*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

Quinn, Quinnie, or Quinn(ie) is a thirteen year-old girl who somewhat happily lives in the margins. In the shadow of her gold-star brother who's off to college, on the outskirts of her main friends (including Jack, her childhood Best Friend), and overall just not noticed by anyone or anything. Quinn doesn't know what she wants or what she can do. Stuck in the rut of being a below-average student who no one expects much out of, she spends her days not turning in assignments, attempting skating tricks, and trying to avoid her parents near-constant fighting.

Her life, and the book, is split into three parts-- before, during, and after. Written in verse, the readers follow Quinn through a couple of different types of growth. We watch, through Quinn's eyes, as the neighborhood around her falls apart and begins to rebuild following a devestating tornado. We are also treated to Quinn's personal growth as she begins to decide what type of person she wants to be.

ODE TO NOBODY is one of the most moving middle grade books I've read in a long time. While Caroline Brooks DuBois touches on so many pertient and universal experiences. With the recent increase in natural disasters, many readers will relate to Quinn losing her home and the rebuilding of her community. But everyone will relate to her personal journey out outgrowing friendships, parental divorce, and the pains of growing up.