This high-low middle grade fantasy will have a lot of appeal to tweens. It has elements of classic fantasy stories but written in a modern way in current times. It also deals with family issues in a realistic yet refreshing way. As an adult I enjoyed reading it!

Jan Fields' The Door is an unexpected gem for middle-grade readers. This high-low novel seamlessly blends an engaging, fantastical plot with accessible language, making it a perfect choice for struggling readers.

The story centers on Lata, a grieving girl who believes a mysterious door will appear in her school's wall, transporting her to a different world. When new student Tom witnesses her obsession, an unlikely friendship and adventure unfold. Fields masterfully balances the emotional depth of Lata's character with the whimsical premise of a magical door, creating a story that is both heartwarming and exciting.

What sets The Door apart is its ability to captivate middle-grade readers without being condescending to them. The simple yet effective writing style ensures that even reluctant readers can easily follow the plot, while the intriguing premise keeps them engaged. This book is a valuable resource for educators and librarians seeking to foster a love of reading in struggling students.

The Door is more than just a book for struggling readers; it's a story that will resonate with young people of all reading levels. Its combination of fantasy, friendship, and character development makes it a must-have for any middle school library.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

The Door was a bit of a fantasy / sci-fi style of read. It also reminded me heavily of Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series.
The main characters "go through" a door that appears and end up in a parralell universe of sorts.
They work together to find a solution and find a way.
Our male main character is a bit of a loner as is the female. They end up having a lot in common and use that as a way to help each other as well.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This reminds me of the Wayward Children series. Lara and Tom go through a magical door and end up in a parallel universe. I like how they never give up and stick together.

Okay, this is a children's book. And a little childish, but then it falls under fantasy, so it's okay. The main and most important thing is that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Finished in one sitting. It's a short book. Like a novella.

Tom, an eighth grader, has just moved to a different city and finds it difficult to adjust, as he misses his old friends, school and all that. But here, in his new school —totally friend-less, he finds Lata staring at a blank wall. She says a door appears here and when it does, she is going to step through it. And one day, the door appears and Lata does exactly what she said but Tom tries to stop her, however he ends up stumbling along. They find themselves back to the same place —same school, same city, same people, well almost because Tom’s parents are missing —except it's a different world because everything here seems oddly different. While Tom is too desperate to get back to the old, real world, Lata wants to stay there. Why? And more importantly —would they be able to come back to the real world?

It was fun. Loved Tom and Lata, and every secondary character.
I wish something more significant and intriguing had happened in the new world.

Nevertheless, an interesting, thoughtful (not preachy), quick and engrossing read!

Ok so this one is YA and is written for a MUCH younger crowd. But - BUT - if you have a major obsession with Blake crouch and you’d like your kid to experience the magic of parallel universes in a safe, underdeveloped story, THIS IS IT. Also great for kiddos that have moved and have to start over and make new friends- the message of family first comes in so sweetly at the end. 3.5 for me!