The first chapter of Stuck in the Middle immediately sets the tone for this funny children’s book, and I was quickly amused by Leon’s very specific interests, like cat-themed music.
The story follows Leon, one of seven children in a loud, loving family where everyone seems to have a voice except him. With his best friend Jacob moving to Alaska, Leon being denied the chance to look after Jacob’s cat, Sable, and a new classmate, Victor, suddenly taking up everyone’s attention, Leon is having a pretty rough time.
I really enjoyed Leon as a narrator. He’s quiet, introverted, obsessed with cats and just wants a little space of his own, which is quite difficult when you share a bedroom and live in a house full of siblings.
I genuinely felt so bad for him at times, especially when it seemed like nobody was really listening to him or considering how he felt. His jealousy and frustration when Victor became the centre of attention felt completely understandable, and honestly, I was getting just as irritated as Leon.
Victor had some moments where I was just thinking, Victor, what are you doing?! The whole underwear incident in particular was so dumb, and I felt so bad for Leon having to deal ...