Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: Falling In

First, respects to Shannon Whitney Messenger for starting MMGM. Since it is Valentine's Day, I thought I would review a book that stole my heart last year. My review today is Falling In by Frances O'Roark Dowell. I found this book browsing B&N's Middle Grade section. I almost cried when I saw the cover because one of my WIP's looked like it might have a similar plot. I snatched it up and began reading. Shew. It was nothing like my WIP but I loved it all the same.

Falling In by Frances O'Roark Dowell

Published March 2010

The Hook: A quirky girl falls through a portal in the principal's office where she falls into a world where children hide from a child-eating witch. Instead of running, Isabelle Bean decides to go find the witch.

Why this is one of my favorite books from last year: Voice and style. I couldn't put it down. Great characters, great point of view, and an exciting plot. Think Wizard of Oz but then erase the thought because it's nothing like it in a backward sort-of-is way. Clearly for girls, although boys might enjoy it. I wanted my daughter to read it as soon as I put it down.

Want more on Falling In? Read more here.