Squeak, D. A. Power

Garabrandt Reviews

Jan 16

Title: Squeak

Author: D. A. Power (@donnapower2022), illustrated by Sydni Nasada (@nasada.design)

Pages: 253 (hardcover)

Genre: Children's lit (age 8 and up?), humor, nostalgia, illustrated novel

Is this part of a series: Yes, this kicks off The Asher Chronicles

I discovered this book via... my local book Guru- we visit the store every week and she always lets me know when interesting books drop- especially when it's a local author, like Power.

Published: November 22nd, 2022

10 year-old Celeste is as shy, quirky, and awkward as they come. After her mother remarries and moves her away from her few friends, she finds herself alone, and targeted by the local bullies. If that wasn't bad enough, her new stepfather happens to be her 5th grade teacher! One day, at the Lincoln Elementary School playground, using courage she didn't know she had, Celeste saves a mouse from the same bullies that torment her. Her bravery is the spark that shows her fellow 5th graders that she deserves a second look. Her weirdness is multiplied by an unusual new friend she has no choice but to keep to herself. The story takes place in Baxter Springs, a small Southeast Kansas town. It's a place where events become increasingly odd and bizarre in this first installment of D.A. Power's The Asher Chronicles.

This book was a lot of fun for me, as an adult, though I know it's geared towards children. Taking place in 1984-85, it references a lot of things that were nostalgic to me ( Oregon Trail, records, and arcade games). While these can be seen as dated for kids now, I think it's still going to be interesting. We need to start at an early date, as we will be growing up with Celeste through three books. Celeste is an easy character to grow attatched to- she's shy and awkward, but also strong, funny and loyal. I think a lot of kids are going to connect with her.

After rescuing a mouse from the school bullies, Celeste makes her first friend, and draws the atention of a great group of people. Together, they show eachother what makes them unique- roller blading, working a lasso, dancing...- and support eachother in a way that made me really happy. We talk about being inclusive now, but here it's shown. Each character is unique, they have their talents and insecuritues, and they accept all of them as simply who that person is.

There are characters here that will resonate with lots of different people. I liked them all, but ended up loving Gary best. He is quiet, introverted, but when you get to know him he's smart, funny and really warm. The fact that he was a bit withdrawn, and had to deal with racial issues, kind of resonated with younger me. Most people will love Celeste and Briz the mouse best, I am guessing. Maybe our sweet dancer, Sean.

The interaction between characters were wonderful to watch, from the friendship and support to the inklings of puppy love... I found all of it really charming. Once I earnestly started this book, I finished it in days. It's a fun, fast read that advocates for acceptance, individuality and inclusiveness. I also love that Power decided to set it in Baxter Springs, Mo- a place that she obviously knows well. It helped bring the world out a bit more. For me, this was a four star book.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

As far as adult content goes, there's very little. There is bullying, and some animal cruelty (not so much as I would think it a trigger for some readers). Over all, I would say that this one is fairly safe for any age. That said, I am told that book two will have some romance- I'm thinking old-school disney level stuff? I am kind of here for that.

To wrap this up, I have gotten permission to show some of the wonderful illustrations (let's face it- I never grew out of being overly enthusiastic about the fact that my book has pictures lol). These are the work of Sydni Nasada @nasada.design.