Let me tell you a little story. While researching who was going to be doing book signings at BookExpo 2017, I noticed this book. It sounded interesting, so I wrote it into my initial schedule. As I was trying to thin it out, I realized this book was available on NetGalley. So I decided to request it and read it before BookExpo, to decide if I should meet the author or not.

Well, I started to read it during lunch and unofficially extended my lunch, read during the red lights on my drive home and when I got home, I needed to shower, eat and see my family. I decided I didn't care if I smelled, starved and never saw my family again, I HAD to finish this book!

And I did and it was GLORIOUS.

I told my boss at the book store about it. She requested it, received it and read it. I received threatening texts from her. "If this ends the way it looks like it is, I WILL KILL YOU WHEN I NEXT SEE YOU!" Followed by, "You get to live. Are you coming in on Sunday?"

So yes, I saw the author, and told EVERYone I met about how AMAZING this book is. I got a copy for my niece, so she will love me forever. And I got an unsigned copy for me. My boss....well, how was I to know she wanted a copy? Let's just say I'm no longer the favorite employee. :( At least she let me live! :D

I don't want to ruin this for anyone, but let's just say, I teared up, laughed out loud and am praying with everything I have that there is a sequel that is JUST as awesome as this one. My boss is too. So it's not just me who is all starry goo-goo eyed over this book.

So what am I saying? Read the blurb, get this book and fall in love. I would say this is good for middle grade on up. Some violence, no love interest (THANK YOU!), some bullying, but it is handled well. The author is both a parent and a teacher, so the kids come across as real and there are literary references sprinkled throughout which I LOVE. Also, the parents and other adults aren't MIA. Well, the ones you are introduced to aren't.

ALL the stars (since none of the review sites go higher than five, I have to make due with five. Pout.) Recommended for EVERYone.

My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

I absolutely flipping loved this book! She had me when Nicki made all the book character references. Thoroughly enjoyed all the characters and the story! Will be carrying this title in my store, I know a lot of people who will love it!

Humor, danger, adventure... This book has it all. The main character is a likable teen who has been rejected many times and finds out that her father has rejected her again. Yet she still maintains the ability to search for acceptance in her own life. The family that she joins plays along for safety at first. I loved the plot and the characters. I wanted to keep reading--even after the story was done to see what happened to their family next! It was a wonderful tale that just like real life included pain and laughter!

This had its ups and downs. There were parts that were super engrossing, and then there were parts that were just implausible. This is one of those books where I know I'm not the target audience and I'm having a hard time putting myself in that mindset. I would recommend it for the MG readers that are actually that age.