DNF. I've sat on this review for a long time. I keep trying to finish this book and getting angry all over again.

Listen, I get I'm not the target audience, but that's kind of the point here. When you're writing middle grade, you can't have parents who are emotionally abusive and then not challenge it on the page. You're just teaching kids that these are acceptable things and ways to be treated.

Anyway, thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group, Clarion Books, & NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I love cats. This book has a cat. I love this book. This middle-grade story (although I think it’s better for children grades 4-6), is about Zoe and her continuously growing kitten Pipsqueak. Just three days after Zoe finds the kitten in her garage, Pipsqueak is already the size of a chonky cat! What will Zoe do? And how will she hide this from her parents?

The author, Sarah Best Durst, is clearly familiar with all of the hilarious quirks that a common house cat possesses. I couldn’t help but cuddle up with my cat while reading this book too. The story is a perfect introduction to the realm of fantasy and is excellent for cat lovers of all ages.

4.5 stars rounded up.

An adorable read for elementary age readers, this is a magical adventure. Zoe is an average kid in an average neighborhood who finds a tiny kitten and brings it home. She talks her mother into letting her keep it since it is her twelfth birthday and she is growing up and being more responsible. Problems arise when the tiny kitten grows to a full grown cat overnight and continues to grow and grow. Zoe must find a way to hide the cat and try to figure out what is happening.This is a fun read.

A heart-warming story about change, growing up, and learning to let go, Catalyst is a quick and fun read that makes you believe in magic just around the corner. When Zoe finds a tiny kitten and convinces her parents to let her keep it she doesn't know it will end in a cross-country journey with her best friend Harrison while her parents think they're at a sleep-away camp. But the kitten, Pipsqueak, is growing at an alarming rate, there are sightings of a neon green dog, and a mouse has sprouted butterfly wings. Zoe, Harrison, and Pipsqueak go on a grand journey to try and find out what's happening while Zoe grapples with the possibility that there may not be a solution. Fans of Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume will likely enjoy this fantastic adventure.

This is such a sweet book! I love the refreshingly new story and all the characters. There is incredible character development here. This book is also hilarious, as any good cat book should be. One of my favorite things about Sarah Beth Durst's MG books, is that they are appropriate for younger readers who read at an advanced level. I would have adored this in 3rd grade and it would have been ok for me to read!

WOW! This one reminded me of Clifford the Big Red Dog but with a giant cat instead. It was pretty inventive and great little story. I couldn't put it down and I loved all the characters. I can't wait for more from this author! This was a cute little story with great pacing and an even better story.

Eleven-year-old Zoe finds a baby kitten just before her birthday. And like any regular adolescent, she has a strong desire to keep said kitten. Harrison, her friend and neighbor, agrees. And reluctantly, so do her parents. Especially given her unfortunate track record concerning adopted “pets.” Her mom requests that Pipsqueak, the tiny baby kitten, is contained without making a mess all over the house. But this becomes difficult for Zoe. Especially since after three days, Pipsqueak is six feet long.

Zoe can only think of one person that might be able to help. Aunt Alecia. The only adult she knew who still believes in unicorns. Too bad she lives hours away and off the grid. Without finding any other solution, Zoe and Harrison decide to risk it and take Pipsqueak for an unforgettable journey into the mountains.

First, I found the premise of the story to be quite enjoyable. A cat that grows out of control and a cross-country trek riding feline seems like the perfect middle grade setup. Zoe’s precarious position generates a decent amount of empathy. Harrison is a believable and quirky character with some comic relief. And as the magic of the world begins to open up, I found myself drawn into the story. This will no doubt be a delight to middle grade readers.

As for characters, Surita left a sour taste in my mouth. Her many pop-culture references are geared toward an older audience. She mentions movies from the nineties and comes across as a bit of a know-it-all. I also did not appreciate that she was teaching her younger compatriots how to create an entire ruse and disappear off the grid for a week. Granted, her plan involved riding a giant cat to the mountains, but there was no redeeming the scene for me. Thankfully, Zoe chooses truth even when it wasn’t necessary.

Finally, Zoe’s character arc fell a bit flat. From the very first moment, she lied and then confessed about the kitten. Then pages later, she was in the same exact situation. Well, not quite the same. The problem she experienced in the first few pages just grew – literally – to a disconcerting level. She had to learn the same lesson twice.
This feline fiasco will be a hit for middle grade readers. With colorful characters and extravagant circumstances, this will pull the reader in from the first few pages and not let go. It’s funny. It’s outlandish. And in many ways, it’s true to life. While Zoe is dealing with a giant cat, her best friend and brother is preparing to leave and study overseas. She’s mourning the loss of what was without any indication of something that will be. And even her kitty surprise that she finds causes more grief than not.

In the end, I’m glad that she chose to come forward. Kids have a difficult enough time sharing what is going on in their lives. Reinforcing that dynamic will only lead to more isolation between parent and child. Furthermore, there are direct positive consequences for her decision. Put all of this in front of a backdrop that demonstrates loving family dynamics, and you have a story that can grow right along with its reader… as well as Pipsqueak.

Zoe has a bleeding heart when it comes to rescuing animals--she just can't help herself. When she discovers an extremely tiny kitten in need of some TLC, Zoe decides to help it in secret. Everything seems to be fine until the kitten won't stop growing and begins to talk. How far will Zoe go to keep her new pet?

This is a very fun, engaging fantasy story. It won't take much to "sell" this to kids especially once a giant, talking cat is mentioned.

Sarah Beth Durst has written another delightful story for middle grade readers. Zoe’s brother is leaving for college at the end of the summer, her father is excitedly anticipating a home construction project, and her mother has a new demanding job while Zoe is dreading all the changes and excitement. When she finds a tiny abandoned kitten, she is overjoyed that she can keep Pipsqueak. Things quickly get out of hand when Pipsqueak grows to the size of a lion, then a hippo, then a large horse and when she starts to speak... Zoe has to figure something out. The adventure continues for Zoe and Pipsqueak and along the way Zoe starts to understand that change is never entirely negative. There is joy to be found in every challenge and unwanted change, even if it’s just a small silver lining. It’s an uplifting message amidst a delightful story of a girl and her cat.

I love Sarah Beth Durst's middle grade books. I have read all of them and she is a favorite author of mine. Her books are unique and flow easily and make it easy for students to actually finish them. (so many middle grade books that are checked out don't get finished) This book is excellent. I love the characters, especially the magical animals. Who wouldn't want to ride around on a soft, gigantic cat? Will definitely be purchasing for my library.

I absolutely positively adored this book! Enchanting story for young and old alike - especially cat lovers! Can't wait to introduce Pipsqueak and Zoe and Harrison et al to my grand kids!