The Horn Book Guide

INTERMEDIATE FICTION

Schmatz, Pat

The Key to Every Thing

199 pp. | Candlewick | May, 2018 | Trade ISBN 978-0-7636-9566-8 $16.99

(2) 4-6 Soon-to-be sixth grader Tasha lashes out at her neighbor and grandmother-figure Cap'n Jackie before leaving for summer camp, but she returns to find Cap'n Jackie in a rehabilitation center, nearly catatonic, after breaking her hip. Schmatz lays intricate character groundwork for her small cast. Readers will find an emotional punch; a nuanced, character-driven plot that doesn't stray from a middle-grade perspective; and a thoughtful exploration of grief and pain.

Reviewer: Anastasia M. Collins | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2018