I usually like a little strange a little odd, but this just didn't work for me. The whole thing felt very monotone...even when action was going on.

This story was definitely too strange for me. Pinfold's illustrations have a certain charm, but I didn't connect to the characters or story at all. I particularly struggled with the heroine's constant references to her stomach almost as though it were a separate being. Pretty sure there was a question mark on my face from the beginning to the end.

This is a surprisingly weird, tender little book. Frank, facing a rough summer being bullied by a neighborhood jerk, finds unexpected aid from the class weird kid, Nick Underhill. Nick rescues Frank and brings her home with him, and while she’s there, she hears a strange, haunting music that she can’t get out of her head. As Frank discovers Nick’s secret, she starts to realize that she’s not the only person who needs some help. It’s a very particular kind of book, but if you liked The Imaginary, give this one a try.

I am on the fence with this book. I liked it but didn't love it. On one hand it's creepy and yet on the other hand it's this great story about friendship.

First off, let me say that I read this as an eBook so the illustrations were not as good as they probably are in the physical version - they probably add to the experience for sure.

Frank is bullied pretty badly, especially during the summer with her best friends gone. One day as she is putting up posters about her missing cat, Nick, a very large boy who is also teased, helps her out. She ends up going to his house where she hears strange music. In time she learns that the music comes from another world where Nick's mom, a troll-like woman is from. But there are other creatures who would like access to the portal in Nick's basement and unfortunately Frank reveals the secret.

An interesting blend of multiple dimensions, magical realism, and mild horror. The first word I would use to describe it is, honestly, weird. The whole atmosphere is a half step away from normal, like a David Almond novel. Harrold takes a number of normal kid experiences (bullying, the missing cat, the weird kid at school) and makes them very "other", vaguely menacing. Shadows, mystery music, government, random ladies with carriages. All of these things are given mild menace. This would be a decent choice for a kid who enjoys reading outside of the mainstream.

A lyrically beautiful story. A fairy tale that grows and lingers and stretches your imagination to it's limits and beyond. A beautiful tale of friendship.

What lengths would you go to to help a friend? Frank explores this question as she navigates a new and tenuous friendship with the class outcast. Having been bullied for years by a tenacious group of boys, Frank is surprised, confused, and embarrassed as Nick Underbridge comes to her aid. Once at his house, a faint and mystical music is heard by Frank, calling her there the next day and the next. She is drawn to the mystery of where it is coming from, and who is creating it. As she begins answer her questions surrounding the source of the music, she is drawn into a world so much bigger and darker than she ever could have imagined.
As a reader, I was immediately in Frank's world and was right beside her as she sought out the answers to her growing number of questions. The author propelled me forward through twists and turns I never saw coming. This hauntingly beautiful novel captured my attention and imagination as I learned that shadows are not always what they appear to be.

Absolutely gorgeous. This book was something of a blend between STRANGER THINGS and A MONSTER CALLS, with all the poetry and wonder that is a hallmark of the best of middle grade books. I read it through in a sitting on my Kindle, and I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy. Highly recommend.

I look forward to recommending this book to my students. At first glance, I assumed this was another book about bullying. It's more than that. This is a science fiction story about a mother's love, friendship that sees beyond physical appearances, and self-confidence. A lyrical sometimes nerve wracking page turner that I can highly recommend.

Frank doesn't know how to feel when Nick Underbridge rescues her from bullies one afternoon. No one likes Nick. He's big, he's weird and he smells – or so everyone in Frank's class thinks.

And yet, there's something nice about Nick's house. There's strange music playing there, and it feels light and good and makes Frank feel happy for the first time in forever.

But there's more to Nick, and to his house, than meets the eye, and soon Frank realises she isn't the only one keeping secrets. Or the only one who needs help …-Goodreads

This will be a short review and mainly because I am not sure how I feel about this book. To begin this book was not what you think it is. Although I would consider this a coming of age story it isn't a typical coming of age story. Frank is a difficult character to love. I say that because there was no real personality to her. She was a very shy girl that was being bullied and cared a lot about her reputation. But beyond that there was not a lot to her. I couldn't say she was strong, noisy a bit but she was truthful as much as she could has been. She was very unsure of herself but there was some growth, especially towards the end, which is why I consider this a coming of age story.

However, what shifted in this book was the magical element. It came out of nowhere...nothing lead up to it. I liked that aspect of the book. But I didn't feel that the magic was the best route for this book. I am not the author, obviously, therefore, I had no right to say that but something was off, maybe misplaced about Nick and his secrets. Maybe it was Frank and the lack of life she brought to the book. I am not exactly sure.

But the entire book felt monotone and it was slow; even when thing were happening. I love this author but this was not the strongest book.

Overall,

2 Pickles

A.F. Harrold is a beautiful writer. I really liked this book as odd and dark as it is. It is a good story with good life lessons. I think it will take the right child to read and enjoy this though and I look forward to trying to find them.