Bursting Box Publishing

I wish there were more books like “Squint,” by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown.

Even as an adult, I love reading the Middle Readers, because of the imagination and humor.  But too few Middle Reader books deal with REAL problems. Even if your kid has a “perfect” family and life, books like “Squint” and “Mustaches for Maddie” can help your kid understand the struggles that others go through.
“Squint” doesn’t just deal with bullying (with an eye-opening perspective) and making friends, but also the real-life situations of kids raised by their grandparents, kids dealing with health problems, with the possible loss of sight, and loss of a loved one…

As a loner kid raised by a widow, I appreciated these perspectives.

I’ll admit, it took me a while to get into as it begins with a lot of comic description, and I wanted the actual comic pictures.  Half-way through the book, I realized why they didn’t include them, but I do think including the drawings would have been better suited for Middle Readers.

Without giving any spoilers, the ending is perfect.  It ends happily, but doesn’t bend the characters or their situations to fit the mold of a “happily ever after.”  It’s satisfying with closure and hope for the future.

“Squint” will be available in stores October 2nd.