It instantly caught my attention and I couldn’t look away. This one caught my attention, not only when I first saw who the author was but by that beautiful cover. I knew that it was going to be something that would stick with me forever and I was right. Pam Smy has been on my radar since the release of her first book but this is my first experience with reading one. 'He felt a greater sense of comfort out here in a pillbox in a graveyard, in the dark, than he did in his own home.' Thank you to NetGalley and Pavilion Books for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review. but i imagine there are many other books that handle the tricky subject matter with more nuance. It's a quick read, and obviously geared toward kids, so i can't be too disappointed. I actually really enjoyed the big twist, but whoa, what an abrupt ending! everything is left hanging and unresolved. frankweiler vibes, since it's about a rather independent young runaway, and that type of story is always fun! there are also boxcar children and from the mixed-up files of mrs. The language is vividly descriptive, especially the atmospheric cemetery imagery.

there is no nuance, and no depth to the characters or their relationships. considering it's a children's novel, i suppose the heavy topic is handled alright but it all comes off as very simplistic. young billy runs away to a cemetery to escape an abusive stepparent, and to take a breather until his long-suffering mother finally notices his absence. More than anything else, this is a story about domestic abuse.

they're lovely, and perhaps the highlight of the book. The hideaway's beautiful cover gives just a taste of its illustrations.

The hideaway pam smy