Chirp by Kate Messner

Genre:  Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction
Source:  Purchased


I absolutely loved this book. Mia and her family move to Vermont to be near and help her grandmother who had recently had a stroke. When they arrive her mother is determined to help her grandmother slip into retirement. Mia's grandmother has other plans. She has a cricket farm that she plans to expand.  Unfortunately, someone seems to be sabotaging her crickets.
Mia, a former gymnast, has been told she must join two different day camps. She makes friends, finds a way to help her grandmother, and most importantly finds herself, and her courage to speak up.  This is a book that is so important for middle school students. Middle grade years are when students are learning who they are. It is also one of the most vulnerable times for them. So many are taken advantage of at this age and some get lost and never find themselves. In Mia's case she finds her voice and the courage to help someone else.  This is an absolute must read.