Title: The Worlds Next Door
Author: C.E. White
Series: Stand-Alone
Genre: Fantasy (Middle Grade)
Publishing Date: November 29, 2017
About the Book:
Twelve-year-old Janie Rutland somewhat grudgingly befriends Reggie Rankin—the weird new kid at school—and finally has someone to investigate her curious sightings in the abandoned house next door. When they find there’s an impossible world in danger of total destruction, they face a choice. Do they have what it takes to save it? An eccentric fellowship gathers as they embark on a perilous quest in a race against time and their own fears. Traveling in what can only be described as a pirate hover ship, they’re threatened by monsters and storms, shipwrecks and death. Can they find the answers they need to save Sian—and maybe all worlds?
Review:
I can’t even begin to share how common it is for me to see people asking for recommendations for their middle grade children who actually enjoy reading but struggle to find age-appropriate books at their reading level. It’s a market that desperately needs more content. I am very pleased to share that this book is quite perfect for the advanced middle grade reader. The content is clean and the vocabulary stretches the mind. I would highly recommend to readers who love science, as the characters attempt to explain and understand the differences between the worlds by talking about them scientifically. I would also recommend to Narnia fans, as they were similar in fantasy.
Even though the story was written to appeal to the younger audiences, the level of complexity and depth of the characters made it an intriguing book even as an adult. Some of the vocabulary that the characters use is quite advanced, but the story also attempts to subtly explain the words so they don’t lose the reader in their conversations. I feel that this was very well done and could appeal to the younger readers who are interested in being challenged.
While I consider this a great read for more advanced middle grade readers, I wouldn’t particularly recommend this for struggling readers. I believe it would be a frustrating read for them if they were unable to grasp some of the more difficult concepts to grasp. This is more of a book for youth who like to be challenged and can handle more complex vocabularies and abstract ideas. I highly recommend for those advanced readers who are looking for “more” out of their books!
*I was given a complimentary copy of the book from the author in hopes of an honest review. I was not obligated to give a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
Rating: 
Great review. I am always looking for good lit I can recommend to my 9th graders. It is really hard to find well-written, high-quality, and appropriate books for tweens and teens today.
yes, it’s definitely a market that is desperate for more!
Were there any topics that a more sensitive, advanced reader should be aware of?
so generally on my posts I have a section of “age appropriateness” dedicated to sharing that info but b/c this one was already considered middle grade I didn’t add it. I would say as far as sensitivity goes it’s similar to Narnia. What puts it above for the advanced readers is really more the vocabulary and scientific explanations. There is one character that dies but the end makes up for it as well. Great question!