This was a very entertaining and funny read. I found it to be so relatable that I felt I was back in middle school as I was reading. The scene where everyone is getting ready for school felt like I was in my own house. I was so convinced I knew who wrote the note but this book tricked me. I do wish there could have been more like maybe he asked the girl out in the end but I understand that it is meant to only follow a day.

I really enjoyed this book and I can see that other people will enjoy it as well.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this e-ARC.

I recieved a free eARC of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review it.

Izzy has big plans for a big day. He's gotten a note from a secret admirer, gets to show off his science project, and has a solo to sing at a concert.

Except, everything goes wrong...all day long.

Everyone has bad days, days that just don't work, days that fall apart. I think Izzy's story will resonate with kids (as it did for this adult) and will be loved and enjoyed. I look forward to more books from this author, and I am adding this one to my list for my Little Free Library.

This is SUCH a cute children’s book! Funny, engaging, and the illustrations and story are wonderful. My 8 and 10 year old thought it was so funny when Izzy’s mom told them to hurry up so she’s not late for work, because it’s the exact same scenario for us every morning. They also have a baby brother so it was relatable, but also a fun addition to the story! I really enjoyed the concept and that it took you through the whole day by hours. So many funny scenarios but also kept true to the main storyline. Definitely would recommend to elementary readers.

Izzy's (Almost) Epic Day
by Katie Otey
Pub DateMay 07 2024
Phoenix Media & Books |Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles
Children's Fiction| Middle Grade| OwnVoices


Phoenix Media & Books and Netgalley provided me with a copy of Izzy's (Almost) Epic Day to review:

Pop Quiz: Who invented waking up early out of hatred for all humanity?


Answer: I am not sure, but I would bet 57 billion dollars that it had something to do with my mom.


Izzy McKeithen is an imaginative 11-year-old with a flair for drama.


Izzy is the fourth of five children in a chaotic household. Today, Izzy is anticipating greatness! He has a secret crush ready to reveal themselves, an out of this world science experiment he can't wait to share, and a chorus solo he's sure will make him famous. Izzy's day deteriorates from potential epic greatness to certain epic failure hour by hour.


Will Izzy be able to win? 


I give Izzy’s (Almost) Epic Day five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

This book was a nice read. Izzy is a sweet kid and easy to love. Healthier boundaries shown between the siblings would improve this book. The exaggerated images of Izzy and his mother, I'm not a fan of. Overall, it's an intresting story of a boy who has a really bad day. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.

"Izzy's (Almost) Epic Day" is a fantastic addition to any child's bookshelf. One standout aspect is the book's message about the value of adaptability and the beauty of unexpected surprises. I also love the cover because it does great to create initial interest.

Thank you to Phoenix Media & Books for the eGalley to review!

I love Katie Otey's work and this was no exception. It's hilarious and well written and guaranteed to be relatable to other eleven-year-olds like Izzy (and to some of us who aren't eleven, because boy do we all have this kind of day every once in a while!).

While the comedy is a large focus here, it also has a lot of heart, from family to friendship to the self--Izzy does an excellent job of overcoming his awful day and letting the good things that happen be the most important thing to focus on. I think that's a great thing for kids to recognize and remember, for when this kind of day happens to them (which will happen because it happens to all of us!), making this book an excellent teaching moment on top of being something fun to read.

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

I'm pretty sure I would've devoured the "Izzy" books if they were published when I was younger. This was a fun read, and it reminded me of other children's books such as Amelia Bedelia, Cam Jansen, and Junie B Jones. I think this book will be a hit!
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Many Thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

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