I don't read a whole lot of middle grade but the synopsis of this one had me intrigued. When I started the book I had planned on taking my time with it and reading it over a few days but once I started it I couldn't stop reading it. I ended up reading this in one sitting and I don't do that very often these days. 

This book starts off with 4 kids going to school for a Saturday detention. Once the gates close behind them weird things start happening immediately. I don't get scared or creeped out when reading books but I have to say what was revealed as the culprit kind of had me creeped out. I don't like these things in real life and they are smaller than I am so I was imagining this happening in real life and ugh it just gives me the chills thinking about it. I don't want to say what it is because I think you should go in not knowing about it like I did because it adds to the creep factor but you can read other reviews for trigger warnings. 

I loved how the kids start off not being friends and each one of them are dealing with realistic problems outside of school and over the course of the book they all open up about their struggles and become friends because of it. I like how this book dealt with poverty, disability (one of which I have never read about in a book before), bullying (whether you mean it or not) and the pressures parents put on you. While it deals with all of these serious issues on top of them fighting for their lives there is also some pretty funny banter between the kids that lightens the mood a little bit.  

Overall, this is a fast-paced book that I loved so much and can't wait for the next book in this series. I will also be checking out other books by this author as well.