Arc Review: Every Missing Piece by Melanie Conklin

Image: LBYR

Every Missing Piece by Melanie Conklin. 284p. Little, Brown and Company, May 26, 2020. 9781368048958. (Review of arc courtesy of publisher ALAMW.)

Normally, a review for a book like this would go in a "Middle Grade Monday" post. Those are scheduled through June and this sweet book is publishing next month. Given that marketing events like book tours and school visits are cancelled, I wanted to spread the word about another 2020 MG favorite and encourage you to pre-order the book, preferably from an indie. (Rec below.)*

Eleven-year-old Maddie Gaines is very aware that tragedy can strike at any time. This happened to her three years ago when her father died. Since then, Maddie is ever-vigilant, always searching for ways accidents can happen. Her mom indulges her weekly safety checks but has to draw the line at calling the police. After a few panicked calls to 911, the sheriff insisted that they stop except for a true emergency. But what about the mysterious boy who's setting booby traps in the woods? The one that looks suspiciously like the boy who went missing six months ago?

That's not all Maddie's worried about. There's Stan, her mother's new husband. Stan is perfectly nice. Maddie acknowledges he is trying hard. But what about her dad? Stan is a puzzle piece that does not fit and her dad is a missing piece that can't be found. Maddie keeps his picture by her bed and texts him each night. She knows he won't answer but it helps.

Maddie's voice charms from the start when she misses the bus due to tornadoes. Well, potential tornadoes drove her to hide in the culvert and her bus driver has a reputation for being tough. She's surrounded by a community of appealing characters and a vivid southern setting. It is very easy to get folded into the warmth of this book and not want to leave. There's laughter, mystery, longing, friend drama, a potential tragedy, and a few tears. Something for everyone.

There are quite a few TMS students who are fans of the author's debut, Counting Thyme who are very eager for Every Missing Piece. I can't wait to introduce them to Maddie Gaines.

*I'm pretty sure Ms. Conklin was planning a launch at Words in Maplewood. I've trekked to this treasure of store for quite a few launches and would've for this one. If you are in the north Jersey area, it's an easy hop off the NJ Turnpike, for when the quarantine is lifted. In the meanwhile, they are filling online orders: https://store.wordsbookstore.com/pre-order-signed-copy-every-missing-piece