7th Grade. Just those two words can conjure up memories both good and bad. For J.P. Green they are mostly bad.
She never feels comfortable in the clothes she wears, is embarrassed by her body shape, and seems to always say the wrong thing or nothing at all. She has one good friend in Kevin as they have grown up together.
J.P.’s escape from reality happens when she finds a strange door in her neighbor’s tree house. It’s a door painted on the wall until J.P. approaches and it turns into a real door. Stepping through it she soon finds that a pathway lets her skip the next 3 days, never remembering what happened. Repeat as necessary. Which is way too often.
The escape is perfect as no one knows she is gone. But mentally she can’t tell you what happened during her away time. There is no memory of PE fitness tests, oral reports, facing Miranda-her nemesis and personal bully, or conversations with Mom or Grandpa.
The first person narration is an emotional journey with heartbreaking scenes throughout. A strong voice taking us along for the journey. You’ll keep reading and hope better days are ahead for J.P. after she realizes being gone for so many important events are making her situation worse.
Issues of mental health, body shaming, and loss of loved ones will be familiar to many young readers. THE THINGS WE MISS is a dramatic, often hard to put down narrative that would make a great story for discussion.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 7, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 288
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE THINGS WE MISS by Leah Stecher
- Pop Pop was a memorable adult character, always there for J.P. His courageous bout with cancer was a tough reality to deal with for his granddaughter.
- The realization that coping skills come about by being present in one’s life.
- Kevin is the kind of friend everyone should have. He knows when to say the right thing and his connection with Leah was heartwarming…even with a few bumps along the way.
- The realities portrayed about life in 7th grade will help others dealing with some of the same issues.
- J.P. and her mom’s relationship had many tough moments. It was nice to see it come around in a more positive way.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Leah Stecher was born and raised in Southern California and currently lives in coastal Maine. By day, she edits policy papers for an environmental nonprofit; by night, she writes middle grade fiction. She has strong opinions on tea blends, chocolate chip cookie recipes, and action movies. (Author Website)
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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!
BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
Always in the Middle... 
This was very interesting, but I had hoped the ending would be a little happier!
I like how this story deals with contemporary issues but also has an element of magical realism. Thanks for sharing it this week.
Seems to discuss pretty intense subjects, but I really like the message of being present in one’s life. I total blanked on MMGM but do have a post up for The Cookie Crumbles, if you’re interested. Have a lovely day.
I am intrigued (and slightly horrified) by the premise of this book! Not sure I could handle an unhappy ending right now.
Oh–this sounds like a tough book (sort of like what Maria Antonia said.) It sounds heavy for 7th grade. One of these weeks I’ll have another MG book to share here!