*I am a huge fan of Elly Swartz and her precious four novels. I was thrilled to learn Elly had written a fifth story and the novel would be released in October 2023. While browsing the website NetGalley, I was excited to see an E-Galley of Hidden Truths. The ARC was downloaded quickly and I enjoyed a day in the Mexican sun reading about two new characters from the brilliant mind and heart of author Elly Swartz.
What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*The reader is introduced to Dani and Eric who have been friends for as long as they, or anyone else, can remember.
*The story begins with Dani finally making the baseball team she has worked so hard to become a teammate on. Eric is thrilled to have Dani back from baseball camp and can't wait for their annual camping trip.
*While camping, there is an accident, Dani is injured, and Eric thinks he is responsible.
*As Dani begins her recovery, Eric is determined to find out what actually happened at the camp site.
*Unfortunately the best friends begin to drift apart, each for their own reasons, and will have to come to terms with the truth in order to move forward while preserving the past.
What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*The time reading the novel was so much fun getting to know two new characters Elly created.
*I enjoyed how each chapter was told from alternating points of view which enable me to get the "full picture" of the friendship between Eric and Dani.
*Elly did a fantastic job writing about the themes of friendship, determination, and having the strength and courage to tell the truth.
*Not only were the two friends enjoyable to get to know, but the supporting cast of characters added greatly to the story, especially a new friend of Dani's. (Just wait!)
*The writing was strong, the characters were authentic, and I had all the "feels" while reading.
Who Should Read It:
*I know I will be using Elly's fifth and newest work of fiction in my fourth grade classroom during the 2023/2024 school year. There is nothing questionable about the content and because of that the novel can be easily placed in any and all classrooms from grades three through five, along with middle-school settings. Happy Reading!
Rating: 4 STARS out of 5 Stars
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