I'm not usually one for middle grade fiction but I will forever be making an exception for Danielle Binks. 

Here's what I liked about the story:
-Friendships on the cusp of the transition between primary and high school. It can be such a difficult time for so many kids for a variety of reasons. 
-Whilst friendship was the main theme throughout the novel I liked that it didn't shy away from heavier topics that impact children such as illness, anxiety and addiction. 
-Intergenerational relationships and how young and old can care for one another. 
-Enjoyed the overarching idea of the past, history and memory. These were also beautifully threaded throughout. 
-The ending, I was really worried it was going to shatter me but it instead left me feeling hopeful. 
-My most important take away would have to be seeing school refusal on the side of the student. Including some of the causes, triggers and feelings. I think this was really impactful. 

What I felt wasn't completely resolved was Leo's mental state, while a lot of things improved in his life I'm not sure he ended the story will the tools he needed to work through his anxiety. 

Key quote "Nobody knows they're in the past until they're out of it- that what they're experiencing is going to be history one day, a moment to try to document and remember" pg228.

Thank you to Hachette Australia for my #gifted copy.