I must confess that the cover captured me.  I picked up this title, saw that it was a novel “in verse,” subsequently put down the title, and ultimately picked it up again.  I am glad that I did because Serendipity & Me is a charming middle grade novel.  Do not let the “in verse” aspect of the book put you off; this is not rhyming, Dr. Seuss-type verse.  Instead, it is more lyrical prose with white space to give the story flow, create emphasis, and inspire thoughtfulness.  Sara, the sixth grade protagonist, is weighed down by loneliness until a kitten is happily inserted into her life.  This is a thoughtful book that examines family and the grieving/healing process.  There is not a lot of action or excitement for those thrill-seeking readers, but there is an adorable kitten and she is oh-so-hard to resist.

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore:  The death of a family member in an accident prior to the time of the book’s setting is referred to a few times.

Sex/Nudity:  None

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of a family member.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

None