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.