From School Library Journal
Gr 6 Up-Eli, who is white and doesn't mind being mistaken for a boy, has a life of positives and negatives. Positives include her older sister, Anna, and best friends Javi, who is Puerto Rican and gay, and Meena, who is Indian American and "the prettiest girl in eighth grade." Negative is Eli's crush on Meena, because Eli thinks Meena likes boys. The biggest negative, however, is Eli's mother's alcoholism, which often results in police visits and unpaid bills. When a judge orders their mother into rehab, Anna comes to court as "Aunt Lisa," the girls' temporary guardian. Their situation worsens, though, with unpaid rent and Anna disappearing for days with her boyfriend. When social services comes calling, the girls flee-but where can they go? Moon builds a compelling picture of an impoverished family struggling with hereditary alcoholism. Coping with their mother's disease and its consequences has turned both girls into expert liars who struggle to trust anyone, and make poor decisions as a result-though both also find help and hope at Alateen. The world is well-built and the characters are distinct and believable, though Eli's penchant for snooping should have been introduced earlier. Also, the encounter with Anna's birth father feels like a wasted opportunity and adds little to the story. VERDICT This realistic portrayal of a family in crisis sugarcoats nothing, but offers conditional hope for the future.-Rebecca Moore, The Overlake Sch., Redmond, WAα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review
[STAR] “This journey is a rewarding one.” -Publishers Weekly (starred),
“Moon’s heartfelt story walks the line between humor and heartbreak, never shying away from the difficult ramifications of addiction. Tough subjects are addressed here...but the familial love and bonds of friendship always take things to a hopeful place.”-Booklist,
“Raw and realistic. Ultimately, the book feels both personal and beneficial for its intended audience.”-School Library Connection,
“This realistic portrayal of a family in crisis sugarcoats nothing, but offers conditional hope for the future. A compelling picture of an impoverished family struggling with hereditary alcoholism.” -School Library Journal,
“Sweet, sad, funny, heartbreaking, and hopeful, [Middletown] features authentic characters navigating life’s complexities, big and small. A moving and memorable glimpse into one endearing middle schooler’s life.” -Kirkus Reviews,
“The book’s tone is sharp and insightful but never judgmental, and the characters’ voices are distinctive and realistic. Moon offers up powerful and positive life lessons wrapped in an engaging, tender, and satisfying story.”-Horn Book,
“Original, funny, rueful, and most of all, real, Middletown is an engrossing tale told by a deeply likeable tough cookie.” -Emma Donoghue,
About the Author
Sarah Moon is a teacher and writer. She lives and works in Brooklyn, New York, with her wife, Jasmine, and their daughter, Zora. She is the coeditor of The Letter Q, a young adult anthology. Her first YA novel is the critically acclaimed Sparrow.
