I remember with absolute clarity the angst and turmoil that came with being a preteen and entering middle school: hormones, self-image issues, embarrassing family members, bullying, secret crushes…See You at Harry’s encompasses all that and more.

Twelve-year-old Fern, named after the character in Charlotte’s Web, is entering middle school and all the accompanying drama that goes with it. Her eccentric but loving family includes three siblings, all also named after book characters, each accompanied by their own drama. Brother Holden is coming to terms with his sexual orientation. Charlie is the much-loved and over-indulged baby of the family. Older sister Sara has recently graduated from high school but is trying to find herself while working in the family restaurant. Fern’s mom, although a loving parent, distances herself from the family by withdrawing into her private world. Fern’s dad is understandably tied up with the day-to-day business of running a restaurant. And speaking of the restaurant, this is the center point in the family’s life and the source of much of Fern’s discomfort. However, when tragedy strikes the family they must all come together in order to survive.

This book is an amazing account of a young girl’s journey through one of the most difficult life events imaginable. Jo Knowles does an amazing job of bringing this story to life. Fern’s story is funny, embarrassing, sad, and entirely believable. It’s an excellent read for young adults and preteens as well as adults such as myself. There was also an element of suspense as the story led me to believe one tragedy was about to occur before going in another direction. I couldn’t pull myself away from this one and can’t wait to read more by this author.

~Thalia

Buy It Now: See You at Harry’s