Oh, this book. Let me tell you that as soon as I finished reading this in ebook format, I called my local Indie bookstore to buy a physical copy. The Question of Miracles is the exact kind of Middle Grade book I adore. The kind that isn't afraid to deal with tough issues. The kind that treats young readers as the strong, compassionate, curious human beings that they are. Best of all, this is a book that will resonate with all readers. No matter what your age group, you'll be touched. You may even cry.

Iris Abernathy's life has been forever altered. She's lost a best friend, been uprooted to a new state, and feels like nothing is fitting together the way it should. I must admit, Iris was a perfect main character to me. I truly believe there's nothing more difficult than channeling what a middle grader would do, and say, accurately. Iris felt real. I felt her frustration, I understood her sadness, and I loved her little quirks. As the story progressed, and she blossomed, I couldn't look away. This book came alive because Iris was alive.

Now add in a beautifully bittersweet story line, and there was no turning back for this reader. I've said it before, and I'll say it as many times as it takes, young readers deserve books like these. They need books that deal with tough concepts. Concepts like the death of a best friend. Elana K. Arnold's expert handling of this subject was impressive. I felt myself looking through the eyes of Iris. Stumbled along as she kept trying to deal with the loss of someone who was such a large part of her life and, worst of all, so close in age to her. Everything about this story pulled at my emotions in all the right places, but what I appreciated most of all was that it was so honest. Truly, wonderfully, honest.

I wish I could say more. If you'd allow me, I'd gush over how perfectly the idea of miracles are woven into this story. I'd praise Boris as a character, and how he was the perfect match for Iris. I'd smile proudly and admit that I adored the fact that the card game of Magic makes such a big debut in this book. Truthfully, you wouldn't be able to shut me up. So, instead, I'll just tell you that you definitely need to read this book. The Question of Miracles is absolutely gorgeous, and it deserves a place on your reading list. ( )

Still mourning the recent accidental death of Sarah, her best friend, Iris and her family move from sunny California to nearly always rainy Corvallis, Oregon for a “fresh start.” She hates the rain, hates her new school, hates her new house, but mostly hates life without her best friend. During lunch a loud burrito-chewing, doglike boy from one of her classes named Boris tries to befriend her. Iris discovers that he is somewhat of a medical mystery, maybe even a full-fledged miracle according to the Catholic Church. Having never thought about miracles before she wonders if a miracle might be possible for her, and if by some chance she might be able to talk to Sarah again. This heartfelt tween story of friendship, love, loss and survival is an excellent read for all ages.

Sharyn H. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.

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Another ARC I was lucky enough to read. It was good I felt like it had more potential and didn't fulfill it. It could be on a realistic fiction list ( )

This novel is about a girl who questions miracles and is perfect for 6th graders.

Iris’s life has changed in the last 6 months. She is now living in Oregon where it rains ALL THE TIME. She used to live in California by a beautiful, sunny beach. She played tennis with her best friend and was outside in sandals most of the year. Now, she’s always wet, her best friend is gone, and she’s wants to go back to when life was better.

Her parents are great parents. Her dad is a stay-at-home dad who is obsessed with sustainability. He wants to grow their own food, have their own chickens, and eat healthy food that is not packaged. Thankfully, he’s a very good cook, so Iris loves her lunches and loves her parents. The problem is that she wants them to move back to California. She does meet a friend at school, Boris. Boris is nice enough, but he doesn’t know how to make friends. He’s got some off-putting manners, especially while eating, but Iris overlooks these so that she can go to his house where there’s other kids and good snacks. Iris discovers that Boris is a miracle--he should have died at birth, and the Vatican is supposed to visit to prove that his life is a miracle performed by a now dead pope of the Catholic church. This gets Iris to wondering about miracles. Can the tragedy in California be met with a miracle.

This novel is a fairly quick reading experience; it’s a sweet, nice book, especially for girls. I do think it’s meant for 6th graders. I think the 7th and 8th graders will find it a bit “elementary.” ( )

The Question of Miracles is an emotionally deep Middle Grade read about loss, acceptance, and change. Iris is an eleven year old who recently moved from sunny, sandy California, to rainy dreary Oregon soon after the tragic death of her best friend Sarah. Now in Oregon she has to accept so many new things: that Sarah is not there, or anywhere for that matter, that she may have to make new friends, and that Oregon might not be as horrible as she is making it out to be.

This whole book is very character driven, so if you are looking for an adventurous plot, this one is not for you; but if you are looking for an inquisitive, charming book about loss, this is perfect. Even as an adult this book was a wonderful read - it made me think about moving when I was young and learning to accept certain things as they happened - and here with Iris, I think young readers will learn a lot.

Iris is a sad, young, little girl, looking to figure out why her friend had to die and if she can communicate with her spirit - the book questions miracles and why some people get them and some don't, the existence of a god, and even the existence of souls. Really the underlying message that I saw while reading was that everything happens for a reason and maybe your friend did move on but there are so many other things you should be thankful for.

This was a beautifully written book and all the characters were easy to follow and even made me laugh at times. I really enjoyed this one even through its somber back-story. ( )