I'm always scared when one of my favorite authors expands one of my favorite series. In this middle-grade opener, Megan McCafferty, one of my favorite authors, takes Jessica Darling, one of my favorite characters of all time, back in time to her middle school years. I think the result may divide JD lovers. Those who loved the first two books of the series more than the rest would love IT LIST as well, while those who loved the growth that JD undergoes in the last three books of the series (me) might find parts of this a bit cringe.

It was hard for me to imagine an 11-year-old Jessica, but McCaffrey does a pretty good job with capturing her age-appropriate voice. JD's appealing, acerbic cynicism isn't as full-blown yet; instead, she's still a bit naive, knows that she's on the precipice of great social change, but is still hanging on to ideas of how she and her friends should be like in middle school.

For me, the cringiest moments were when middle-school-aged Marcus appeared on the pages. I dislike prequels in which it is revealed that the characters knew each other from way back when. What's wrong with just letting them exist in the same orbit but not interact until they're a bit more developed as human beings? The IT LIST Jessica-and-Marcus interactions just felt like lip service for the fans and not something that would have happened without great authorial manipulation.

Nowadays I prefer my middle-grade reads a bit more rosy-eyed and magical, but JESSICA DARLING'S IT LIST will appeal to readers who enjoy the angst and cattiness of middle-school friendships.