Gr 4–6—When Mia moves to Vermont with her family the summer after seventh grade, the former gymnast
navigates new friendships and tries to save her grandmother's cricket farm, all while nursing a painful and confusing
secret. This engaging, humorous, and heartfelt work is an excellent introduction to consent and the #MeToo
movement, with a fun family mystery to boot.

When this book showed up on my desk as a hold fulfillment, I was shocked. What was it about? I didn't even recall ordering it. However, when I saw who had endorsed it (Laurie Halse Anderson in particular) I knew I had to try it.

Admittedly, I skimmed elements I didn't care about too much. The story was about a girl named Mia whose family has moved--and now she lives really close to her grandmother and her cricket farm. Yes, a cricket farm. I have never read a book that takes place in a cricket farm. So that was intriguing. As was the plot line of Mia meeting a girl named Clover who helps her come up with all sorts of culinary creations involving crickets--hoping the publicity will save her grandmother's cricket farm. Granted, the part of the book involving sabotage of the farm I skimmed; it just didn't jump out at me.

However, this book tackles tough topics. We discover that Mia wants nothing to do with gymnastics anymore. And we find out why: she had been abused by a coach. For it being a middle grade novel, references to "feeling icky" were as far as it went. So some readers might not make the abuse insinuation. Clover also shares about her own dealings with harassment. It's appreciative to see books handling this all too current event in a delicate, yet strengthening, way. The message of sharing with someone is addressed as is the reminder to not let it consume one's life.

So the reason I only gave it a three is due to the parts I skimmed. Honestly, one storyline could have been left out and the novel would have been stronger for it. ( )

Really well done story -- loved how the maker space and kids Launch experience empowered students to create and help their families. Loved how consistent "me, too" theme was woven throughout and how Mia came to terms with her own experience. Loved learning about crickets as a food source. Interesting, entertaining, and with a certain amount of Nancy Drew can-do power. Also, calling out extremely good mystery novels by contemporary authors of color was gracefully done. ( )

Mia moves to Vermont to be closer to her Grams' and her cricket farm. She's recovering from a gymnastic injury and walking away from a sport that no longer feels safe to her for a couple reasons.
Her mom makes her join an activity - she does Launch Camp and Warrior Camp. Along the way over the she discovers new friends, solves the mystery of who is sabotaging her grandma's business, regains faith in her own strength. A quick read with an engaging cast of characters and a strong story. ( )

Quirky yet heartfelt story about speaking up and making friends while solving a mystery. And crickets! Edible crickets! Mia is a relatable and fun protagonist and it was delightful to read a book for this age where there wasn't any girl drama. ( )