<i>Thank you HarperCollins Children's Books for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.</i>

As a fan of Paul Tremblay's adult fiction, I was thrilled to receive a copy of his first middlegrade book from NetGalley. While the book is aimed at preteens, the story is no less frightening than Tremblay's previous novels. <I>Another<i/i> follows Casey, a young boy who is desperate for a friend during the pandemic. When a strange man delivers a friend to his home, Casey feels both concerned and hopeful. The boy who arrives in a dusty sack is named Morel. He cannot speak, eat, or sleep in a bed and resembles a clay mannequin. Despite the oddity of the situation, the boys quickly become close friends. However, things take a turn as Morel begins to change.

<I>Another</i> offers depth rarely found in children's horror. Horror can be therapeutic. Stories help us make sense of real-life horrors, and this book accomplishes that beautifully. It captures the isolation and fear many of us experienced during the pandemic, as well as the disconnection that accompanied it.

The monster in this tale is unique. It's an odd story, and part of the fun lies in unraveling the mystery, so I won't go into too much detail. Suffice it to say that Tremblay wrote in his adult novel <I>Horror Movie</I> "All monsters are mirrors," and that statement is especially true here.

The author understands his demographic. Compared to his adult novels, this story is less ambiguous. While it’s easier for middle schoolers to grasp, the themes remain complex. For those who enjoy analyzing the details of a story and discovering deeper meanings, <I>Another</i> delivers.

Fans of Tremblay's writing, won’t be disappointed. The quality of the writing maintains the excellence of his previous work. He does not condescend to his young audience; it never reads like a children's book. Kids who enjoy being scared are gonna love it! I would recommend this to fans of R.L. Stine's <I>Goosebumps</i> series as well as fans of the TV shows <I>Creeped Out, The Haunting Hour, </i> and <I>Are You Afraid of the Dark</i>.

As a former spooky kid who grew up into a spooky adult, it is so wonderful to see books like Another that will resonate with the new generation of spooky kids. Paul Tremblay is an incredible writer, and while being a middle grade book, Another is eerie enough for grown up horror fans to enjoy just as much as their creepy kiddos will. I'm hopeful for a sequel!

This was an amazingly creepy introspective take on the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially on the young and impressionable. A quick and easy ready, different from his usual adult novels, but nonetheless creepy, suspenseful, and a great read!

Okay, so when I requested this book, Im not going to lie. I just saw Paul Tremblay and clicked. I did not realize this was a middle school horror book. I've made this mistake in the past where I was forced to slog through some books, but that wasn't the case here. Yes, obviously, his writing wasn't as gruesome as his usual, but Tremblay's writing really elevated the material. Not only was it engaging, but I was genuinely creeped out at parts! Plus, I love fungal horror, so I was pleasantly surprised!

The characters were well developed, I thought Casey was realistic and has some insecurities a lot of preteens could relate to. I liked the evolution of Morel as well. This book definitely was making me wonder where in the world it was going, and I got to say, I loved the journey!

There was some creepy stuff going on with the fungus, but I think the "horror" of "am I replaceable/do my parents wish my friend was their kid instead of me?" Is a feeling that will resonate towards the target audience.

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for providing me with an advanced copy for my honest review.

As a teacher I was intrigued by this book and had no idea Tremblay wrote children’s books. As a teen trying to navigate friendships, things taking a dark turn is something that I think will help captivate young readers and get them into reading.

This was a really good and creepy middle grade book. I enjoyed meeting Casey and even creepy Morel. I didn’t know what to expect with this book. I know Paul Tremblay has never written middle grade, so that was new. It kept my interest the whole way through. Including the note from Paul at the end. Have already recommended it to some of my students. Thank you to Netgalley for the early read for an honest review.

This was ANOTHER genuinely creepy and unsettling book from Paul Tremblay. Even as an avid reader and watcher of horror meant for adults, this middle-grade book was able to get under my skin. I really enjoyed the perspective of our main character, and I feel like many kids will be able to relate to the struggles of Zoom school and the lonely, isolating feelings it brought. This will be a great resource for kids who are trying to process that era in an indirect way; I could definitely tell that that was Tremblay's intention.

I do unfortunately think that the book got a little too repetitive and some kids might find it boring, but I understand that that's the point! Lockdown times were as boring as they were terrifying. Every day was exactly the same aside from the fear building up, which is exactly the structure that this book follows. Hopefully it can connect with kids that will appreciate the subtle, growing terror. I would love to read another kids book from Paul Tremblay! He always brings the spooky vibes.

I didn’t know tremblay wrote books for kids/young adults so I was excited to check it out! It did not disappoint. Intriguing story with nice characters. The dread was there, it didn’t feel any less scary than a tremblay book for adults. I would totally buy this for my nephews.

Paul Tremblay's "Another" is a captivating read, designed for mid graders but crafted with such skill that it appeals to all ages. The story weaves together mystery, suspense, and supernatural elements, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. Tremblay's ability to create relatable characters and a gripping plot is impressive. The themes are thought-provoking, touching on friendship, bravery, and the unknown, making it a compelling read for both young and adult readers. Overall, "Another" is a well-written, engaging novel that deserves 4 stars for its broad appeal and masterful storytelling.

“Another” by Paul Tremblay is considered a middle grade book but I as an adult truly enjoyed it. It captures what Paul does best and that is building an atmosphere that keeps you enthralled. I feel like this is reminiscent of “ Head full of Ghost”. I like that there was a small cast of characters and the interaction between Casey and Morel and watching Morel change. I also feel like it delves into what it feels like to be powerless as a child. There are so many creepy elements that anyone can enjoy.

It starts when Casey's parents come home with an old rotary phone and a call from someone saying they're bringing one of Casey's friends over for an extended visit. Then a strange man shows up emitting a lot of dust and emptying a clay-like boy out of a sack, one not fully formed or able to speak, but who charms the parents regardless. Though the new boy, Morel, becomes friends with Casey soon enough, something about his is very off, from the strange way his parent act around Morel to the odd sensations Casey experiences at night. Before he knows it, Casey finds himself in al living nightmare only he seems to be aware of.
In the preface of the book, Tremblay says he believes this is one of his creepiest books yet, and I have to agree. Though intended for middle schoolers, it reads more like an adult fairy tale. While there's no real violence or adult language, the story nonetheless feels like it could be an adult novel just centered around a young boy. This should appeal to horror lovers young and old. 4.5 of 5*

"Another" by Paul Tremblay is an engaging middle-grade story that hits all the right notes. It’s genuinely creepy at times, making me nostalgic for my Goosebumps-era reads. Tremblay balances the chills with heart, making this a solid pick for younger readers who enjoy a good scare without it being too overwhelming.
As an adult reader, I found myself enjoying it, and it’s definitely encouraged me to explore his adult novels.

I was provided this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review, and I can say it’s worth a read. A solid 4 stars.

Tremblay builds suspense throughout, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat waiting to see what happens to Casey and his parents, but the real trick is the horror that sneaks up on you at night when you’re falling asleep.

This is horror, with creepy stuff and things that are certainly not of our world, but the core of the story is utterly human. The anxiety as your world is spinning out of control, the feeling of people missing who you were and resenting who you’ve become - that’s all grounded in the very real world of growing up.

Loved! My son also enjoyed this book. We read it together. A middle school horror story about a young boy who is yearning for friends. One day his parents tell him a friend is coming to sleep over. The story gets twisty from there. This is a fun story for tweens.

Casey is a young and lonely boy, so when his parents tell him a friend is coming over he is very confused as to who it might be and why

This book was a real surprise. Casey is a wonderfully three dimensional character who just wants to draw and watch anime and maybe have a friend (I mean can you get more relatable.) The horror in this made me really question how it was middle grade because I was just absolutely chilled to my core at some of the imagery and themes. This book is great because it's all about the power in being unabashedly yourself even in the more bizarre times. There is strong familial love and the truth about friendship all set on a very creepy (and oddly dusty) stage. I hope this book or some characters get revisited sometime down the line even if in a short. I highly recommend reading when it comes out!

This was a fun middle grade horror novel that is sure to satisfy readers of all ages.
This story of Casey and his new friend, Morel, is the stuff of magic, and Tremblay delivers a sharp, witty, and scary tale of insecurity,
envy, and finally, true friendship. I read this in two sittings because of the author's talent in pacing, dialogue, and character development.
A very enjoyable read, especially for middle grade readers but, as I said, you don't have to be middle grade to enjoy this novel.
Well done!

A Tremblay book that my son can read?! What an amazing middle grade story by a man I will read anything from. My son also loved the book!

Paul Tremblay’s foray into middle-grade horror—how delightfully unexpected! This was like a step up from Goosebumps with a bit more elevated writing and more of the creep factor.

Tremblay managed to infuse his trademark unsettling atmosphere into a narrative fit for younger readers.

Another pulls no punches in blending the supernatural with a pandemic-shaped lens—Tremblay’s deftness in psychological horror clearly shines here. Tackling fear through a child’s perspective, particularly in a post-pandemic world, feels remarkably timely. Kids today, having navigated their own global upheavals, can perhaps see their anxieties mirrored in Casey’s story, making the scares hit all the closer to home.

Tremblay struck a fine balance—keeping his eerie essence intact while tailoring his storytelling to younger readers’ sensibilities. Simplifying the dialogue and prose to meet them where they are, without sacrificing depth, is no small feat. A proper entry point for budding horror enthusiasts!

This one could leave a lasting impression—one of those tales kids think about long after the lights are out, or it can be more of a quick thrill. I think it could go either way depending on the reader and their life during the pandemic and whether they can relate more to Casey’s experience. It ends with a bit of ann open-ended conclusion—a hallmark of Tremblay’s work. It’s such a clever way to let the story stretch beyond the page, leaving readers to wrestle with its implications.

Another is not only an excellent gateway for a younger audience but also a worthy addition to the shelves of seasoned Tremblay fans.

I think Tremblay delivered this brilliantly—acknowledging the pandemic without letting it dominate the narrative, a tricky feat many writers stumble over.

Middle grade horror is very much a genre that often contains deceptively profound insights wrapped in accessible storytelling. This is definitely a worthy read for kids in today’s society that seek a little more fright with their books.

I shouldn’t be surprised that a teacher could make such a successful first foray from adult audiences to middle grade horror. I would have loved Another at that age, especially coming out of the difficulty of the pandemic years. There’s a theme I’ve noticed in almost all of the younger horror novels I’ve read which is that parents can’t always protect their kids. It’s a frightening concept whether you’re young or “grown”. I appreciated the uniquely creepy descriptions of Morel and his father, the relationship of Casey to every other character in the novel, and the need for Casey to hold onto himself when it might have been easier to slip away (either in his social life or in the grip of supernatural menace).

I admit that I freaked out a bit when I saw this was a YA novel as I typically run away from those. I just saw Tremblay's name and requested it right away. Fortunately for me I stuck with it and enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. That's 100% Tremblay.