Another great book in verse. This story reads quickly and deals with ragedy, grief, and the determination to move forward.

Thank you to NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, and Nancy Paulsen Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This book was absolutely brilliant. It is a beautifully written book told in verse (which I LOVE) about friendship, grief, and love.

April Jackson and her best friend Zee are both 11 years old and have basically been inseparable since birth. They grew up across the hall from each other in an apartment building in Boston. They also used to go to the same school until Zee started attending a new school to focus on his music.

While April is sad at first, she is also happy that her friend will be able to work towards his dreams and they are still able to see each other outside of school a lot.

April is also really interested in music and wants learn how to play the drums. Zee's dad, Papa Zee, is going to help her learn after school and April is very excited to be able to start following her music dreams as well.

Then one day Zee unexpectedly passes away, and it leaves April and the rest of their family in shambles. April while struggling with her own grief also tries to help Papa Zee with his grief. She is also concerned for a new friend at school and is trying to help her, while also learning how to cope with her Mom's new relationship.

I don't want to say too much more because of spoilers but I HIGHLY recommend this book! I absolutely could not put it down and was able to read the entire book in one sitting. This is one of the books that after you finish reading it, the book will stay with you.

I will read any book that this author publishes!!! Definitely go read this book now!

I am very thankful to receive a E-ARC from NetGalley! The Order of Things follows April as she experiences a great loss not too far into the novel. I found the pros of the poetry to be beautiful. Especially after this great loss. It kept me deep into April mind.

I realized while reading early on that it wouldn't truly be for me. But this is a middle grade novel, and I was wondering how the author Kaija Langley would deal with the turmoil in the mindset of a child. If the handling would be appropriate for a child, and where it falls on the middle grade spectrum. To my delight it fell perfectly in the in-between and handled every topic with ease. Everything was clear and helpful. I found April arc inspiring but also, I could see it being helpful for other kids going through the same thing.

I sometimes feel that authors can't write children properly in 1st person. Yet Langley proves that it can be done. Due to it not being exactly the story I thought it would be I landed on a 3.75 but would highly recommend!

I loved this novel in verse! Get ready to cry though. A great book about grief, family, and determination. I really enjoyed the use of music and that the author Kaija didn't shy away from the tough stuff.

An emotional whirlwind exploring the depth of friendship, keeping secrets, grief and the bonds that music can provide in the midst of turmoil. A young girl learns a great deal about being a friend to others as well as to herself. This book left me resonating on my own relationships in life and those things I build sustenance from as marrow.

A Gripping Exploration of Secrets, Identity, and Family Bonds

Rating: 3.5 stars

Kaija Langley's "The Order of Things" takes readers on a suspenseful journey through a web of secrets, unraveling the intricacies of identity and the power of family bonds. This novel offers a gripping narrative that will keep book club members eagerly turning the pages, drawn into a world of mystery and emotional depth.

The story revolves around the lives of the Reynolds family, whose seemingly perfect existence is shattered when a long-buried secret comes to light. Langley skillfully crafts a multi-generational tale that alternates between past and present, gradually revealing the complex dynamics and hidden truths that bind the characters together. The intricate plotting and well-timed revelations create an addictive reading experience, making it an ideal choice for book club discussions filled with speculation and analysis.

The characters in "The Order of Things" are convincingly portrayed, with their flaws and vulnerabilities adding depth to their personalities. Each member of the Reynolds family is grappling with their own internal struggles, and as the layers of their secrets are peeled back, readers are immersed in a captivating exploration of human nature and the choices we make. The nuanced character development allows for engaging conversations within the book club, offering insights into the complexities of personal identity and the impact of our actions on those we love.

Langley's prose is evocative and atmospheric, capturing the essence of the novel's settings with vivid descriptions. From the picturesque landscapes to the intimate family scenes, the author's attention to detail brings the story to life, enabling readers to feel immersed in the world of the Reynolds family. This sensory richness enhances the overall reading experience and provides a solid foundation for book club conversations centered around the novel's sense of place and its impact on the characters' lives.

While "The Order of Things" is filled with suspense and compelling storytelling, some readers may find certain plot developments predictable or clichéd. There are instances where the narrative relies on familiar tropes, which may diminish the impact for readers seeking fresh and unexpected twists. However, the well-crafted characters and the emotional depth of their journeys outweigh these minor drawbacks.

"The Order of Things" is a gripping novel that explores the complexities of secrets, identity, and family bonds. Kaija Langley's skillful storytelling and well-drawn characters make it an engaging choice for book club discussions. Despite occasional predictability, the novel's exploration of human nature, the weight of our choices, and the lasting impact of family secrets will leave readers captivated and eager to delve deeper into the hidden depths of the Reynolds family.

My favorite genre of books is books written in verse and this book did not disappoint. Beautifully written story of tragedy and overcoming loss to move forward.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC! I’m a sucker for books in verse, so I snatched this one right away, Things I loved: the main character, the family dynamic both with her mom at home and the neighbors across the hall, the positive influences she has in her life, and the short verse chapters, the diversity and inclusion. Things I struggled with a bit: the ebook format, her love of drums (I just couldn’t decide if it was a serious passion or her just trying to be like her friend), and the suddenness of the loss (I know that was kind of the point, but I couldn’t even put together what happened at first). It’s a good middle grade book, and I think some of my students will like it, especially the kids who love books in this format.

Middle grade students who like heavy topics will enjoy this book. I enjoyed the plot and getting to know the main character, April. In addition to facing typical middle school problems (group work, friends moving to new schools), she tries to deal with complex emotions and problems resulting from the loss of her best friend without burdening adults around her.

While this is a novel in verse, I kept finding that it read more like prose than poetry. I wanted much more in terms of layers, language, and subtlety turns of phrase, which for me are necessary elements for this format. Nonetheless, I am glad I read it.

Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP, Penguin Young Readers Group, Nancy Paulsen Books, Netgalley, and the author for early access to this emotional story.

This is definitely a middle grade book that I would recommend to some middle grade kiddos. I rated it 3 stars because it touches on some important topics children navigate like friendship, grief/loss, gaining new people in your life and overcoming challenges you may be afraid of.

I struggled to find a good rhythm while reading each poem though and it made parts of the book feel disjointed. I also wished the blurb didn’t give so much of the plot away.

Overall, I think this is a story kids can appreciate.

— thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read in exchange for an honest opinion.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the ARC.

April and Zee are best friends and are looking forward to turning 12. April wants to be a professional drummer and Zee is a prodigy violinist. When Zee starts to attend a special school, it begins a chain of events that will change April in ways she never imagined.

This middle-grade novel in verse tugs at your heartstrings. The main character experiences loss, finding out a new friend is in trouble, her parent beginning a new relationship, helping a neighbor in need, and growing in ways she never imagined. I loved the tender and compassionate way the author tackled such serious topics and themes.

April really wants to be a world class drummer as well as keep up with her best friend Zee, who just got into a prestigious music school. April decides to commit to playing the drums by asking Zee's dad, an accomplished musician to help. There are many roadblocks along the way but April is determined. This is a story with big social issues such as grief, parents dating, and trying to support people the best you can. Kids are going to love this one.

April has a good life—she and her mother and their neighbours, Zee and Papa Zee, have cobbled together a well-oiled routine that turns friends into family. Zee is a violin star, April is learning the drums, and together they have big dreams. But when things change—and change again—April is at a loss for what to do and how to process it all.

First things first: Don't read the official book description—just don't do it. It covers almost the entire plot and leaves too little unsaid.

There's a lot that I love here, starting with the family structure. April's mother is a single parent, and the two of them are making it work—April's mother works night shifts, meaning that April often sleeps on Papa Zee's couch , and I love that this is just sort of...treated as a matter-of-fact 'we're making it work' thing. There's not a lot of money to go around, but there's enough, and it occurred to me, reading this, that I don't see enough of those stories—the ones floating *between* 'the power has been cut off again' and 'my family is taking our annual monthlong trip to Greece'. April's mother is also a single parent by choice, again not something that I see a lot of in fiction. There's not a ton of detail about that (probably because of the target age range), but it's something that's nice to see. Also, a small thing, but the characters all wear earplugs when there's going to be loud music (especially drumming)—and that's something I can absolutely get behind! Save your eardrums!

The book is written in verse, and it's fine but not standout for me. There are some lovely turns of phrase:
"Working night shift
loading trucks means
Mama sleeps most of
the day, works most of
the night, and we live
in the quiet moments
in between." (5)

"I start off the way I usually do,
warming up my arms and legs
by hitting my sticks together,
the clack-clack-clack-clack
and boom-boom-boom-boom
from hitting the bass drum pedal
vibrating through my whole body." (66)

On the whole, though, when I read books in verse, I'm usually hoping for a bit more...verse...and fewer full sentences with line breaks. This does better than many, but the verse wasn't bringing as much to the table as I'd hoped. That said, worth the read for the themes of loss and grief. (The metronome—ooh, and A+ for that symbolism, even if it isn't overt—broke my heart a little, because I had a very similar experience with holding on to a gift for a while, waiting to put it in a Christmas stocking, only for...well, different situation but the same outcome, also right before Christmas.) 3.5 stars.

A powerful MG novel written in verse. I think the way this was written was beautiful and so easy to get through. I read this in one sitting. The topics this deals with is wonderfully done, grief, family, friendship it all felt so authentic. Loved the inclusion of music and the ambitions and differences between April and Zee. Would recommend for younger and older audiences as it’s just overall a great read.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the earc!

The Order of Things follows a young girl who wants to be a drummer but has her life turned upside down when her friend dies suddenly. Heartbreaking but ultimately hopeful. This book will inspire readers to try hard and speak up.

11-year-old April has been best friends with Zee since they were born only a month apart. They live across the hallway from each other in their apartment building and together, along with April’s mom, and Papa Zee - the four are a family. This school year though, things are changing. Zee has gotten into the new charter school specializing in music for his violin and April is staying behind at their old school.

But, when tragedy strikes and Zee passes away, April is forced to relearn what it means to continue after losing everything she once knew.

I went into this quite blindly. I’m a sucker for novel-in-verse books, especially middle grade because they seem all the more powerful to me for some reason. I saw this one on NetGalley and immediately requested to read it without much else. That being said, after reading it, I fully read the description and I do think it needs to be changed up - it gives away 95% of the book. When I recommend this, I’m going to try and suggest they not read the description to not give anything away.

Besides the description being too much, I’m still going to be recommending this book to many others. It was beautiful and full of representation. This story talks about ways people deal with the pain of losing someone and what it means to speak up at the right time. This is all done in a way that, though a bit simplified for middle grade, it will still require some tissues.

Wow!! What an amazing, beautiful, heart-wrenching, bittersweet story! A story of hope after loss and working through grief they’re the perspective of a child. I enjoyed every minute of it!

The Order of Things explores the ups and downs a young girl experiences while navigating difficult life situations. The book focuses on April and her relationships with her mom, her best friend, her best friend's father, and her mom's new girlfriend. When a tragedy occurs the Order of Things shows the different ways that people experience and deal with tough circumstances.

The Order of Things, by Kaija Langley: Wow! I can't wait to share this book with my students.

April and Zee are best friends, bound by their mutual love of music: April--drums, and Zee--violin. They are split between two schools, as Zee has been accepted to an arts magnet school because of his prowess on the violin. April takes her on steps to help achieve her dream of being a professional musician. In the end, they have planned to be a "band" of two: one on violin, one on drums. April and Zee's families are close and even have weekly family dinners. Zee's father, a drummer himself, gives April drum lessons. It's almost perfect. And then Zee passes away. Everything crumbles. April suddenly feels lost, alone, and like she must hold everyone together.

I loved the fact that April and Zee were friends, but that their friendship was strengthened by music. Both characters are strong and well-developed. Although dealing with grief and loss is a main theme of the book, it is not over sentimentalized or maudlin. It also shows April that she cannot pick up the slack for or save everyone. While she is dealing with Zee's death, she also comes to grips with a new relationship that her mother has. Music is an important element of solving that problem.

I've not read a book like The Order of Things, but I'd recommend it to readers who are looking for a book with strong friendships and familial relationship, that is not filled with flowery descriptions, and that gets right to the point.

The thoughts and opinions in this review are all mine, but I do want to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group for this e-ARC.

This is a beautiful novel in verse about April and how she is figuring out how to navigate life after so many things happen.
Zee is April's best friend, the both love music, but they are now going to separate schools.
April is figuring how to navigate school on her own when Zee starts having fainting spells, which lead to tragedy.
April has to figure out how to deal with all the change around her.
This is a lyrical story about grief, loss and moving forward.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.