I fell in love with Janae Marks's first book, so I was so excited to get the opportunity to review A Soft Place to Land. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The characters are relatable and real. They all have their struggles that they are going through, and they utilize their friendships to encourage and support each other. I would absolutely bring this book into my classroom as either a read-aloud or a small group novel. It has so many great discussion points, and it was beautifully written from beginning to end!

Another fantastic book for middle school by Janae Marks! This book tells the story of Joy a girl whose father recently lost his job, her family needed to move out of her childhood home, she is no longer able to afford piano lessons and her parents are consistently fighting. Through these challenges Joy makes new friends in her apartment building who show her a "hideout" they have in the bottom of the building that is only for kid and no adults know about. The story speaks to situations that middle school students are dealing with and is engaging. It shows the impact of her families changing socioeconomic status due to her dad loosing his job and due to the current economy/impact of Covid there are many children who would relate to this situation. It also shows how that impacts her parents relationship. Joy and her new best friend start walking dogs in order to save up for piano lessons because music is her passion and she is no longer able to attend her lessons. Without spoiling the book there is also some complex friendship dynamics and an argument/falling out the the kids need to resolve. It all comes together to tell a really fun story that has multiple elements that middle school readers would identify with.

Joy has a lot going in in her life starting with moving from a house to an apartment , dealing with her parents separation, and finding new friends . Really enjoyed Marks' 2nd novel.

What a powerful middle-grade book, covering topics like lay-offs and downsizing, parental separation, and making new friends after a move. I enjoyed all the characters, including all of Joy's new neighbors!

A good book about real life that shows different ways to adjust to life's circumstances. I'm glad it showed the parents working out their problems and that sometimes they just need space too. The family works well and, hopefully, there really are apartment complexes like this one.

Another amazing book by this author! I love that, like Zoe’s story, this story about Joy and Nora is one I can hand to my 6th graders and they will love it. It has heart, family dynamics many kids can relate to, and a great message of redemption and friendship. There need to be more books like this for that upper-middle grade audience who are ready for a meatier story without violence, cursing and sexual situations. Well done. Can’t wait for my students to get to read it once it’s published.

Fans of Marks’ debut will love A Soft Place to Land. Young readers will relate to Joy’s struggles, fears, and aspirations. This book deftly explores how kids face the ever-changing circumstances around them. Highly recommend.

The cover is the first great thing about this story! I couldn't put this one down and highly recommend it!

Full of heart, with richly developed, relatable characters. Loved the storyline, and the satisfying conclusion.

NetGalley ARC Educator 550974

Excellent story about friendship, dealing with grief and creating a safe space for kids. Acceptance is huge as is responsibility. Themes in this one sitting read include divorce, dealing with life's changes, and entrepreneurship.

An excellent book for all ages.

Great book about family, friends, changes, and forgiveness. When 12 year old Joy’s family moves to an apartment, she’s not happy. She has to share a room with her little sis, and the walls are thinner so she hears her parents arguing more. She starts to make friends and she learns there is a secret Hideout in the basement where her new friends can go to be alone or to hang out for movie night. Only they know about it. Joy and Nora start a dog walking business, and all goes well until something happens. Then Joy becomes upset with her parents and escapes to the Hideout. When her parents learn about the Hideout, it is closed down and her friends get mad. Joy has to come up with a solution to make everything right. In time, Joy finds it’s not about where you live but being together with people you love is what matters the most.