Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe by Jo Watson Hackl
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on July 10th 2018
ISBN: 0399557385
Pages: 240
Goodreads

Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe is a strong first novel by a new author that is sure to find a large audience.  Cricket finds herself alone following her father’s death and her mother’s abandonment.  Her strong sense of self and ability to survive in the woods reveals her courage and determination.   This character is seeking a seemly impossible goal but giving up is not in her vocabulary or actions.  

Readers will find this much more than satisfactory as they cheer on Cricket, look for the clues and attach themselves to Cricket, Charlene and Miss V.   Both nature and art play important parts in the storyline bringing feeling and understanding to the plot.  Jo Hackl has offered a very good novel to intermediate and middle school readers (grade 5 – 7); some boys may even find their way inside the covers of this title.

School media librarians and public librarians should consider adding this new author to their collections. The novel might be tagged as an adventure, mystery, or coming of age genre.  Give this book to strong young woman who appreciate good writing, enjoy nature and love art.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME.