This book is absolutely wonderful.. The story is told from the perspective of Josey, a 107-year-old resident of Shady Glen Retirement Home. As Josey explains in the first chapter, there are really two stories being told, one of which is Josey's tale of meeting the love of his life, Olka, and their experience in the Holocaust. The other story is of Alex, a 12-year-old boy from a difficult home life who has been given community service at Shady Glen due to an event in his past. The relationship that develops between Alex and Josey as they learn each other's stories is beautiful, heart-warming and hopeful. The book is also filled with many delightful side characters, including other residents of the retirement home that Alex gets to know. This book would be a wonderful middle grade novel to introduce and educate about the Holocaust, as well as to foster empathy for others whose life circumstances are vastly different from our own. I cannot recommend this novel enough.

Alex has made a terrible mistake which has him performing community service in a nursing home. Josey is a 104-yr old man who unexpectedly befriends him. We learn of Alex's present and Josey's past and all the ways they intersect as each finds what they need from each other. A moving middle grade novel about second chances, forgiveness, compassion and intergenerational friendship.

This is a touching, cross-generational story about a struggling young boy forced to volunteer at a retirement home, and the unexpected connections he makes. There’s a lot that could be triggering in this book, but there is so much to relate to. Elements such as rejection, abandonment, grief, anger, found-family and forgiveness. It’s a middle grade book, but really it’s for anyone who has felt small in an out of control world. Big thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for access to the eGalley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC for Not Nothing by Gayle Forman. This is a story of a young boy who has endured a lot in his life. He moves a lot with his mom and witnesses her descent into a mental health crisis. His anger causes him to do something that significantly impacts his life. However, it also leads him to the nursing home where he meets a 107 year old Holocaust survivor. This is a moving tale about how our actions impact our lives and how we can find redemption too. I was totally engrossed in this book and I know my students will be too.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book. Even though it was written for young adults, I still think that adults would enjoy reading this novel. Gayle Forman writes novels that keep the reader engaged and are filled with heart and emotion. This book was just a treat to read. I believe it will be very popular this fall.


Many Thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Intertwined stories of a boy with a troubled history serving community service hours at a retirement home and a man at the retirement home who tells his heartbreaking story of forbidden love during the Holocaust. I would have loved to see more of the relationship development between Alex and Josey - those were my favorite parts. Overall a heartwarming middle grade read.

I loved the premise of this story being about a 12 year old boy and a 107 year old man connecting with each other. I loved their connections and I loved the World War II story line. I do feel it was a little harsh comparing the atrocities of World War II with what Alex did seemed a little harsh. Also, since there are discussions of same sex relationships and gender identity, I would not let a middle schooler read this book. I believe this topics do not need to be introduced in a middle school setting.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

In some ways, this book reminded me of Tree. Table. Book., which came out earlier this year. In that story, a girl befriends an elderly neighbor and learns of her experiences during the Holocaust.

Not Nothing also depicts a close bond between a child and a Holocaust survivor. This time, though, the 107-year-old man narrates the story as if he’s telling it to his lost love, Olka.

The narrative is poignant and gentle even as it tells of hard things: a boy losing his mom when he’s placed in foster care; a family losing their business during the Nazi occupation of Poland; a man separated from his love; and a girl dealing with a parent recovering from a serious illness.

We rarely see main characters, especially in middle grade fiction, who have made terrible choices and now must face the consequences of those choices. This is a brave story that’s also a little bit unsettling. It reminds us that people aren’t one thing. It reminds us that when we judge someone by the worst mistake they’ve made, we miss so many opportunities for good things.

I really appreciated the author’s note that explains why she wrote this book and what inspired the narrative choices she makes in the text. This book offers a lot to think about. I think it also includes a cameo of one of the main characters from Frankie & Bug, also by Gayle Forman.

It's Publication Day.

Thank you Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Aladdin for allowing me to read and review Not Nothing by Gayle Forman on NetGalley.

Publication: 08/27/24

Stars: 4

Beautifully written book centered around a troubled 12-year-old boy. Forman's storytelling was mesmerizing. I would have finished this in one sitting had adult responsibilities not called.

Forman expands on the synopsis in a mature, age appropriate manner. While middle grade, there is a sophistication that makes the story friendly and purposeful for all ages. Her point that life isn't fair is made. Her action of a just life is something for all to consider in the end.

Using current parental sexual differences seemed out of place in the story.

Overall, I would recommend this with guidance from a mature caregiver.

This was an incredibly moving tale about 12-year-old Alex who feels defined by the one very bad thing that he did in his life. Alex has not had it easy - his mother is AWOL with mental health issues, his father is dead, and he is living with family that don't really want him. After a violent act, Alex is sent to do volunteer work at a nursing home where he meets 107-year-old Josey and the friendship that develops between them helps to heal them both. This book tackles many very tough subjects but also is such a wonderful reminder how the bond between different generations can be very powerful. I would highly recommend this book.

4.5 ⭐️

I have absolutely loved everything I have picked up by Gayle Forman. This was an incredible story that captured my attention throughout. After perusing some other reviews that were seriously so good and have me questioning… am I good enough to write reviews?!?! I do feel confident in saying while though I thoroughly enjoyed, I am curious about what the target audience would think! I do think few in this age group could enjoy it, but maybe an older age would be more appreciative, and taken by the story.

Yet again I LOVED STORY! And Gayle’s authors note was the icing on the cake.

Thank you Simon Kids

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What a beautiful and sad story. This was paced perfectly & the alternating story that takes place in present day with Alex vs Josey’s story back during the war made me want to throw all responsibilities to the side & keep reading to see what happens next. The holocaust was and is such an important part of history. Even though Josey is a fictional character, millions of people experienced what he did in real life. The author explains at the end where she got her inspiration for Josey & those people are indeed very real. Alex’s story is also a heartbreaking one. The heart of the book is about forgiveness, acceptance, & change. The message about judging a person for the worst thing they’ve done vs the good things they’ve done is so important for young readers to understand. Change is possible. It’s possible to be a good person and to have done something bad. Getting to know the character of Alex before discovering what exactly he’s done really helps readers see how good and bad isn’t so black and white. I give this book all of the stars.

Thank you to NetGalley & Simon & Schuster for the advance copy.

A story of opportunity from present day mixed with a Holocaust story of the past. What happens when your summer turns into court ordered community service at a retirement home? Nothing good could possibly come from this punishment, or so Alex thinks. This story is told from multiple points of view and was a little hard to follow at first but I was fully invested and could not put it down. You may need some tissues but it will be worth the emotional ride!

Thank you to S&S for not just sharing a review copy but for supporting such an important, persistently hopeful, and timely, enduring read. Not Nothing takes on dark themes but it is so hopeful, unwavering in the belief that readers young and old can see the hope even in the darkness, just as "the boy" finds hope. meaning, purpose despite the darkness he has experienced. I value a story that trusts young readers to handle these topics, recognizes many live with darkness, and that we can always become better versions of ourselves when we open ourselves up to really hearing the stories others can give us, when we keep the past part of the present by taking themes of justice, love, and family into our actions and dreams.

Alex—more commonly referred to in the pages of Not Nothing as "the boy"—has done something terrible. At the age of 12, he has an impending court date, the threat of a reform home, and community service ahead of him. He's taken up work he can't stand at a retirement home, forced to work alongside a girl named Maya-Jade whom he instantly decides to dislike. Then, while delivering meals during a lockdown, he meets Josey: a 107-year-old man, blind and nonverbal. But something about Alex makes Josey break his silence.

Soon, the two begin to talk, with Josey telling the story of how he met his wife Olka and the two's trials during the Holocaust. Their time together inspires Alex to do more: befriending Maya-Jade and the other residents of Shady Glen, fighting for what's right, and telling the stories of the rest of the residents. But as Josey's story nears its end, the truth of Alex's crime comes out—to Josey, Maya-Jade, and everyone.

Not Nothing may dwell on dark topics, but it's ultimately a hopeful read. It posits that, no matter how little you've done before, or how badly you've acted, you are always in a position to change. To use Alex's most hated word, there is always an opportunity to become a better person. It's an important lesson, especially for young readers—we can always become the best version of ourselves, even when others have seen us at our worst.

One of the best Y.A. books I’ve ever read.
A young boy of twelve has endured a lot in his short life. Moving around with his mom to 14 different places, watching her mentally decline during COVID lockdown, and then having her walk out of rehab has torn him up. Anger, extreme anger, has become his default mode, and one day, a kid at school unthinkingly triggers it and everything blows to pieces…
Encouraging, uplifting themes about the power of forgiveness and true friendship. The Holocaust story that is told in segments in the voice of a 107-year-old survivor, in the setting of a nursing home in present time, is truly heart-breaking. It takes this coming-of-age story about a troubled pre-teen to a different level of inspiration…
This book should be in every classroom, everywhere.
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

This was the best book I've read in 2024. I absolutely loved it. The narration by Josey (who is 107) perfectly brings the 2 stories of his past and 12 year-old Alex, who has been ordered by the court to "volunteer" at Shady Glen where Josey is living out his remaining days - mute for years and waiting to die. What follows is, as the cover states, a story about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Josey's life story follows him through and out of the Holocaust. His is a love story and one of survival. Stories like this one that show how some people during the Holocaust clung to what made them human - the ability to love are some of the best. Alex has done a terrible thing and that is why he is at Shady Glen. Alex has lost his mother and he is residing with relatives who resent having to have their lives upended. They do the least for him and it seems so many people have done just that. He has done a terrible thing and that is why he is at Shady Glen. The ending will tug at your heartstrings and restore your faith in humanity (if you've lost it like I have!) A must read and one that is certainly going to be on my mock Newbery for our youth services librarians.

I loved this book and can't wait to book talk it in my class! So heartfelt and moving. Kids with all different interest will truly enjoy this book!

Alex's life hasn't been easy. His dad is gone, his mom is struggling with mental health issues. Now he's living with his aunt and uncle who aren't exactly excited to have him. After a violent incident stemming from a bullying incident, Alex's social worker pulls some strings to have him volunteer at a senior living facility for the summer. At the senior facility, Alex meets Josey, a 107-year-old man who hadn't talked to anyone in years. However, something makes him want to talk to Alex. So, he starts to tell him his story. As the two form a bond, Alex believes that maybe, just maybe he can make a difference in the world.

Thanks to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Not Nothing by Gayle Forman to review! Forman made the transition from YA to middle grade with ease, writing stories that will definitely tug at your heart strings. Notably, the heart of this story is that you can't always judge people by their actions and that you can find connection in the most unlikely places. I loved how Alex and Josey's relationship evolves throughout the book in that they both kind of needed each other.

Forman also nails the emotions in this story. working through grief about past actions and trying to figure out how to move into the future. In addition, we also get Josey's story from WWII nestled in what's happening with Alex, some of the emotions reflecting Alex's own struggles. Forman wove their stories together masterfully to create an emotionally satisfying story.

The side characters all play important roles as well; in a way, they all help Alex along his emotional journey. Honestly, if you're not reading middle grade right now, you should. There are so many great stories being published for that age group, this one included!

Finally, if you like books that don't shy away from the hard stuff, with a strong cast of characters and strong emotions, definitely check this one out later this month!

A boy's awful action followed by a painful road to some level of redemption, interspersed with the sometimes harrowing stories of the elderly people the boy cares for while performing mandated community service. Clear, distinct voices of each character, stories that resonate with authenticity and heart. Beautifully wrought.