The Great Upending aims high, but is a Mcguffin too far

Whenever a middle grade book is published that might be a bit melodramatic or have a character who’s dealing with an illness or physical  condition it’s compared to Wonder. I really need to read that book. We read one recently that was compared to that and found it quite uplifting. The Great Upending has been compared to that book and there are certainly lots of story threads in the book to make it an interesting read. We’re not going to list any spoilers about the book, it’s better for readers if they know fewer details about that.

That’s important to point out because every review we’ve read of the book lists that major plot twist as one of its major plot points. It is a twist. For us it’s what made the book that much more enjoyable. Had the twist been overtly listed on the book’s description then I would’ve been looking for it. Because I didn’t know, when I discovered the twist it was all the more surprising and one of the few things that kept me engaged in it.

Sara and Hawk are siblings who live on a farm. The farm isn’t doing so well and their parents are quick to tell them that. To offset some of the lost income they’ve rented out a house that’s on a house just up from theirs. They call him The Mister. Don’t bother The Mister, don’t talk to him and whatever you do, do not go up to his house.

Sara has a condition called Marfan syndrome. It affects the growth of bones or ligaments and gives people who have it a lengthened appearance. There is an operation that she can undergo to assist it, but it will take lots of money.

There is a certain small town charm that The Great Upending has. For us the book was the most fun and was effortless to read when the brother and sister were given the chance to daydream and plan. However, the book suffers from too many McGuffins. Between The Mister, the family’s financial troubles, the sibling relationship and Sara’s condition I wasn’t sure which thread to show the most interest.

As the book reached its climax my interest in it did perk up. To a sense it played out like a Hallmark movie. Unfortunately, just like some cheesy Hallmark movies it built up very quickly and then, all too unbelievably, it ended with melodrama.

Having said that, The Great Upending will work for those middle school readers who like to dream and hope, with a side dose of melodrama. I understand that it’s much like Wonder, which is a book that I apparently need to read. The Great Upending is written by Beth Kephart and appropriate for ages 11 and up.