The Midnight Children

I’ve been a fan of Dan’s work since Scar Island. He writes with his heart and that’s never been more evident than in his newest book, The Midnight Children.I started with the hardcover, but about a third of the way in, my work schedule picked up and I barely had time to read. The story was so compelling, I opted to purchase the audio version, finishing the story during two or three long drives.Without revealing too much of the plot, there’s a beautifully written scene between the main character Ravani Foster and his father that will stay with me for a very long time.The Midnight Children is wonderful. I highly recommend!

** a bit of a spoiler**I read this book and thought it was great. I gotfor my 8 yr old to read… but I think it’s a bit too….scary isn’t the right word, but it’s just too “much” for his age. In the beginning it goes into deep detail of the slaughterhouse his dad works in and how he falls in blood from the animals… it’s wonderfully described and I understand why we are getting this imagery but it just seems like a lot for a 8 yr old. It made me uncomfortable… I can’t imagine my 8 yr old would feel reading it. I would just say it’s definitely for more middle school age kids. Or younger ones who are okay with uncomfortable reading. Just a heads up. I only read amazing wonderful reviews which are true but the age range of this threw me off a bit.

I read books for children all the time. Sometimes I think, “Wow, this is a really good book for RIGHT NOW!” and other times I think, “Hey, this book is going to last for a long long time, I mean people are still gonna be reading this book when my grandchildren are parents!” The Midnight Children by Dan Gemeinhardt is one of those special books that I think people are going to be talking about forever. Part Pippi Longstocking, part Vanderbeekers of 141st Street, this tale of friendship and family is sure to delight readers of all ages, but it feels especially geared towards ages 8-12.The book opens with our main character Ravani, bemoaning his loser/loner situation in a town named Slaughterville on the very same day that seven mysterious children appear, seemingly unchaperoned, in the middle of the night.You can guess from the name of the town what their main industry is. And you might also guess that this book is full of some pretty descriptive (ie: gross) representations of that industry. They aren’t on every page, but there are enough that you might end up with one or two vegetarians in your group after a couple of chapters! But I digress, because this book isn’t about a slaughterhouse at all, it’s about the choices we make and how they can set in motion all kinds of amazing things. It’s also about how wonderful friendship is and about how your very best friends feel like family, because that’s what they really are.Five stars!

Who are your hurry-up-and-release-your-next-one authors?Dan Gemeinhart has now become "one of those" authors for me. After reading Coyote Sunrise and Scar Island, I decided to make The Midnight Children my last book of 2022 and first book of 2023.Out with a great book and in with a great book.And I was not disappointed.I wish every reader an experience like mine. That "I can't wait to read my book to see what happens next" feeling. The oohs, the ahhhs. The noooooooooooo moments.Don't miss this story. It would make a wonderful gift for a 5th or 6th grade teacher!

Perfect book for 5th graders. My students have been engaged love the story line This book is a must read for anyone that enjoys a little mystery. The character relationships are very relatable to student in my class. I will be looking for more books by this author to add to my class library.

Lovely themes and action-packed for kids.

I read a lot of middle grade fiction for work and for pleasure, and this book stands out. The story is great, but it is the characters, setting, and most of all the writing that make it one for the ages. The voice is so fresh and innovative. For example, there is a completely different style of writing used for the villain, making him even more sinister and creepy. The setting involves a deep, dark wood, and old house with surprises in the basement, and a slaughterhouse. And somehow, the book isn't overly scary - there is enough weirdness and the characters are so engaging to keep it from crossing that line. Can't recommend it enough. Read it aloud as a family or in a classroom!

Bought this book on impulse after watching a tiktoker rave about it without giving any clue what so ever about what to expect. Read it with my 3rd grader. We both absolutely fell in love. This book is absolutely beautiful.Would say, be cautious reading this with your child under about 12 or so. There were a couple of scenes I found difficult to stomach and probably wouldn’t have chosen for my 8 year old to read if I had known. But, my kid didn’t seem even remotely bothered.The writing is elegant. The story tugs at the heart of any kid, or former kid, who struggled to find their place. It’s a story of hope and friendship. A story about comrades.