(THE WINNER OF LAST WEEK’S GIVEAWAY OF SPELLING IT OUT IS PETE SPRINGER! CONGRATULATIONS!)
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Evie Steinberg only sees her best friend at summer camp each summer. Evie and Dara are everything that make being friends special. Sharing secrets and always there for each other when needed. Best friends forever.
Although A FIELD GUIDE TO BROKEN PROMISES starts out as a summer camp story, it quickly moves in another direction when Evie’s father picks her up early because once again their family is moving.
Evie’s mom is a broadcaster and has gotten a new job at a television station in California. Evie has never lived anywhere long enough to make other friends but this move is going to be long term for the first time.
It’s the start of 7th grade and when Evie arrives she is shocked to see summer camp friend Dara sitting in her first class. Dara was supposed to be going to a boarding school. Instead, they can continue being best friends all year.
The happiness quickly turns ugly when Dara claims not to know Evie and begins spreading wild rumors about her. Evie is portrayed as a stalker, a weirdo, and avoided by other students, except when they are throwing things at her or saying mean things in the hallway. Evie is confused and hurt by the changes in her now former best friend. She has to figure out what happened.
Evie’s dad is a cryptozoologist (someone who studies the existence of legendary creatures like Bigfoot). Evie also enjoys the research and working with her dad in the past. Maybe Dara is a golem. Jewish folklore brings to life this artificial creature. Since Dara’s mom is a rabbi in the Jewish community this must be the answer. Dara is a fake imposter. Evie just needs more evidence. She and two new friends begin the task of proving that Dara is a fake. I can only reveal this plan does not go well.
Forty-three chapters are at the right length and move the story to an appealing resolution. The reason for the change in Dara’s friendship becomes a believable end but also a new beginning for Evie. She is the true star of this tale. Her character is depicted perfectly and will be one young readers can learn from.
A FIELD GUIDE TO BROKEN PROMISES is a unique look at trying to be perfect, the hurt of not fulfilling promises, and how bullying effects all involved. Some great discussion starters for young readers.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 6, 2025 PAGES: 288
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: A FIELD GUIDE TO BROKEN PROMISES by Lean Stecher
- A two parent home is a good thing in most family situations, but when one parent is always away doing work it can become challenging. This is brought forth in excellent fashion here as Evie’s dad is always gone. The effects are hurtful for the rest of the family.
- Crytozoologist. It’s a word you’ve probably not come across, but here you get an insider’s look at the research they must do to make unbelievable creatures believable.
- Many young people will see themselves in Evie, always trying to make things perfect and become the strong person in their family. They’ll find the ending here reassuring.
- Friend drama. The author pours it on in an accurate and revealing portrayal with all the characters.
- A fun bat or bar mitzvah party is a must in this community. You really understand their importance (and expense) with the parties going on during this 7th grade year.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Leah Stecher is the critically acclaimed author of The Things We Miss (Bloomsbury, May 2024) which was an ALSC Notable Children’s Book and a 2024 Shelf Awareness Best Book of the Year and the forthcoming A Field Guide to Broken Promises (Bloomsbury, May 6, 2025). She 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’s website)
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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW! AND BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
Always in the Middle... 
I’m glad you enjoyed Leah’s book. And yes, the parties are a big thing during a bar or bat mitzvah. They were when I was growing up too.
This sounds such an interesting framing for friend drama for teen/tweens. I really hope that Dara is a golem, and I love the cryptozoology aspect! It sounds like the story covers a lot of things kids can to relate to! Thanks so much for sharing!
Shared this blog post with K.B. Jackson who wins Agatha awards for her Sasquatch MG books. I like the addition of new reviewers recently. Thank you, Greg.
I’m tempted to get this book for my great-niece, Evie, partly because of the name and partly because battling against the bullies and coming out on top might help her. But she’s dyslexic, which probably means she needs an audio version. I must talk to her mum!
This book sounds intriguing. Thanks for the review. Happy MMGM.
This does sound really good. I like the cryptozoology and golem aspects too. Happy MMGM
Cryptozoology, huh? Not something in which I put much faith, but it sounds like it adds an interesting element to the story!
Cryptozoology, golems, bar mitzvah and drama, too? Sounds like an intriguing read. I’ll keep my eyes open for it.
This story sounds like it has a lot going on, but in a good way. I’m very intrigued by the cryptozoology aspect, the potential for magical realism, and I feel for Evie with that friendship drama.
And what a great title!
I love the title of this book, and it’s a great cover. I’ve put it on the top of my TBR list. I really want to read it after your review.
I can’t wait to read this one – and I always enjoy your format of listing five things to like about a book. Thanks for sharing!