Fipps, Lisa. And Then, Boom! Nancy Paulsen Books, 2024. 978-0-593-40632-8. 256 p. $17.99. Grades 5-8.

In Lisa Fipps’ new verse novel, Joe is being raised by his Grandmum. His mom gets “the Itch” and leaves town all too often. After her daughter gets arrested, Grandmum puts up her house as bail collateral. Unfortunately, Joe’s mother fails to appear in court, leaving both Joe and Grandmum unhoused. While living out of a car, Joe’s school friend shares with him a trailer for rent. The two move in, and things begin to look up…until terrible tragedy strikes, and Joe is all alone. Joe keeps his situation a secret from everyone but his two friends, Nick and Hakeem. Food dwindles. The gas is shut off. Then, the electricity all together. Adults like Mrs. Swan, a teacher, and Uncle Frankie, the trailer park owner, help Joe without knowing he has been left on his own. After summer break begins, the situation becomes dire. Add an F2 tornado into the mix. This is a story of survival against all things.

THOUGHTS: A powerful book that is going to absolutely break your heart before making it better. This is a realistic story of survival against childhood neglect and poverty in America. Lisa Fipps uses the verse format to heighten emotional impact and quicken the pace. Readers will grasp onto hopeful details like Joe finding a dog and two puppies (dubbed ‘the Lucky pups’). While the ending is hopeful, getting there is emotionally difficult. Highly recommended for all middle school fiction collections.