Kelly’s latest book takes readers to a town so small that there only 12 students in the 7th grade class, 13 when Orchid arrives. Naturally, the new girl garners lots of attention but ultimately, she begins to gravitate towards Branson and Dorothy/Didi. Being told from multiple perspectives allows Kelly to reveal feelings and thoughts of more than one character and in a way that establishes distinct personalities. Troubles arise with the usual friend drama and from the meddling of a former Fawn Creek 7th grader who is still making her very strong presence felt. Ultimately, Kelly ends her book with lessons learned in honesty, acceptance, friendship, and being true to who you are no matter the expectations of others, and all of this done without ever feeling “preachy.” I closed the book with a sigh of satisfaction and would put it into the hands of those who enjoy books by Barbara O’Connor, Beth Vrabel, Lisa Graff and Cynthia Lord. Text is free of profanity, physical violence and sexual content although there are shades of romance that may make this more appealing to the older end of the so-called middle grade range. Unlikely to be a choice of those older than grade 7, however.

Thank you to Netgalley and the published for giving me an advanced copy of this book to read and review.

I have fond memories of 7th grade but I believe that is because in my school district, 7th grade was the last year of elementary before you headed off into the abyss known as Junior High. That was a long time ago - but it's interesting that the dynamics of a classroom remain remarkably the same.

The story takes place in a small town in Louisiana called Fawn Creek. Days are pretty much the same for the one dozen 7th graders who have known each other forever - until Orchid Mason arrives. A new kid! And she shakes things up. She's rather mysterious and a bit of a loner but Greyson and Dorothy (mostly Dorothy) decide they should befriend her. And Orchid turns their world upside down with her kindness and unbridled imagination. She renames Dorothy Didi which expands her horizons exponentially. And helps Greyson think outside of the box he has allowed himself to be forced into by family and classmates. Orchid touches everyone in the class and her presence helps them to look at themselves differently. Then the jealous bully - who cannot stand to have her place in the universe eclipsed by a newcomer - rears her ugly head. And lifelong friendships are tested.

The story is broken up into short chapters told from different POVs - mostly Greyson and Didi but other kids in the class are also included - especially janie. I think tweens will want to keep reading to figure out the mystery surrounding Orchid and, of course, to learn what happens at the dance.

In some ways, the book reminded me of Starfish by Lisa Fipps - especially with the family dynamics. Greyson's family is initially almost cruel in their indifference to his feelings. And Dorothy's family remains a conundrum - older parents surprised by the appearance of a child. But Greyson's family - especially his parents - do come around by the end of the story.

Erin Entrada Kelly has a gentle touch when relaying her story and building her preteen /teen characters, and this book is no different. Told from the perspectives of several characters, the book centers around the appearance of a new girl in a 12 member seventh grade. Everyone knows their place in the usual pecking order, from the queen bees who seem to always be the self appointed arbiters of coolness, to the shy and bullied, and everything in between. Orchid mesmerizes her new classmates, especially since she seems so worldly, so different, and the fawn creek kids like status quo. Themes of the constructive power of kindness versus the destructive nature of the bully are strong. Recommend to fans of the MR. TERUPT series by Bob Buyea or THE NEXT GREAT PAULIE FINK by Ali Benjamin.
Thank you to Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, and NetGalley for the digital arc.

I've enjoyed other books by Erin Entrada Kelly. Like her others, Those Kids from Fawn Creek, was full of diverse characters and valuable lessons for kids. It wasn't my favorite of her's, but I can see many students connecting with the characters and storyline.

This is one of my favorite middle grade novels in 2022. It is such a sweet story of friendship and figuring out where to belong and realizing that there is more to everyone than meets the eye. I am recommending this title for my state Readers' Award list for grades 4-6.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kelly is a great author that writes important books for young readers. Thanks for the ARC from Net Galley and the publisher.

Another beautiful book by Erin Entrada Kelly. Thank you to NetGalley for the early copy.

Fawn Creek is tiny. Not much exciting and new happens in Fawn Creek. Ever. So when Orchid Mason moves to town and joins the 12 seventh grade kids in Fawn Creek, the other students are blown away by her big city vibe and her stories of international adventure that are a far cry from life in Fawn Creek.

Great characters and a lovely story about wanting to fit in as the new kid, and the hope that this time might be different, Erin has written another middle grade novel that will speak to the hearts of teens and tweens who are finding their way in the world.

Thank you, NetGalley, for an e-ARC of Those Kids from Fawn Creek by Erin Entrada Kelly.
Erin Entrada Kelly is among my favorite middle-grade authors. Her books are relatable for middle-grade readers, yet give a strong message. Those Kids from Fawn Creek did not disappoint. Kelly creates characters that are memorable and well-rounded. She shows the good and bad personalities that make up middle school. Dorothy has to make tough decisions, decisions that may make her unpopular.

Another winner from Erin Entrada Kelly with a diverse cast of voices contributing to the story. This one took a little while for me to get fully invested in the story, but came together nicely in the end.

Those Kids from Fawn Creek is a gorgeously written, character-driven, slice-of-life middle grade book about bullying and the power of kindness. Set in a small town and told from multiple points of view, this book is impressively immersive and engaging. Once you start to these Fawn Creek kids, you’ll never want to leave — and when you do leave, they’ll stay with you forever. I’d definitely recommend this one for older middle grade readers ages 10 and up.

I really love Erin Estrada Kelly. She is an award winning author with an amazing talent to craft beautiful stories. I liked this book but it was not close to some of my favorites by her. There wasn’t anything wrong with the story. I just thought the plot drug on more than usual.

A look into middle grade life in a novel told through multiple points of view. I really enjoyed this book and feel that many children that like realistic fiction will too.

Erin Entrada Kelly is absolutely amazing and never disappoints. I loved these characters and how they have been together for so long. My kids can definitely relate to the struggles and home issues these characters go through.

I think kids would enjoy this story of a class full of kids trying to shuck the identities they’ve been assigned after years of knowing each other. Will definitely recommend to students. One note is that I found myself confusing the two female cousins. I wish they’d had more distinguishing characteristics.

Fawn Creek's seventh grade class is a class of 12 people, so when Orchid Mason comes in as their 13th classmate, everyone is in awe of her. Orchid has lived in grand places such as New York City and Paris, she even has a Parisian boyfriend! Grayson and Dorothy become her confidants and best friends, and Orchid becomes the target of bullies Rennidean and her minions. When Orchid's past comes into question, Grayson and Dorothy have to decide what to do. For fans of Stargirl and coming of age stories.

Erin Entrada Kelly just never disappoints, and this was no exception. The characters are engaging, the plot compelling, and the resolution satisfying. This belongs in collections that cater to middle grade readers.

Thank you to HarperCollins Children's Books, Greenwillow Books, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Those Kids from Fawn Creek by Erin Entrada Kelly.

Fawn Creek, Louisiana is a small town where everybody knows everybody along with all their business. The 7th-grade class is small and the kids are all resigned to the fact that nothing exciting ever happens in their town. When a new girl named Orchid Mason moves to town, things get a whole lot more interesting. Orchid has traveled to far-flung places and even had a boyfriend when she lived in Paris. Everyone is fascinated by her! As the story progresses, the reader learns that things - and people - are not always as they seem.
For me, this book was reminiscent of The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes. It's about friendship, being true to yourself, and being kind and compassionate even when people aren't always honest with you.

This was a charming middle-grade read. It’s a great readalike for Star Girl, but there are more characters and I felt like it was a touch more thoughtful than Stargirl was. Really interesting and really good coming of ages represented here. Four stars.

This wasn't my favorite Erin Entrada Kelly book. It moved a little slow for my taste and I wish more had happened. I liked the setting and the closeness of the kids who had been together since the beginning of their school careers.