Worst-Case Collin by Rebecca Caprara

How I Heard About It:
*This novel came to me via the publisher (Charlesbridge Publishing).  My stack of books to read was quite tall, but the title and cover caught me attention so I decided to put the book at the top of the list.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*Collin keeps a book.  It isn't your typical book.  He records ways to keep safe from the worst-case situations.

*He began journaling the "situations" after losing his mother to a tragic accident.

*After his mother's death, it is just Collin and his professor father.  

*Collin has a family secret and works very hard to keep what is going on at home away from his classmates and friends.

*As the situation at home worsens, his two best friends begin to realize something is wrong and each tries to reach Collin before it is too late.

What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*This was a beautiful story told in verse.

*I so enjoyed reading about Collin, his survival, and his way back to "normal".

*The topic of hoarding has not been covered much in middle-grade stories and I thought this story did a phenomenal job of addressing and describing it. 

*The entries about "worst-case scenarios" was an added attraction to the novel and a great break from the plot.  

*Friendship was a major theme and these three young people were quite the trio.


Who Should Read It:

*The novel would be wonderful for a class read aloud in grades five and/or six.  The story would also be perfect for classes in middle-school.  If you know of any young person who has dealt with or is dealing with hoarding, this is the novel for them.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars