

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.

RecommendedReading Age

10-14years

Book Details

Genre

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Action / Adventure

Realistic Fiction

Themes

Identity: Mental Health

Relationships: Family

Emotions/Behavior: Hope

Topics

Mental Illness

Arts / Culture