Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Touching middle-grade mystery explores magic and family.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Ivy and Dahlia Vicar head out on a road trip with their parents to RIALTO, Missouri so that Mrs. Vicar can research a nearby abandoned amusement park with the same name. They're staying with Mrs. Vicar's old college friend Sally, and Sally's husband Bailey and stepson Remy, who's about Ivy's age. Arriving in Rialto it's clear that something unusual happened in the past, when the town was overrun by a forest overnight. But that's not the only mystery worth looking into. Remy is chosen by his recently deceased aunt Jess to pass along some letters and bequests to townsfolk who were important to Jess, and who might be able to shed some light on a traumatic event in Jess's past. Are the forest, the traumatic event, and the bequests related to the magical animals like a giraffe with antlers that Dahlia keeps seeing, but no one else does?
Is It Any Good?
This touching exploration of magic, mystery, family, and so much more is full of positive messages and modeling for readers coping with anxiety (and people who care about them, too). As the strange and wonderful world of Rialto unfolds, the refreshing normalization of neurodivergence, anxiety, and depression comes across in relaxed, though not sugar-coated, descriptions of coping strategies, a session with a therapist, and supportive, accepting neurotypical characters. Neurodivergent readers and those struggling with anxiety or depression will see themselves reflected in Dahlia and Mr. Vicar, and in turn, these characters inspire empathy while showing loved ones how to help. Big kids and tweens will find Ivy, Dahlia, and Remy relatable and admirable.
Compared to author Kate Milford's other books, like the popular Greenglass House series, this one is a bit darker in tone, a touch less whimsical, and while there are definitely some lighthearted moments, it's not as funny, either. The large cast of characters has endearing characters, but many disappear from the story and return after such a long stretch that it can be easy to forget who they are and where they fit in. At almost 500 pages it's a big bite, best for strong, independent readers, though it'd make a great read aloud for magical mystery fans who might not be interested in such a big read on their own.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how people handle anxiety in Rialto. Does it seem realistic? Do you have anxiety, or do you know someone who does? What can you do if you start to panic, or sense that someone you're with is starting to panic?
The kids show self-control, teamwork, and empathy. How do these character strengths help them get answers or help other people? Can you think of times you've used any of these in real life?
Talk about the magical parts of the story. Did you like those parts? Did they add to the story or the atmosphere, or did they take away from the parts you wanted to concentrate on?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : James Firnhaber
- Genre : Family Life
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity , Empathy , Self-control , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Clarion Books
- Publication date : April 13, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 18
- Number of pages : 480
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : August 28, 2026
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