The only bad thing about finishing Dan Gemeinhart’s latest book, The Midnight Children, is that there are no more new books by Dan Gemeinhart to read.

Ravani Foster, is a terribly lonely kid in the quiet town of Slaughterville, named for the town’s slaughterhouse where Rav’s dad works. One night, Rav sees something extraordinary: seven children, piling out of a truck with suitcases at midnight and going into the empty house across the street. One of those children sees him, and they make a silent pact through the window and across the street. From that point on, Rav’s life is upended. Is it scary? Yes. Is it wonderful? Absolutely.

Gemeinhart’s writing in The Midnight Children has a lyrical quality that calls to mind a time in the not-too-distant past, but also hums with subtle magic. Those seven midnight children? There must be some kind of magic that keeps them, and their secret safe. And once bold Virginia decides Rav is worth befriending, he’s a part of their secret too. Can Rav find the courage in himself to protect his new friends from those who would expose them?

The Midnight Children is a wild ride from the beginning, and somehow it continues to ramp up through the even wilder climax. Middle grade readers will LOVE this book for it’s fascinating characters, surprising turns, laugh-out-loud lines, and suspenseful moments. I can’t wait to add The Midnight Children to my school’s library and get it into the hands of my readers.

Thank you, Dan Gemeinhart for another amazing book that reads like a movie, and to Net Galley for the eARC for review.

Another stunningly beautiful and compelling middle grade story by Dan Gemeinhart! Ravani doesn't have any friends, is bullied by a boy in his class, and spends most of his time building birdhouses. He is going through the motions of living without actually enjoying it. Then 7 orphans move into the house next door and Ravani's whole life changes. Packed with authentic and funny characters, this story will appeal to anyone who loves a good mystery, friendship stories, and/or a little bit of magic.

It's a miracle. I read a whole Dan Gemeinhart book without shedding a single tear - and it isn't because I lost the ability. What a heartwarming story about friendship and bravery and family. I will definitely be recommending this to students as soon as it comes out. Great book for fans of Orphan Island.

This is a unique story of a family of runaway children who take up residence in a small town. Yes they are a family even there is no mom or dad. It also the story of an outcast boy who finds who he is and finds his people.

In the dead of night, a truck arrives in Slaughterville, a small town curiously named after its windowless slaughterhouse. Seven mysterious kids with suitcases step out of the vehicle and into an abandoned home on a dead-end street, looking over their shoulders to make sure no one is aware of their arrival.

Peculiar Ravani Foster covertly witnesses their arrival from his bedroom window. Ravani is eager to learn everything he can about his new neighbors: What secrets are they hiding? And most mysterious of all...where are the grown up’s?

Ravani, , a lonely and friendless child finds an unexpected friend in the warm and gutsy Virginia. Tristian, the older brother who is in charge, strictly warns his family to stay away from others and do not get noticed. But Ravani and Virginia form a bond. Ravani’s first friendship ever. . But with this friendship comes secrets revealed and danger for the runaways. When Ravani learns their secret and of a threat to his new friends, he must fight to keep them safe, or lose the only person who has ever understood him.

Full of wonder, friendship, and mystery, this book explores the meaning of what constitutes a home.

The story has element that might be perceived as a bit magical, but I’d consider this work realistic fiction.
And of course when there is a boy who us different, there is bullying. Meet Donnie and Stevie who call Ravani, Ravaoli and seek ways to make his life miserable.

Get ready to stay up all night wanting to find out what happens next with The Midnight Children! A strong narrating voice leads us into the lives of young Ravani and the mysterious children who move in across the street from him. With high stakes and a unique situation, the plot steps right along, and the developing friendship bonds make the book feel emotionally significant as well as entertaining.