Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the r-ARC of this middle grade novel.

Alder and Oak are an initially unlikely match, but a series of strange events bring them together in a way that can’t be ignored. Though there was a little bit of fantasy (science fiction???) in the middle, I really enjoyed Alder and Oak’s relationship, but also the kindness of their friends.

The house that wasn't there focuses on the friendship between two neighboring "tree kids," Oak and Alder. Oak is upset that Alder has moved next door, and that her family has cut down a walnut tree between the houses. He is also trying to adjust to his changing friendships at school. Alder is trying to come to terms with her sudden move from San Francisco, and all the changes in her life. As the two slowly become friends, they are brought together by their kittens, and. by the house that wasn't there between them. This is a charming story of friendship, discovering who you are, and finding your place in your family.

I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge fan of magic realism. BUT — there are so many beautiful (realistic fiction) parts of The House That Wasn’t There that more than made up for it. I loved all the friendship storylines and the surprise twist ending.

This book will appeal to fans of Crenshaw, The Size of the Truth, or Bob. A wonderful set of coincidences lead to a satisfying ending.

Alder has always lived in his cozy little house in Southern California. And for as long as he can remember, the old, reliable, comforting walnut tree has stood between his house and the one next door. That is, until a new family—with a particularly annoying girl his age—moves into the neighboring house and, without warning, cuts it down.
Oak doesn’t understand why her family had to move to Southern California. She has to attend a new school, find new friends, and live in a new house that isn’t even ready—her mother had to cut down a tree on their property line in order to make room for a second floor. And now a strange boy next door won’t stop staring at her, like she did something wrong moving here in the first place.

As Oak and Alder start school together, they can’t imagine ever becoming friends. But the two of them soon discover a series of connections between them—mysterious, possibly even magical puzzles they can’t put together. At least not without each other’s help.



My Review: I loved The House That Wasn't There! It has been a while since I've stayed up all night reading middle grade fiction but I was drawn to Alder and the friendships in this book. Alder is not athletic but his best friend is very much so. As X spends more time with the cross country team, he also chooses to spend time with Brett instead of Alder. It takes a while for Alder to adjust not having his old bus and lunch partner and it's a feeling that all of us have had.



Arnold handled the situation sensitively and so well. The House That Wasn't There is a story about finding friends and about being yourself just as it is also about a suspicious magic that ties Alder to his new neighbor. The House That Wasn't There has trees, kittens, knitting, drama, and friendship. It's not just a book for young girls - I think it would be a satisfying read for people of any gender and different ages.

What a wonderful story about family, loss, connections, and yes, a little bit of magic. Alder and his mom live alone since his dad died. One day a girl, Oak, and her mom move in next door. Oak’s mom has a tree cut down that separates the two houses and this starts a series of some unhappy and mad times. However, as time passes Oak and Alder become friends in school due to a shared project. They both find out they have kittens that are related. The kittens lead them on a magical journey where they all discover some surprising and delightful news. Kids will love this story.

Elana K. Arnold is a spectacular writer who not only keeps you interested, but also makes you fall in love with her characters so much that you are sad to see them go when you reach the end of the book. You will love the “Tree Kids”, neighbors Adler and Oak and their stories. The characters are unique and realistic. Their story is one that makes you think. The fantastical aspects fit in beautifully.

I loved the plot of this hopeful and funny story about 2 neighbors who think they will never be friends, until they find out that they are more than friends. What happens in these stories will shock you and you will be exposed to a whole new world of possibility and love. It's a great book for readers ages 10-13.

The House That Wasn’t There, by Elana K. Arnold, tells the story of Alder and Oak, two kids who find themselves living next door to each other. A series of coincidences bring the two kids together as they navigate friendships, life with their moms, and new kittens.

Arnold’s style has varied widely throughout her prolific career, and The House That Wasn’t There is no exception. This novel feels classic, like it could have been written fifty years ago, except for all the references to cell phones and streaming services. It fits into the tradition of Roald Dahl and Edward Eager, but with a new, fresh, and feminist take.

Arnold clearly knows what it’s like to be a mom, and she remembers what it’s like to be a kid, too. Her characters feel like real people, with relationships that extend past the pages of the book. Arnold has a knack for finding stories in small, quiet moments. There are a few hidden gems tucked away in the corners of this book, lines that are simple but filled with truth.

Fans of classic children's books will love this fresh addition to the magical realism canon.

Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the ARC!

When the "tree kids" get paired with one another on a project in school, Oak and Alder are forced to work together despite their dislike for one another. Later, they share an adventure that forces them to see and really get to know one another as individuals separate from their parents' dislike for each other. The House That Wasn't There is a charming and thoughtful book about friendships and family.

Alder doesn’t remember much about his dad, but his favorite photo was taken in front of the walnut tree in the yard between his house and his neighbor’s house. He loves that tree. Oak doesn’t want to move from San Fransisco to Los Angeles, yet here she is. When her mom decides to do construction on their house, that big tree on their property has to be cut down. Alder is devastated, Oak is frustrated by being ignored, and the fifth grade might just not be big enough for the both of them. But when two lonely kittens, a storm, and a magical experience draw them together, they may just discover they have more in common than they thought.

The House that Wasn’t There by Elana K. Arnold is beautifully written with a distinct voice. It handles tough subjects with grace, including the difficulty of making friends, fractured friendships, a deceased parent, and enjoying non-gender norm hobbies. These topics are all age appropriately accessible while maintaining an encouraging tone, and are introduced organically. This is one of those novels that helps a kid really see themselves in a book.

These very real topics are tempered with a dash of magical realism. As Oak and Alder connect over a shared experience and set out to solve the mystery that it reveals, the limits of coincidence are explored.

This novel has great character development. This novel showcases the myriad of personalities and personas people inhabit beautifully. Every character we meet, from the protagonists to their teacher, classmates, and relatives is their own unique and memorable character.

This middle grade novel is sure to please readers who love a bit of magical realism.

Thank you to HarperCollins children’s books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book such that I could write this review. This was a treat to read!

The House that Wasn’t There will be released March 30, 2021.