This middle grade novel is perfect for our strong, independent girls needing to see themselves in literature! I already put it on my purchase list for the start of the school year. Thank you for the opportunity to review it. I have the author's YA novel, but this is great for my younger girls. :)

I don’t often read Middle Grade fiction, but Ellie Engel Saves herself is worth the divergence. This book is fun, heartwarming, and honest in a way I’ve never read a story about a Black girl at that age. Johnson captures something really magical in Ellie as a character and this feels like the Good Place. I will absolutely keep this book in my classroom library.

“Ellie Engle Saves Herself” by Leah Johnson is an empowering and heartwarming coming-of-age novel that stole my heart! Johnson’s portrayal of Ellie’s journey to self-discovery is beautifully written and deeply relatable. The book tackles important themes such as identity, family, and love, with incredible sensitivity and authenticity.

Ellie is a fiercely strong and resilient protagonist, and her growth throughout the story is truly inspiring. I loved how Johnson portrayed her as a complex and multi-dimensional character, making her feel like a real person with real struggles. The book also celebrates friendship and the power of finding your tribe, which left me with a warm and uplifting feeling.

The story’s inclusivity and representation are commendable, adding depth and richness to the narrative. Johnson’s writing is delightful, witty, and heartfelt, making it impossible to put the book down. “Ellie Engle Saves Herself” is a captivating read that leaves you feeling empowered and hopeful, reminding us all that we have the strength within ourselves to overcome life’s challenges. I highly recommend this wonderful novel to anyone seeking a powerful and touching story.

This is a great middle-grade book about finding yourself and saving others. Leah Johnson does a fantastic job creating three dimensional characters but keeping it light and easy to read.

Thank you, NetGalley, for an e-ARC of Ellie Engle Saves Herself by Leah Johnson.
This is a great middle-grade book about finding yourself and saving others. Leah Johnson does a fantastic job creating three dimensional characters but keeping it light and easy to read. I've already ordered copies of this book for my library, and can't wait to recommend it to readers!

We absolutely love love love this book.

I will always love and support a book that offers a mirror of representation for my daughters for them to see themselves the main character and heroine in a story. To see that character have courage and face her problems head on. To see her as smart.

And I will always recommend it, especially this book. To friends where this is a mirror and to friends where this is a window.

Bravo on a book well written with fun.

I adored this book. It was such a great blend of realistic fiction settings and problems with a fantastical super power thrown into the mix. There were parts with wisdom, parts that made me laugh out loud, parts where I felt sympathy, and more. Such a great book with layered characters. Can I have a sequel?

After an earthquake, Ellie discovers she can revive things that are, well dead. After a video of her resurrecting her science dissection frog goes viral, Ellie's world turns upside down. Her best friend Abby is jealous beyond words because she is accustomed to being in the spotlight while Ellie hangs in the shadows. Is the end of the world for Ellie, or just the beginning of a new adventure with allies she never expected.

This book was not what I thought it would be. It had a some magical stuff happening to some of the characters. The cover is colorful and eye catching. The title went a long with the book. Middle grade girls seem to have lots of drama and this book was about some middle grade drama, but in the end the main character learned to stand up for herself. So the message was a good one. I think this would make a good graphic novel.

I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
Ellie is a likable character who uses her abilities responsibly. The influence from comic books can be seen throughout and made things interesting. It did at moments feel like a typical coming-of-age story though.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book.

I so badly wanted to like this one, but I really struggled to get into it. Despite my own struggles, I could already think of a handful of students I'd recommend it to who I thought would absolutely love it. It may not be for everyone, but for the right readers, it's a home run.

Fun middle grade read -realistic fiction with a touch of fantasy! Younger middle grade readers will enjoy following Ellie on her journey of redefining her closest friendship, redefining herself, and rethinking her relationship with her mom and grandpa as she moves into middle school.

"If you want to be a hero the first thing you have to do is have a great origin story." Ellie Engle knows that - because she is a comic book reader and has learned a lot from superhero tales. The problem is Ellie never wanted to be a hero. Ellie's life is fairly ordinary and that is okay with her. She has her mom (although she is always at work), her pet goldfish (although a fish is hard to cuddle), and her time at the bakery helping out Mr. Walker (her grandpa's buddy). Most of all, she has her best friend Abby. Abby is the one determined to make her mark on the world and Ellie is content to cheer Abby on from the sidelines.

After an earthquake hits their town and it seems that Ellie has developed a super power, suddenly everything is out of control. Reporters are hounding Ellie and her mom, keeping their house under siege. Abby has decided to join the cheerleading squad at school and suddenly only has time for her new friends just when Ellie needs her. A mean student in class posts a video of Ellie that captures the attention of a pop star, pushing Ellie into the spotlight and making Abby jealous. On top of everything else, Ellie realizes she has a crush on Abby. Middle school is hard enough without all those extra problems. Will the lessons Ellie has learned from the stories of superheroes be enough to see her through this crisis, or has she met her doom?

Ellie is a believable character caught up in some unbelievable situations and readers will root for her as she works out the best way to get her life back under control. And we may also be quietly hoping that the meanies get their just desserts.

Ellie Engle is a wonderfully relatable character. You will be rooting for her success in the midst of all the challenges she is facing.

A MG superhero story that shows kids that it’s okay to be your own hero.
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Ellie Engle is about to head into middle school. She’s perfectly happy with how things are: quiet time in her room and hanging out with her BFF Abby, whom she also has feelings for, and who also wants to be a popular cheerleader. When an earthquake gives Ellie the power to resurrect living things, she’s now worried about how to control this new part of herself. Unfortunately her new powers create a rift between Ellie and Abby and when she’s caught on camera resurrecting a dead frog in science class, Ellie must now deal with sudden fame. How will she be able to survive middle school when she’s a sudden internet phenomenon?
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What a delightful middle grade debut by Johnson. I’m a huge fan of her YA titles and just loved Ellie’s whole vibe. She’s a girl who knows what she wants, what she likes and is perfectly okay with that—she’s the hero every kid can look up to. This needs to be a series! I can’t wait to moderate the @americanlibraryassociation #ALAAC23 panel and talk all things magic! @disneybooks

CW: grief, bullying, death of a grandparent (discussed), parental abandonment

4.5 ⭐️

Ellie is perfectly content being the quiet best friend. But, when an earthquake leaves Ellie with superpowers like those in her beloved comics, Ellie is forced into the spotlight. Now she must navigate middle school, superpowers, and the possibility that she loves her best friend as more than a friend. This is a cute story about identity, friendship, and self-acceptance.

Ellie Engle's life is confusing. Her best friend is growing away from her, her family is changing, middle school is, well, middle school. And she suddenly acquires super-powers. Ellie, who likes to stay in the background, is now in the foreground! In this sweet story she learns to take chances and trust herself.

Lovely middle grade novel, with just the right amount of humor and self-discovery. Perfect for readers who love a superhero origin story.

This unique and inventive story expertly uses fantasy to make the themes of the story accessible to MG readers. Ellie is a relatable and engaging main character. Highly recommend!

I'm absolutely LOVING Leah Johnson's first foray into middle grade. Ellie Engle is funny, relatable, and, like so many of us, just trying to get by without making too many waves. ELLIE ENGLE SAVES HERSELF explores the trials of shifting relationships and how a young person so used to being overshadowed struggles to love themselves boldly and brightly. Ellie's coming into her sexuality, re-analyzing the dynamic between her and her best friend Abby, and attempting to manage her newfound freak-accident powers. Ellie’s thoughtful and considerate, often putting the concerns of those around before what she wants or needs. Even though her mother is not always present due to work and financial constraints, Ellie still has immense respect and understanding for her mother’s circumstances and even strives to make the burden easier on her mother. She’s a self-aware middle schooler, but it’s an appropriate amount of self-awareness. I’m looking forward to more middle grade novels from Leah Johnson