McKenna's Reviews > And Then, Boom!

“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.