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And Then, Boom!
A gripping new novel-in-verse by the author of the Printz Honor-winning Starfish , featuring a poverty-stricken boy who bravely rides out all the storms life keeps throwing at him
Joe Oak is used to living on unsteady ground. His mom can’t be depended on as she never stays around long once she gets “the itch,” and now he and his beloved grandmother find themselves without a home. Fortunately, Joe has an outlet in his journals and drawings and takes comfort from the lessons of comic books—superheroes have a lot of “and then, boom” moments, where everything threatens to go bust but somehow they land on their feet. And that seems to happen a lot to Joe too, as in this crisis his friend Nick helps them find a home in his trailer park. But things fall apart again when Joe is suddenly left to fend for himself. He doesn’t tell anyone he’s on his own, as he fears foster care and has hope his mom will come back. But time is running out—bills are piling up, the electricity’s been shut off, and the school year’s about to end, meaning no more free meals. The struggle to feed himself gets intense, and Joe finds himself dumpster diving for meals. He’s never felt so alone—until an emaciated little dog and her two tiny pups cross his path. And fate has even more in store for Joe, because an actual tornado is about to hit home—and just when it seems all is lost, his life turns in a direction that he never could have predicted.
Joe Oak is used to living on unsteady ground. His mom can’t be depended on as she never stays around long once she gets “the itch,” and now he and his beloved grandmother find themselves without a home. Fortunately, Joe has an outlet in his journals and drawings and takes comfort from the lessons of comic books—superheroes have a lot of “and then, boom” moments, where everything threatens to go bust but somehow they land on their feet. And that seems to happen a lot to Joe too, as in this crisis his friend Nick helps them find a home in his trailer park. But things fall apart again when Joe is suddenly left to fend for himself. He doesn’t tell anyone he’s on his own, as he fears foster care and has hope his mom will come back. But time is running out—bills are piling up, the electricity’s been shut off, and the school year’s about to end, meaning no more free meals. The struggle to feed himself gets intense, and Joe finds himself dumpster diving for meals. He’s never felt so alone—until an emaciated little dog and her two tiny pups cross his path. And fate has even more in store for Joe, because an actual tornado is about to hit home—and just when it seems all is lost, his life turns in a direction that he never could have predicted.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2024
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March 13, 2024The follow-up to Lisa Fipps’s instant classic Starfish is And Then, Boom!, a middle-grade verse novel that is simultaneously heart-breaking and inspirational. When the book opens, Joe Oak is eleven years old and living with his beloved Grandmum. Because his mother is prone to disappearing for extended periods, Joe and Grandmum live in precarious circumstances. Joe lives first in poverty, “and then, Boom!”, things get worse. And Then, Boom! gives readers insights into hunger, homelessness, abandonment, and foster care while also providing reminders about resilience, friendship, ingenuity, and kindness.
Lisa Fipps absolutely gets what poetry needs to be like in middle grade verse novels. The verse in And Then, Boom! is mostly accessible but challenging in places while also subtly dropping in little poetry lessons that young readers can take forward to future reading experiences. (Onomatopoeia is almost a character in this book!) And Then, Boom! might best be read as one longer poem rather than as a collection of individually title pieces. Recurring themes, motifs, and phrases stitch together the novel in ways that help young readers feel validated as accomplished readers when they understand how the book comes together.
And Then, Boom! makes clear that Starfish was no fluke. Lisa Fipps is an important, powerful voice in contemporary literature for young people. Look for And Then, Boom! in May, 2024. Thanks to Lisa Fipps, Nancy Paulsen Books, and Penguin Random House for an early copy of And Then, Boom!.
This review is also posted in slightly different form on my What's Not Wrong? blog and on Instagram.
February 1, 2024
And then, BOOM, Lisa Fipps does it again! Only put it down once!! Amazing connections between so many of the characters and loved seeing the many ways that people really saw Joe (and his Grandmum) and found ways to support. So much for kids to connect with and discuss and an important light shone on the poverty struggles that face so many. So much amazingness in one fabulous book!
December 27, 2023
“Then make me choose and watch what happens.”
Oh, my heart.
And Then, Boom! is a story about a middle grade boy who is forced to grow up too quickly. 11-year-old Joe’s world turns upside down when his mom is arrested and skips out on bail, leaving Joe and his Grandmum without a place to live. Joe and his Grandmum then embark on a journey plagued with food insecurity, displacement, and abandonment that many face. There were many scenes in this book that broke my heart, and served as a reminder that most people are one paycheck away from experiencing homelessness firsthand.
What really shone through in this book, for me, was the “small” gestures from others that meant EVERYTHING to Joe. The kindness of others can be such a lifechanging impact. What may feel like not enough can be the difference between having something to eat/wear for another day. It doesn’t have to be a grand expensive gift or an organized event, it can just be a casserole. You never know exactly what people are going through but, if you’re paying attention, you can see when others are struggling. This book is rich with discussion opportunities and I will be using it for my middle grade book club when it comes out.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Merged review:
“Then make me choose and watch what happens.”
Oh, my heart.
And Then, Boom! is a story about a middle grade boy who is forced to grow up too quickly. 11-year-old Joe’s world turns upside down when his mom is arrested and skips out on bail, leaving Joe and his Grandmum without a place to live. Joe and his Grandmum then embark on a journey plagued with food insecurity, displacement, and abandonment that many face. There were many scenes in this book that broke my heart, and served as a reminder that most people are one paycheck away from experiencing homelessness firsthand. What really shone through in this book, for me, was the “small” gestures from others that meant EVERYTHING to Joe. The kindness of others can be such a lifechanging impact. What may feel like not enough can be the difference between having something to eat/wear for another day. It doesn’t have to be a grand expensive gift or an organized event, it can just be a casserole. You never know exactly what people are going through but, if you’re paying attention, you can see when others are struggling. This book is rich with discussion opportunities and I will be using it for my middle grade book club when it comes out.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Oh, my heart.
And Then, Boom! is a story about a middle grade boy who is forced to grow up too quickly. 11-year-old Joe’s world turns upside down when his mom is arrested and skips out on bail, leaving Joe and his Grandmum without a place to live. Joe and his Grandmum then embark on a journey plagued with food insecurity, displacement, and abandonment that many face. There were many scenes in this book that broke my heart, and served as a reminder that most people are one paycheck away from experiencing homelessness firsthand.
What really shone through in this book, for me, was the “small” gestures from others that meant EVERYTHING to Joe. The kindness of others can be such a lifechanging impact. What may feel like not enough can be the difference between having something to eat/wear for another day. It doesn’t have to be a grand expensive gift or an organized event, it can just be a casserole. You never know exactly what people are going through but, if you’re paying attention, you can see when others are struggling. This book is rich with discussion opportunities and I will be using it for my middle grade book club when it comes out.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Merged review:
“Then make me choose and watch what happens.”
Oh, my heart.
And Then, Boom! is a story about a middle grade boy who is forced to grow up too quickly. 11-year-old Joe’s world turns upside down when his mom is arrested and skips out on bail, leaving Joe and his Grandmum without a place to live. Joe and his Grandmum then embark on a journey plagued with food insecurity, displacement, and abandonment that many face. There were many scenes in this book that broke my heart, and served as a reminder that most people are one paycheck away from experiencing homelessness firsthand. What really shone through in this book, for me, was the “small” gestures from others that meant EVERYTHING to Joe. The kindness of others can be such a lifechanging impact. What may feel like not enough can be the difference between having something to eat/wear for another day. It doesn’t have to be a grand expensive gift or an organized event, it can just be a casserole. You never know exactly what people are going through but, if you’re paying attention, you can see when others are struggling. This book is rich with discussion opportunities and I will be using it for my middle grade book club when it comes out.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 17, 2023
Couldn’t put it down… love the onomatopoeia parts - so creative!
May 8, 2024
The latest book from a fav author, this was an incredibly moving and tender middle grade novel in verse about a young boy living with food and housing insecurity who loses his grandmother and is then abandoned by his mother forced to survive on his own and rely on the kindness of strangers and teachers to get by. Great on audio and perfect for fans of books like No fixed address by Susin Nielsen. HIGHLY recommended!!
April 26, 2024
I won an Advanced Reader Copy of this book on GoodReads, and I can't be more glad that I did. Lisa Fipps is now in my top 5 favorite authors. After reading this title, I inhaled her other one in a matter of hours. I don't typically take the time to write reviews, but I feel like this book was worth it.
This book was amazing, and I think it can be a great tool in building understanding. I cried, I laughed, and I rejoiced with Joe as he navigated challenges. I wish a book with this much feeling and perspective had been around when I was in middle school; I think it would have helped me understand what some of my peers were going through.
I cannot wait for Lisa Fipps's next book. It will be sure to be another one with the ability to change lives.
This book was amazing, and I think it can be a great tool in building understanding. I cried, I laughed, and I rejoiced with Joe as he navigated challenges. I wish a book with this much feeling and perspective had been around when I was in middle school; I think it would have helped me understand what some of my peers were going through.
I cannot wait for Lisa Fipps's next book. It will be sure to be another one with the ability to change lives.
January 30, 2024
Get ready reader, this novel in verse will pull hard on your heartstrings.
Joe, middle school kid, had had to grow up fast and hard.
Joe’s mother has gotten in some trouble with the law, so her grandmum puts up the house as collateral for her daughter’s bond. But the mother once again gets The Itch and skips court as well as town. Bond money is gone so grandmum and Joe lose their home. They were already sitting on the precipice of homelessness before mom’s big mess. The pair are now living out of their car. Joe doesn’t want to let anyone know what is happening. He tries to behave at school as though everything is cool. This is pretty hard to pull off when you are starving, stinky from trying to bathe from a hose or dirty public toilet, and your clothing is threadbare. Kind adults assist Joe at school as much as they can. His teacher makes sure there are always snacks available for all the kids, which Joe takes full advantage of but without being greedy, and offers him access to the closet of lost clothes that he can choose from. Some things are really nice, like the brand new sneakers that fit him perfectly and even still have the tags on them. Hmmm, how did those get in there among the lost items?
His best friend finds a trailer park that his grandmother can afford to rent. The dwelling is not much, yellow with brown spots, so they name it The Overripe Banana. They have no things with which to furnish the trailer and King of the Castle trailer park owner, Frank, kindly recognizes this fact. He becomes known as Uncle Frankie. He takes them to his barn filled with secondhand furniture, doors, windows, you name it. They get everything they need even a little gas for The Fishbowl, grandmum’s Pacer. This is an old American Motor’s car with lots of glass kinda like a fishbowl.
Still, Joe and his grandmother spiral downwards into poverty. Food stamps (SNAP) doesn’t pay for toilet paper, or tooth paste, or anything that keeps one clean. so Joe has to find and use whatever he can in public restrooms. Tragedy strikes, then the tornado… so you see why the cover of the book has the weight of the world on Joe’s shoulders.
The human kindness displayed in this book was so heartwarming, which I believe is indicative of most folks. The way Joe and grandmum sacrificed for each other demonstrated a genuine and deep love.
I most highly recommend this novel for kids of all backgrounds to read and understand that there are truly hungry people right next door. Even though ethnicity is never stated, I liked the authors use of names like Hakeem, Zuri and Bashirah.
Lisa Phipps has a unique way with language that bring every aspect of the story to full life.
Joe, middle school kid, had had to grow up fast and hard.
Joe’s mother has gotten in some trouble with the law, so her grandmum puts up the house as collateral for her daughter’s bond. But the mother once again gets The Itch and skips court as well as town. Bond money is gone so grandmum and Joe lose their home. They were already sitting on the precipice of homelessness before mom’s big mess. The pair are now living out of their car. Joe doesn’t want to let anyone know what is happening. He tries to behave at school as though everything is cool. This is pretty hard to pull off when you are starving, stinky from trying to bathe from a hose or dirty public toilet, and your clothing is threadbare. Kind adults assist Joe at school as much as they can. His teacher makes sure there are always snacks available for all the kids, which Joe takes full advantage of but without being greedy, and offers him access to the closet of lost clothes that he can choose from. Some things are really nice, like the brand new sneakers that fit him perfectly and even still have the tags on them. Hmmm, how did those get in there among the lost items?
His best friend finds a trailer park that his grandmother can afford to rent. The dwelling is not much, yellow with brown spots, so they name it The Overripe Banana. They have no things with which to furnish the trailer and King of the Castle trailer park owner, Frank, kindly recognizes this fact. He becomes known as Uncle Frankie. He takes them to his barn filled with secondhand furniture, doors, windows, you name it. They get everything they need even a little gas for The Fishbowl, grandmum’s Pacer. This is an old American Motor’s car with lots of glass kinda like a fishbowl.
Still, Joe and his grandmother spiral downwards into poverty. Food stamps (SNAP) doesn’t pay for toilet paper, or tooth paste, or anything that keeps one clean. so Joe has to find and use whatever he can in public restrooms. Tragedy strikes, then the tornado… so you see why the cover of the book has the weight of the world on Joe’s shoulders.
The human kindness displayed in this book was so heartwarming, which I believe is indicative of most folks. The way Joe and grandmum sacrificed for each other demonstrated a genuine and deep love.
I most highly recommend this novel for kids of all backgrounds to read and understand that there are truly hungry people right next door. Even though ethnicity is never stated, I liked the authors use of names like Hakeem, Zuri and Bashirah.
Lisa Phipps has a unique way with language that bring every aspect of the story to full life.
April 9, 2024
A beautiful and thoughtful book written in prose. Tough topics discussed (hunger, neglect, abandonment, poverty) however the take away is the importance of helping others and asking for help. Fipps creates emotions from readers with few words. ‘And then boom’ sprinkles some humour to keep readers engaged and not completely heart broken. ARC received from NetGalley.
November 25, 2023
"Even superheroes need help" This was NOT the story I expected but then again I shouldn't expect anything less from Lisa Fipps. I had to hold back the tears as I read this book in one sitting on a plane. The way that Lisa writes Joe's story is one that will take a long time for me to get over. And this is NOT a story that someone should ever forget. She hits on many issues that tweens face, but are very good about hiding. There are things that people may be going through that they don't want the world around them knowing about. But Joe learns that its OK to ask for help: from his friends, his teacher, his neighborhood "uncle". That from asking for that help, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I cannot wait to purchase this book for my school library because I KNOW that there are students in my school going through exactly what Joe goes through. Thank you Edelweiss for the e-arc!
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December 31, 2023Middle schooler Joe Oak has a list of things he wishes he didn’t have to know. For example, he knows how much his grandmum makes cleaning houses during the day and office buildings at night; he knows exactly how much money is loaded onto his family’s SNAP card each month; he knows what items he and his grandmum can use SNAP to purchase at the grocery store and, more importantly, he knows what items the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program won’t pay for. Things like...
“… soap, shampoo,
deodorant, detergent,
toothpaste and toilet paper
— anything you need to get and stay clean.”
Joe is good at math, finding comfort in the consistency of numbers. Indeed, Joe’s gift for calculations is at least part of the reason why he knows when the prices of items they need begin to rise. However, no matter how hard Joe tries to make sure they can afford everything they put into the grocery cart, sometimes those numbers just don’t add up.
“I know
the humiliation of a grocery store clerk
telling you your total, and you don’t have enough,
so you have to choose what food to put back
— all while everyone waiting in line watches.”
Both Joe and his grandmother are experts at trying to stretch what little they have into just enough for them to survive. Although they rarely make it to the end of the month without a trip to the local soup kitchen, they have each other, which makes things like constant hunger, home insecurity and Joe’s mother’s abandonment a bit more bearable. However, if there’s one thing Joe knows better than anyone, it’s that...
“Every story boils down to
and-thens
and
BOOMS!'
And-thens
and
BOOMS!
are all about the moments when
something happens
that changes
everything.”
Joe’s mother, who has never been reliable, blows back into town.
And-then, BOOM!
“The Mess With Mom” leaves Joe and his grandmum unhoused and living in their car.
Joe’s friend, Nick, tells him about a trailer for rent in same the mobile home park Nick calls home. And while the trailer is so rusted and lopsided Joe nicknames it “the overripe banana,” the park is managed by Uncle Frankie, who spends his days bartering and trading for resources to help the people who live on his property.
And-then, BOOM!
Joe is suddenly left to fend for himself, without his beloved grandmum or the confidence to tell anyone that he needs help. Just when it seems things can’t get any worse…
And-then, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
While Joe’s story is often dominated by the devastating effects of poverty, in the end, Lisa Fipps's sophomore novel-in-verse is a book about love and the kinds of storms that can only be weathered together. It’s only with the help of his “super hero” teacher, Ms. Swan, who works to make sure kids dealing with food, home or other resource insecurities can find the support they need without being “outed” as poor, that Joe is able to access additional food and clothing that grandmum just isn’t able to provide. It’s only with the help of the creative and generous Uncle Frankie, who finds a way for Joe and his grandmother to accept help while also maintaining their dignity, that they are able to begin the work of starting over. And it’s only with the help of his two best friends, Nick and Hakeem, who are constantly looking for ways to support their friend without ever taking away Joe’s ability to choose what happens to him, that Joe is able to finally use his own voice to ask for help.
“When you’re so used to doing everything for yourself,
you forget that others will help.
if you let them."
On a personal note, as someone whose own childhood was remarkably similar to Joe’s, the thing I loved most about And Then, Boom! was the thread of community running throughout. Poverty is not heroic. It's not romantic. And for every person who manages to break that cycle, there are countless others who don’t. What’s more, there’s no shortage of (perhaps well meaning, perhaps not) people who, having never experienced poverty themselves, feel empowered to offer advice to those trying to break free from its choke-hold. In my experience, however, the narrative of “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps” falls apart when you don’t actually have boots. Working hard, doing the “right things” are just part of the equation. The other part is community. Not only do Fipps’s descriptions of crushing poverty ring true, (raise your hand if your family ate “bad beef stew,” too!) but her choice to craft this as a story about the strength of community sends a message that makes this book a must read for kids and adults alike.
"I didn’t change my path, but I changed who joined me on it, and that changed everything.”
Full review with links can be found at librarygirl.net
---
ISBN: 9780593406328
Publication: May 4, 2024
Audience: grades 5+
CW: home insecurity, food insecurity, starvation, poverty, death of a grandparent, parental abandonment, foster care, natural disaster
“… soap, shampoo,
deodorant, detergent,
toothpaste and toilet paper
— anything you need to get and stay clean.”
Joe is good at math, finding comfort in the consistency of numbers. Indeed, Joe’s gift for calculations is at least part of the reason why he knows when the prices of items they need begin to rise. However, no matter how hard Joe tries to make sure they can afford everything they put into the grocery cart, sometimes those numbers just don’t add up.
“I know
the humiliation of a grocery store clerk
telling you your total, and you don’t have enough,
so you have to choose what food to put back
— all while everyone waiting in line watches.”
Both Joe and his grandmother are experts at trying to stretch what little they have into just enough for them to survive. Although they rarely make it to the end of the month without a trip to the local soup kitchen, they have each other, which makes things like constant hunger, home insecurity and Joe’s mother’s abandonment a bit more bearable. However, if there’s one thing Joe knows better than anyone, it’s that...
“Every story boils down to
and-thens
and
BOOMS!'
And-thens
and
BOOMS!
are all about the moments when
something happens
that changes
everything.”
Joe’s mother, who has never been reliable, blows back into town.
And-then, BOOM!
“The Mess With Mom” leaves Joe and his grandmum unhoused and living in their car.
Joe’s friend, Nick, tells him about a trailer for rent in same the mobile home park Nick calls home. And while the trailer is so rusted and lopsided Joe nicknames it “the overripe banana,” the park is managed by Uncle Frankie, who spends his days bartering and trading for resources to help the people who live on his property.
And-then, BOOM!
Joe is suddenly left to fend for himself, without his beloved grandmum or the confidence to tell anyone that he needs help. Just when it seems things can’t get any worse…
And-then, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
While Joe’s story is often dominated by the devastating effects of poverty, in the end, Lisa Fipps's sophomore novel-in-verse is a book about love and the kinds of storms that can only be weathered together. It’s only with the help of his “super hero” teacher, Ms. Swan, who works to make sure kids dealing with food, home or other resource insecurities can find the support they need without being “outed” as poor, that Joe is able to access additional food and clothing that grandmum just isn’t able to provide. It’s only with the help of the creative and generous Uncle Frankie, who finds a way for Joe and his grandmother to accept help while also maintaining their dignity, that they are able to begin the work of starting over. And it’s only with the help of his two best friends, Nick and Hakeem, who are constantly looking for ways to support their friend without ever taking away Joe’s ability to choose what happens to him, that Joe is able to finally use his own voice to ask for help.
“When you’re so used to doing everything for yourself,
you forget that others will help.
if you let them."
On a personal note, as someone whose own childhood was remarkably similar to Joe’s, the thing I loved most about And Then, Boom! was the thread of community running throughout. Poverty is not heroic. It's not romantic. And for every person who manages to break that cycle, there are countless others who don’t. What’s more, there’s no shortage of (perhaps well meaning, perhaps not) people who, having never experienced poverty themselves, feel empowered to offer advice to those trying to break free from its choke-hold. In my experience, however, the narrative of “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps” falls apart when you don’t actually have boots. Working hard, doing the “right things” are just part of the equation. The other part is community. Not only do Fipps’s descriptions of crushing poverty ring true, (raise your hand if your family ate “bad beef stew,” too!) but her choice to craft this as a story about the strength of community sends a message that makes this book a must read for kids and adults alike.
"I didn’t change my path, but I changed who joined me on it, and that changed everything.”
Full review with links can be found at librarygirl.net
---
ISBN: 9780593406328
Publication: May 4, 2024
Audience: grades 5+
CW: home insecurity, food insecurity, starvation, poverty, death of a grandparent, parental abandonment, foster care, natural disaster
May 12, 2024
Life has thrown a lot of curve balls Joe's way. Once he gets used things, life throws him a "and then boom" moment. Joe's mom isn't someone he can rely on. He and his grandmum loose their home and have to live their car. Food is scarce and he has dirty old clothes to get by. Luckily there are some superheroes in his life: Grandmum, Ms Swan, his 5th grade teacher, Uncle Frankie, the trailer park caretaker, and his best friends, Hakeem and Nick. When things get really bad, these people help Joe finally feel safe. Recommend to fans of The War That Saved My Life and The Benefits of Being an Octopus.
January 27, 2024
Lisa Fipps (Starfish) writes another masterful book that will tug at readers’ heartstrings and help them put themselves into someone else’s shoes. Being in Joe’s shoes means homelessness, abandonment, poverty, hunger, and fear. But Fipps inserts supportive characters like Grandmum, Uncle Frankie and best friends Hakeem and Nick to keep the overall tone from getting too heavy and who may also encourage readers to be the help that someone else might need. The idea of “And then. Boom!” meaning that life will often hand us some “and then this happens” transitions that lead to bigger “boom” events is completely relatable and applies to many big and small situations in the lives of everyone. Highly recommended for libraries serving grades 4 and up. Would pair nicely with Rex Ogle’s Free Lunch or Chicken Boy by Francis O’Roark Dowell.
Thanks for an eARC, NetGalley.
Thanks for an eARC, NetGalley.
April 15, 2024
I generally do not care for books in verse. However, I love Lisa Fipps.
This book made me tear up so often I had to walk away from it a few times. Lisa has such a knack for writing earnest, strong kids that learn to thrive despite having challenging (to say the least) families.
The parallel with superheroes was *chef's kiss* not overwrought but just enough for middle grade readers to grasp. It is so important to put todays readers in other peoples shoes. Everyone could use more empathy these days.
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC.
This book made me tear up so often I had to walk away from it a few times. Lisa has such a knack for writing earnest, strong kids that learn to thrive despite having challenging (to say the least) families.
The parallel with superheroes was *chef's kiss* not overwrought but just enough for middle grade readers to grasp. It is so important to put todays readers in other peoples shoes. Everyone could use more empathy these days.
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC.
May 5, 2024
Another powerful book by Lisa Fipps. I cried so much reading this book.
May 12, 2024
A wonderfully humanizing look at a child who lives through homelessness and food and security, humanity, which is often left out when statistics are thrown around about.
May 15, 2024
I have very rarely cried for a book. I cried at least three times reading this book. Lisa captures stories so well with very few words. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her multiple times, and each time she shines as a light on this earth. This story will sit with me for a very long time. Every person should read this book.
March 3, 2024
Just my kind of book--a kid going through hardships has some good friends and even better adults around him, if only he'd confide in them. Perfect for middle school, even fifth grade, I think. Novel in verse.
January 11, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of Lisa Fipps’s new book. If you loved Starfish, this book will not disappoint! Her debut book was rarely on the shelves in my classroom as someone was always reading it and I know this will happen with And Then, Boom! With themes of abandonment, loss, perseverance, friendship, and compassion woven throughout, she tells the powerful story of a young boy living in extreme poverty and those around him who are able to help. This is a must have in every middle grade classroom and I can’t wait to add it to my collection.
February 21, 2024
True story, I judged the cover of this book so hard. But I was lucky to receive an ARC from a bookseller in Ohio, and instead of having it sit in my shelf for a year or more, I read it. And oh my god. Read this book. Please. Read it. No sophmore slump for Lisa Fipps!
Joe Oak and his grandma are getting by. They struggle, but they’re able to get by. And then the unthinkable happens. Joe has to figure out to care for himself and three doggos that have been abandoned, like how Joe feels.
This is an absolutely heartbreaking story, and I admit to having to stop here and there because I felt so deeply for sweet Joe. He did nothing to deserve the hand that life handed him, and he tried so very hard.
This book would be a good mentor text for poetry and literary devices. Will for sure need to order one or more copies for the library!
Joe Oak and his grandma are getting by. They struggle, but they’re able to get by. And then the unthinkable happens. Joe has to figure out to care for himself and three doggos that have been abandoned, like how Joe feels.
This is an absolutely heartbreaking story, and I admit to having to stop here and there because I felt so deeply for sweet Joe. He did nothing to deserve the hand that life handed him, and he tried so very hard.
This book would be a good mentor text for poetry and literary devices. Will for sure need to order one or more copies for the library!
October 25, 2023
“I didn’t change my path, but I changed who joined me on it, and that changed everything.”
💥
Joe Oak is mature for his age, mainly because he’s been through so much already. His mom leaves on a whim, making his grandmum his primary guardian. Together they struggle with food insecurity, piles of bills and homelessness, but one thing they have in abundance is love for one another. When things fall apart and Joe is left to fend for himself, he doesn’t tell anyone what his home life is like other than his two best friends for fear of CPS taking him away. With time running out before summer break, Joe has to find a way to survive on his own before everyone in his life leaves town after school ends. Three dogs, a tornado and brush with death have Joe’s life blowing in a whole new direction.
💥
This was so not what I thought this MG book was going to be about and I’m 100% okay with that because, man, can @authorlisafipps write. I bawled the last three fourths of the novel in verse. I wanted to wrap Joe in a hug and never let go. So many kids are struggling with many of the issues Joe faced (and he faced a lot), but his good heart, tenacity and strength had me cheering for him at every turn. If you thought Starfish was amazing, wait until And Then, Boom! releases May 7. It’s a contender for the Newbery, in my humble opinion. So many fantastic quotes I highlighted as I read! An automatic preorder & book club pick to help teach kids empathy, understanding and kindness.
CW: homelessness, hunger/starvation, hospitalization, death of a grandparent, parental abandonment, foster care, depression, poverty, tornado
💥
Joe Oak is mature for his age, mainly because he’s been through so much already. His mom leaves on a whim, making his grandmum his primary guardian. Together they struggle with food insecurity, piles of bills and homelessness, but one thing they have in abundance is love for one another. When things fall apart and Joe is left to fend for himself, he doesn’t tell anyone what his home life is like other than his two best friends for fear of CPS taking him away. With time running out before summer break, Joe has to find a way to survive on his own before everyone in his life leaves town after school ends. Three dogs, a tornado and brush with death have Joe’s life blowing in a whole new direction.
💥
This was so not what I thought this MG book was going to be about and I’m 100% okay with that because, man, can @authorlisafipps write. I bawled the last three fourths of the novel in verse. I wanted to wrap Joe in a hug and never let go. So many kids are struggling with many of the issues Joe faced (and he faced a lot), but his good heart, tenacity and strength had me cheering for him at every turn. If you thought Starfish was amazing, wait until And Then, Boom! releases May 7. It’s a contender for the Newbery, in my humble opinion. So many fantastic quotes I highlighted as I read! An automatic preorder & book club pick to help teach kids empathy, understanding and kindness.
CW: homelessness, hunger/starvation, hospitalization, death of a grandparent, parental abandonment, foster care, depression, poverty, tornado
March 4, 2024
Don't let the cartoon-y cover fool you (like it did me) - this book will rip your heart out and stomp all over it.
January 21, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
**Spoiler alert. Don't read if you want to be surprised by the plot developments.*
Joe Oak and his grandmother as doing the best they can since his mother ran off. They lost their house when the mother jumped bail, and have spent time living in their GMC Pacer and washing up in store washrooms while the grandmother cleans houses to try to make ends meet. Joe is lucky that he has a supportive 6th grade teacher at school, Mrs. Swan, who keeps snacks available to students and even has the school change the lunch system so that kids on free and reduced lunch don't have to annouce it to everyone. Joe has been friends with Nick and Hakeem for a long time, but doesn't want them to know he has been living in a car. When Nick finds out (and he had noticed that Joe was falling asleep in class and seemed rumpled), he lets Joe know about a unit available to rent in the mobile home park where he lives. Nick's mother struggled with depression, and Nick has been in foster care a couple of times, so he understands that sometimes life is hard. Joe and his grandmother are very happy with their new accomodations, and revel in taking showers and getting their clothes clean. The owner of Castle Mobile Home Park, Frank King, offers the two free furniture, and asks them to call him Uncle Frankie and to let him know if there is anything they need. Joe's grandmother even put in a garden. When Joe's grandmother suddenly dies of a stomach aneurysm, his mother comes back to live with him, but it is not long before she takes off again. For a while, he has enough food, and gets some new clothes from Ms. Swan's Magic Closet, but taking care of himself becomes increasingly difficult since he finds three abandoned dogs and is trying to feed them as well. He eventually tells Nick and Hakeem, who help him raise some money by selling items at the community rummage sale, but this doesn't last long. When summer comes, Hakeem gives him some food leftover from a cooking class, but this is all lost when the electricity is cut. Joe eats the food from the garden, and dumpster dives at a local restaurant until the dumpster is locked. Nick has asked Joe to look after his mother, and when Joe notices she hasn't left the house is a long time, he seeks help from a neighbor. Uncle Frankie notices that Joe's mother is never around, but doesn't press him for details. When a tornado comes perilously close to Joe's home, he manages to ride out the storm with the dogs by tethering himself to a tree, but eventually is thrown through the air, luckily landing on a pile of soft things. He tells the people who rescue him that his mother has left and CPS needs to be notified. He's kept in the hospital for a while to get treatment for his infected tooth, storm injuries, and malnutrition, and is placed into foster care with a farming family who is willing to take the three dogs as well. While Joe misses his grandmother, and even his mother, he is glad to be in a stable home setting where his physical and psychological needs can be met. He even puts together a mini food pantry to help other children who are struggling.
Strengths: Fipps' Starfish has a huge following, and this will be another title that will be popular. There is something about seeing children faced with overwhelming challenges and having to care for themselves that makes for an intriguing read. Joe's situation is realistically portrayed, and the details of how he and his grandmother make do are harrowing and yet hopeful. His friends stick with him, and it's good to see that he has people like Uncle Frankie and Mrs. Swan to help as much as they can.
Weaknesses: Because I've gone back to my old E Ink E Reader, I wasn't quite sure tat first that his was a novel in verse, because the lines weren't positioned on the page the way they will be in the final copy. This isn't particularly poetic, and I would have enjoyed more details about Joe's friendship with Hakeem and Nick or the dogs that we might have gotten in a prose format.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who Rudd's How to Stay Invisible, Ogle's Free Lunch, Walter's The King of Jam Sandwiches, Braden's The Benefits of Being an Octopus, and Supplee's Sweetness All Around. I'll probably buy a copy because the cover is appealing, but might have to hand sell it to my students, who are often reluctant to pick up verse novels for reasons I don't understand.
**Spoiler alert. Don't read if you want to be surprised by the plot developments.*
Joe Oak and his grandmother as doing the best they can since his mother ran off. They lost their house when the mother jumped bail, and have spent time living in their GMC Pacer and washing up in store washrooms while the grandmother cleans houses to try to make ends meet. Joe is lucky that he has a supportive 6th grade teacher at school, Mrs. Swan, who keeps snacks available to students and even has the school change the lunch system so that kids on free and reduced lunch don't have to annouce it to everyone. Joe has been friends with Nick and Hakeem for a long time, but doesn't want them to know he has been living in a car. When Nick finds out (and he had noticed that Joe was falling asleep in class and seemed rumpled), he lets Joe know about a unit available to rent in the mobile home park where he lives. Nick's mother struggled with depression, and Nick has been in foster care a couple of times, so he understands that sometimes life is hard. Joe and his grandmother are very happy with their new accomodations, and revel in taking showers and getting their clothes clean. The owner of Castle Mobile Home Park, Frank King, offers the two free furniture, and asks them to call him Uncle Frankie and to let him know if there is anything they need. Joe's grandmother even put in a garden. When Joe's grandmother suddenly dies of a stomach aneurysm, his mother comes back to live with him, but it is not long before she takes off again. For a while, he has enough food, and gets some new clothes from Ms. Swan's Magic Closet, but taking care of himself becomes increasingly difficult since he finds three abandoned dogs and is trying to feed them as well. He eventually tells Nick and Hakeem, who help him raise some money by selling items at the community rummage sale, but this doesn't last long. When summer comes, Hakeem gives him some food leftover from a cooking class, but this is all lost when the electricity is cut. Joe eats the food from the garden, and dumpster dives at a local restaurant until the dumpster is locked. Nick has asked Joe to look after his mother, and when Joe notices she hasn't left the house is a long time, he seeks help from a neighbor. Uncle Frankie notices that Joe's mother is never around, but doesn't press him for details. When a tornado comes perilously close to Joe's home, he manages to ride out the storm with the dogs by tethering himself to a tree, but eventually is thrown through the air, luckily landing on a pile of soft things. He tells the people who rescue him that his mother has left and CPS needs to be notified. He's kept in the hospital for a while to get treatment for his infected tooth, storm injuries, and malnutrition, and is placed into foster care with a farming family who is willing to take the three dogs as well. While Joe misses his grandmother, and even his mother, he is glad to be in a stable home setting where his physical and psychological needs can be met. He even puts together a mini food pantry to help other children who are struggling.
Strengths: Fipps' Starfish has a huge following, and this will be another title that will be popular. There is something about seeing children faced with overwhelming challenges and having to care for themselves that makes for an intriguing read. Joe's situation is realistically portrayed, and the details of how he and his grandmother make do are harrowing and yet hopeful. His friends stick with him, and it's good to see that he has people like Uncle Frankie and Mrs. Swan to help as much as they can.
Weaknesses: Because I've gone back to my old E Ink E Reader, I wasn't quite sure tat first that his was a novel in verse, because the lines weren't positioned on the page the way they will be in the final copy. This isn't particularly poetic, and I would have enjoyed more details about Joe's friendship with Hakeem and Nick or the dogs that we might have gotten in a prose format.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who Rudd's How to Stay Invisible, Ogle's Free Lunch, Walter's The King of Jam Sandwiches, Braden's The Benefits of Being an Octopus, and Supplee's Sweetness All Around. I'll probably buy a copy because the cover is appealing, but might have to hand sell it to my students, who are often reluctant to pick up verse novels for reasons I don't understand.
April 3, 2024
Lisa Fipps has done it again. She has pulled us right into this heart-wrenching story and made us feel all the ups and downs that Joe feels as he tries to navigate life on unsteady waters. This novel in verse tells the story of Joe Oak, an 11 year old boy who lives with his Grandmum and occasionally his mom, when she doesn't get the "itch" and take off. When his mom leaves for one of her more extended periods of time, Joe and his Grandmum have to move from their "Gingerbread house" to their car, aka "The Fishbowl," and eventually to a run down mobile home that Joe aptly names "The Overripe Banana" due to the yellow exterior and brown peeling paint spots. They struggle to pay bills and to find enough to eat, and Joe is often teased by his schoolmates because of his smelly and tattered clothing. To distract himself from all of the struggles he and his Grandmum face, Joe turns to doodling. This is his way of expressing what's happening in his life and where he draws symbols, like the infinity symbol, that represents things in his life unfortunately keep repeating themselves.
The hopeful part of this story is all of the support that Joe has surrounding him. He has Mrs. Swan, a teacher who finds ways to help kids who are poor not to feel so targeted in school and who is based on an important teacher from the author's life; he has Uncle Frankie, who not only provides resources from "Frank-Mart" but also lends a helping hand when some furry friends show up in Joe's life; he has his Grandmum, who provides love and encouragement even when she can't provide financially for them; and he has his school buddies, Hakeem and Nick, who stand with him in school even when others are making fun of him and who provide food and unconditional friendship.
The novel in verse format keeps the descriptions and dialogue concise and intimate helping the reader feel like we are right there with Joe through his struggles and through the glimmers of hope. Fipps brings to light the important topic of poverty without being heavy-handed, but rather through an authentic portrayal of what life is like for many people who struggle to make ends meet. One other part that I loved about this book was the section headings. I felt that they really helped give the perfect overview of what was about to happen and provided a powerful transition to prepare us for what was ahead.
Finally, a tiny spoiler...
While the meaning of Grandmum's quilt tugged at my heart, it was the rose of Sharon bush and what happened with it that really had me grabbing for the tissues. As a resident of an Appalachian area, this particular flower holds some familial symbolism that I couldn't help but connect with in the story. Sometimes, in books like this, it's the "small things" that are really the big things.
A must-read for teachers, parents, and middle grades students!
The hopeful part of this story is all of the support that Joe has surrounding him. He has Mrs. Swan, a teacher who finds ways to help kids who are poor not to feel so targeted in school and who is based on an important teacher from the author's life; he has Uncle Frankie, who not only provides resources from "Frank-Mart" but also lends a helping hand when some furry friends show up in Joe's life; he has his Grandmum, who provides love and encouragement even when she can't provide financially for them; and he has his school buddies, Hakeem and Nick, who stand with him in school even when others are making fun of him and who provide food and unconditional friendship.
The novel in verse format keeps the descriptions and dialogue concise and intimate helping the reader feel like we are right there with Joe through his struggles and through the glimmers of hope. Fipps brings to light the important topic of poverty without being heavy-handed, but rather through an authentic portrayal of what life is like for many people who struggle to make ends meet. One other part that I loved about this book was the section headings. I felt that they really helped give the perfect overview of what was about to happen and provided a powerful transition to prepare us for what was ahead.
Finally, a tiny spoiler...
While the meaning of Grandmum's quilt tugged at my heart, it was the rose of Sharon bush and what happened with it that really had me grabbing for the tissues. As a resident of an Appalachian area, this particular flower holds some familial symbolism that I couldn't help but connect with in the story. Sometimes, in books like this, it's the "small things" that are really the big things.
A must-read for teachers, parents, and middle grades students!
April 3, 2024
Lisa Fipps has done it again. She has pulled us right into this heart-wrenching story and made us feel all the ups and downs that Joe feels as he tries to navigate life on unsteady waters. This novel in verse tells the story of Joe Oak, an 11 year old boy who lives with his Grandmum and occasionally his mom, when she doesn't get the "itch" and take off. When his mom leaves for one of her more extended periods of time, Joe and his Grandmum have to move from their "Gingerbread house" to their car, aka "The Fishbowl," and eventually to a run down mobile home that Joe aptly names "The Overripe Banana" due to the yellow exterior and brown peeling paint spots. They struggle to pay bills and to find enough to eat, and Joe is often teased by his schoolmates because of his smelly and tattered clothing. To distract himself from all of the struggles he and his Grandmum face, Joe turns to doodling. This is his way of expressing what's happening in his life and where he draws symbols, like the infinity symbol, that represents things in his life unfortunately keep repeating themselves.
The hopeful part of this story is all of the support that Joe has surrounding him. He has Mrs. Swan, a teacher who finds ways to help kids who are poor not to feel so targeted in school and who is based on an important teacher from the author's life; he has Uncle Frankie, who not only provides resources from "Frank-Mart" but also lends a helping hand when some furry friends show up in Joe's life; he has his Grandmum, who provides love and encouragement even when she can't provide financially for them; and he has his school buddies, Hakeem and Nick, who stand with him in school even when others are making fun of him and who provide food and unconditional friendship.
The novel in verse format keeps the descriptions and dialogue concise and intimate helping the reader feel like we are right there with Joe through his struggles and through the glimmers of hope. Fipps brings to light the important topic of poverty without being heavy-handed, but rather through an authentic portrayal of what life is like for many people who struggle to make ends meet. One other part that I loved about this book was the section headings. I felt that they really helped give the perfect overview of what was about to happen and provided a powerful transition to prepare us for what was ahead.
Finally, a tiny spoiler...
.
.
.
While the meaning of Grandmum's quilt tugged at my heart, it was the rose of Sharon bush and what happened with it that really had me grabbing for the tissues. As a resident of an Appalachian area, this particular flower holds some familial symbolism that I couldn't help but connect with in the story. Sometimes, in books like this, it's the "small things" that are really the big things.
A must-read for teachers, parents, and middle grades students!
The hopeful part of this story is all of the support that Joe has surrounding him. He has Mrs. Swan, a teacher who finds ways to help kids who are poor not to feel so targeted in school and who is based on an important teacher from the author's life; he has Uncle Frankie, who not only provides resources from "Frank-Mart" but also lends a helping hand when some furry friends show up in Joe's life; he has his Grandmum, who provides love and encouragement even when she can't provide financially for them; and he has his school buddies, Hakeem and Nick, who stand with him in school even when others are making fun of him and who provide food and unconditional friendship.
The novel in verse format keeps the descriptions and dialogue concise and intimate helping the reader feel like we are right there with Joe through his struggles and through the glimmers of hope. Fipps brings to light the important topic of poverty without being heavy-handed, but rather through an authentic portrayal of what life is like for many people who struggle to make ends meet. One other part that I loved about this book was the section headings. I felt that they really helped give the perfect overview of what was about to happen and provided a powerful transition to prepare us for what was ahead.
Finally, a tiny spoiler...
.
.
.
While the meaning of Grandmum's quilt tugged at my heart, it was the rose of Sharon bush and what happened with it that really had me grabbing for the tissues. As a resident of an Appalachian area, this particular flower holds some familial symbolism that I couldn't help but connect with in the story. Sometimes, in books like this, it's the "small things" that are really the big things.
A must-read for teachers, parents, and middle grades students!
April 10, 2024
Lisa Fipps, I just need to know where you have been all my life! My most recommended Middle Grade book to both students and other adults has been Starfish, and her second title absolutely lives up to that incredibly high standard. This is a book I will be putting (forcing? shoving?) into the hands of so many of my students to either show them that they are not alone or to foster empathy for their classmates.
I’m just so thankful books like this exist in the world! The story focuses on Joe Oak, an 11-year old dealing with both family, housing, and food insecurity. Things go from bad to worse when his beloved and dedicated Grandmum gets sick and Joe finds himself having to really and truly fend for himself. He’s scared to share his truth with those around him which ultimately puts him in incredible danger, but he’s also surrounded by two incredible friends and some adults, namely a teacher and a trailer park owner, who truly care for his well-being.
The story in and of itself is incredible, but the writing is truly what makes this book soar. Fipps is a master of verse, and the rhythm and language within these pages truly takes the reader on an emotional journey. I’d put Fipps’ writing up with the best poetry I’ve ever read. Not only does it tug at the heartstrings, but it tells a powerful story with figurative and powerful language. I find it hard to put into words how much the writing means to me; it is just something that needs to be experienced to be appreciated.
Just a personal anecdote - don’t read this book and think that this childhood experience is an anomaly. As someone who gets to work in a Title 1 school with a very high transient population, I can promise you that it’s more common than most people think. If this book inspires you - and it will - I ask you to do something with this inspiration. Volunteer at your local food kitchen, get involved with organizations in your community, or reach out to low income schools in your area to see how you can help. Joe’s story is so important in part because it’s so relevant to our children.
I’m just so thankful books like this exist in the world! The story focuses on Joe Oak, an 11-year old dealing with both family, housing, and food insecurity. Things go from bad to worse when his beloved and dedicated Grandmum gets sick and Joe finds himself having to really and truly fend for himself. He’s scared to share his truth with those around him which ultimately puts him in incredible danger, but he’s also surrounded by two incredible friends and some adults, namely a teacher and a trailer park owner, who truly care for his well-being.
The story in and of itself is incredible, but the writing is truly what makes this book soar. Fipps is a master of verse, and the rhythm and language within these pages truly takes the reader on an emotional journey. I’d put Fipps’ writing up with the best poetry I’ve ever read. Not only does it tug at the heartstrings, but it tells a powerful story with figurative and powerful language. I find it hard to put into words how much the writing means to me; it is just something that needs to be experienced to be appreciated.
Just a personal anecdote - don’t read this book and think that this childhood experience is an anomaly. As someone who gets to work in a Title 1 school with a very high transient population, I can promise you that it’s more common than most people think. If this book inspires you - and it will - I ask you to do something with this inspiration. Volunteer at your local food kitchen, get involved with organizations in your community, or reach out to low income schools in your area to see how you can help. Joe’s story is so important in part because it’s so relevant to our children.
May 13, 2024
5 stars for this amazing, heart-breaking, important, inspiring, and eye-opening middle grade read. Joe's story is hard to read; his life is hard. It's hard, but it's also so very important b/c poverty is real and more prevalent than most realize.
Lisa Fipps has done it again with an amazing novel in verse that kids need to read. This is a novel that could be read aloud and discussed. This is a novel for a lit circle. This is a novel for a family read aloud. This is an amazing novel.
Some favorite quotes:
"Each of us has an origin story, a story of how we became who we are."
"I'm cleaner, but getting washed up in a grimy public restroom makes me feel so dirty."
"It's amazing how easy you can make a truth into a lie, and a lie into a truth."
Lisa Fipps has done it again with an amazing novel in verse that kids need to read. This is a novel that could be read aloud and discussed. This is a novel for a lit circle. This is a novel for a family read aloud. This is an amazing novel.
Some favorite quotes:
"Each of us has an origin story, a story of how we became who we are."
"I'm cleaner, but getting washed up in a grimy public restroom makes me feel so dirty."
"It's amazing how easy you can make a truth into a lie, and a lie into a truth."
May 17, 2024
Thanks to his unpredictable storm of a mother jumping bail, Joe and his beloved grandmother lose their house and end up living in their car. Life for Joe has always been struggling from one disaster to the next, though there are a few bright spots of help. His teacher helps with both practicalities and dignity, and his best friends help Joe and his grandmother find a trailer to rent, in a park run by the kindest of men. The disasters keep piling up, though, just like the bills that Joe's grandmother doesn't earn enough to pay. Thanks to a whole series of disasters and circumstances--including summer vacation, with no school meals and best friends away--Joe finds himself fending for himself, along with three dogs he rescued. It's as desperate a time as Joe has ever known, and only the fear of foster care keeps him struggling on. But he can't struggle on forever.
Wow, this was a serious heartbreaker. A heart-ripper-out-of-your-chest, really. Joe tries so hard to do everything he can to keep his life together, but even with help, it's too much for him. His mother seems pretty irredeemable; every time she comes back to town, it's a fresh disaster, but her leaving is also a disaster. It makes you feel so sad for kids who deal with useless parents like her, and sad for the grandparents who have to watch their child being such a useless parent. Reading about how far Joe had to go to try to feed himself is so wrenching, but you know there are kids going through that every day. It says a lot about foster care that Joe nearly starved before admitting he needed help. This is definitely an all-the-feels book. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.
Wow, this was a serious heartbreaker. A heart-ripper-out-of-your-chest, really. Joe tries so hard to do everything he can to keep his life together, but even with help, it's too much for him. His mother seems pretty irredeemable; every time she comes back to town, it's a fresh disaster, but her leaving is also a disaster. It makes you feel so sad for kids who deal with useless parents like her, and sad for the grandparents who have to watch their child being such a useless parent. Reading about how far Joe had to go to try to feed himself is so wrenching, but you know there are kids going through that every day. It says a lot about foster care that Joe nearly starved before admitting he needed help. This is definitely an all-the-feels book. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.
April 6, 2024
“Everybody deserves Just-as-I-am love.” This book! If you are a teacher, a parent, a student, or a friend, you have the power to make a difference in a child’s life.
This powerful novel in verse features a boy who bravely rides all the storms that blow his way. He and his grandmum are barely scraping by. But Joe finds comfort in comic book superheroes because they face a lot of “and then, boom” moments where the odds are stacked against them. When an unimaginable boom happens, Joe is left to fend for himself. Lots of people care for Joe, but he’s afraid of what might happen if he tells them what’s going on. Joe��s never felt so alone- until a stray dog and her pups cross his path. Knowing what it’s like to feel abandoned, he takes them in. But how long can four hungry creatures survive on a dwindling supply of food? Turns out Joe needn’t worry for long, because the next big “boom” turns his world upside down and proves he’s just as resilient as his favorite superheroes.
“When Superman summons every ounce of his strength to survive something others can’t even imagine, he’s the same person he was when he crumbled to his knees left helpless by kryptonite.”
”When you’re so used to doing everything for yourself, you forget others will help. If you let them.”
”I didn’t change my path, but I changed who joined me on it, and that changed everything.”
“One day is a hope, a wish, a dream that gets you through ordinary days, hard days, the worst days.”
”One day, I’ll never be filled with hunger again.”
This powerful novel in verse features a boy who bravely rides all the storms that blow his way. He and his grandmum are barely scraping by. But Joe finds comfort in comic book superheroes because they face a lot of “and then, boom” moments where the odds are stacked against them. When an unimaginable boom happens, Joe is left to fend for himself. Lots of people care for Joe, but he’s afraid of what might happen if he tells them what’s going on. Joe��s never felt so alone- until a stray dog and her pups cross his path. Knowing what it’s like to feel abandoned, he takes them in. But how long can four hungry creatures survive on a dwindling supply of food? Turns out Joe needn’t worry for long, because the next big “boom” turns his world upside down and proves he’s just as resilient as his favorite superheroes.
“When Superman summons every ounce of his strength to survive something others can’t even imagine, he’s the same person he was when he crumbled to his knees left helpless by kryptonite.”
”When you’re so used to doing everything for yourself, you forget others will help. If you let them.”
”I didn’t change my path, but I changed who joined me on it, and that changed everything.”
“One day is a hope, a wish, a dream that gets you through ordinary days, hard days, the worst days.”
”One day, I’ll never be filled with hunger again.”
November 29, 2023
For middle-schooler Joe Oak, just when he thinks his bumpy day/week/month might finally level out--Then, Boom!-- another obstacle arises and he's struggling again. An unreliable and absent mother means Joe is often on his own. But he's heard stories about bad foster homes, and will do whatever it takes to avoid Child Protective Services. One day, after Joe's mother up and disappears, his grandmum steps into the void. The two struggle with food and housing insecurity and unpaid bills, but Joe's friends, an older neighbor, and an observant teacher offer quiet assistance. Then, Boom!...a tragedy occurs, and Joe decides to try the unthinkable: make it on his own. Yet with two puppies and their mother at his side, his struggles eventually become a life or death situation, especially when a tornado takes aim. In the end, Joe must go against all his instincts and learn to open up, to allow others in--people who might be able to offer him the stable, loving home he's always wanted and every child deserves. This novel in verse from Lisa Fipps features a remarkable main character that will open tweens' eyes, minds, and hearts to those around them for whom getting through each day might be a challenge.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a preview of the book in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a preview of the book in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
April 8, 2024
Wow, another amazing book from Lisa Fipps! What Starfish did for disordered eating and self-respect And Then, Boom! does for food insecurity and asking for help. An absolute must read.
This is Joe Oak's superhero origin story. Joe even warns us at the beginning that the story is going to get hard to read at times, but like a comic book, "even when horrible things happen, it can all work out." Joe lives with his grandmother and only knows a world of hunger and need. His mother gets "the itch" and gives up her responsibilities as a parent. But Joe also has an army of people who back him up. He has 2 amazing best friends, a special teacher, and the owner of the trailer park. They notice when things are not right and step in to help without being asked. However, there are times when you have to ask for help. Where hiding your situation can be dangerous. Through some incredibly difficult moments, Joe has to learn this as well. He has to learn that sometimes we choose our families and that asking for help can be the thing that saves your life. Life isn't easy, but no one should have to suffer the way Joe does in this story.
Bravo Lisa Fipps for another stunning novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Nancy Paulson books for access to the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is Joe Oak's superhero origin story. Joe even warns us at the beginning that the story is going to get hard to read at times, but like a comic book, "even when horrible things happen, it can all work out." Joe lives with his grandmother and only knows a world of hunger and need. His mother gets "the itch" and gives up her responsibilities as a parent. But Joe also has an army of people who back him up. He has 2 amazing best friends, a special teacher, and the owner of the trailer park. They notice when things are not right and step in to help without being asked. However, there are times when you have to ask for help. Where hiding your situation can be dangerous. Through some incredibly difficult moments, Joe has to learn this as well. He has to learn that sometimes we choose our families and that asking for help can be the thing that saves your life. Life isn't easy, but no one should have to suffer the way Joe does in this story.
Bravo Lisa Fipps for another stunning novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Nancy Paulson books for access to the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
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