46 pages • 1 hour read
Jo Watson HacklSmack Dab in the Middle of Maybe
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe by Jo Watson Hackl is about a 12-year-old girl named Cricket who, after her grandmother's and father's deaths and her mother's disappearance, tries to solve a decades-old mystery in the Mississippi woods. She hopes that unraveling this mystery will bring her mother back into her life permanently. The book includes discussions of mental illness and grief after the loss of family members.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe, a middle-grade novel by Jo Watson Hackl, receives praise for its engaging protagonist, richly described setting, and themes of resilience. However, some critics feel the pacing drags in parts. Overall, it's a heartfelt tale that captivates young readers, despite minor flaws.
Who Should Read Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe?
A reader who enjoys Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe by Jo Watson Hackl would likely appreciate adventurous, coming-of-age stories with a focus on resilience and self-discovery. Fans of Hoot by Carl Hiaasen and Holes by Louis Sachar would find a similar blend of mystery, nature, and heartfelt journeys in this book.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsLexile Level
720LBook Details
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Action / Adventure
Realistic Fiction
Identity: Mental Health
Relationships: Family
Emotions/Behavior: Hope