It was so easy to slip into this story. Rebecca Stead does an excellent job with world-building, which is a concept I usually think of more with fantasy novels, but I think it applies to any story where a sense of place is crucial to the story. Here, it's an apartment building. The whole story takes place within walking distance of Georges' new building. It's very much about discovering a new place, a place that maybe you'd rather not be, but which turns out to have its own rewards.

The story is also layered beautifully - lots of little things that add up to something bigger. There's a hint of mystery, developing friendships, contrasts between now and then, school bullies, family dynamics. It all ends up feeling necessary.

I might even bump up my rating after I sit on this one for a while. It didn't blow me away, but it has all the hallmarks of excellence.

Source: ARC from NetGalley