The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart by Lauren DeStefano

Title: The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart
Author: Lauren DeStefano
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: September 13th 2016
Source: ARC from the publisher. Thank you Bloomsbury!

Summary from Goodreads:

Lionel is a wild boy, who doesn’t much like to be around other people. He’d rather be a purring cat or a wolf stalking the woods.

Marybeth is a nice girl. She doesn’t need to be told to comb her hair or brush her teeth, and she’s kind to everyone at the orphanage . . . Lionel most of all.

Different though they are, Lionel and Marybeth are best friends in a world that has forgotten about them. So when a mysterious blue spirit possesses Marybeth—and starts to take control—they know they must stop it before the real Marybeth fades away forever.

Review

The Peculiar Night was a well written, attention-grabbing middle grade story. DeStefano weaves a delicate story about two young children and their peculiar encounter. The young friendship between the two characters is heart warming. I love that each character has such a different personality. I think it is important to show that young kids and friendships come in all forms and the bond between two friends can so strong.

Lionel is so different; I just want to hug him for being him. His unrelenting fight for Marybeth and her safety really makes the story. Even though he would rather be an animal then a human boy because of a troubled past he never loses faith in his friend.

The Peculiar Night, while a shorter book, really draws the reader into this journey of friendship, mystery, tragedy, and family. Readers of all ages can enjoy this book!