Once for Yes by Allie Millington

How I Came Across It... *While attending #NCTE24 in Boston, I spent some time on the exhibit floor. While browsing the books at the Macmillan booth, I came across this ARC. I had read Millington's first novel, Olivetti, and so enjoyed the storyline. I was excited to see she was coming out with another middle-grade novel. I was given the ARC, and have spent the last week reading this incredible story. What It's About - Five Things You Need to Know... *Meet Odenburgh, an old rundown apartment building housing a variety of families and tenants.

*Meet Prue, a young girl living in Odenburgh who is mourning the loss of her sister Lina.

*Meet Lewis, the boy who lives across the street from the Odenburgh,, and knew Lina.

*When Prue learns that her apartment building is going to be torn down, she sets out to ensure the building's safety.

*As Prue and Lewis navigate unknown territory, Odenburgh watches over them to assist them in reaching their goals, dreams, and wishes.

What I Thought of It - Five Observations/Reflections... *If this wasn't such a busy holiday week, I would have finished this novel in one sitting.

*I wasn't sure Allie Millington could match what she did with Olivetti, but she did and actually went above and beyond.

*I fell in love with the characters and became invested in each and every one. Especially Odenburgh. Who knew an apartment building could come to life.

*Millington has a way of creating a story that draws the reader in and makes you look at the world in a whole new way.

*This will definitely be a story that I share with my fourth-grade readers.

Who Should Read It... *When this novel is released in March of 2025, it needs to be shared with all readers in grades four, five, and six. Of course it will also be perfect for all middle-grade students. I also think adult readers who enjoy middle-grade stories will find this a completely satisfying reading experience. Happy Reading!

Rating...

5 out of 5 stars