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And Then, Boom!
A gripping new novel-in-verse by the author of the Printz Honor-winning Starfish , featuring a poverty-stricken boy who bravely rides out all the storms life keeps throwing at him
Joe Oak is used to living on unsteady ground. His mom can’t be depended on as she never stays around long once she gets “the itch,” and now he and his beloved grandmother find themselves without a home. Fortunately, Joe has an outlet in his journals and drawings and takes comfort from the lessons of comic books—superheroes have a lot of “and then, boom” moments, where everything threatens to go bust but somehow they land on their feet. And that seems to happen a lot to Joe too, as in this crisis his friend Nick helps them find a home in his trailer park. But things fall apart again when Joe is suddenly left to fend for himself. He doesn’t tell anyone he’s on his own, as he fears foster care and has hope his mom will come back. But time is running out—bills are piling up, the electricity’s been shut off, and the school year’s about to end, meaning no more free meals. The struggle to feed himself gets intense, and Joe finds himself dumpster diving for meals. He’s never felt so alone—until an emaciated little dog and her two tiny pups cross his path. And fate has even more in store for Joe, because an actual tornado is about to hit home—and just when it seems all is lost, his life turns in a direction that he never could have predicted.
Joe Oak is used to living on unsteady ground. His mom can’t be depended on as she never stays around long once she gets “the itch,” and now he and his beloved grandmother find themselves without a home. Fortunately, Joe has an outlet in his journals and drawings and takes comfort from the lessons of comic books—superheroes have a lot of “and then, boom” moments, where everything threatens to go bust but somehow they land on their feet. And that seems to happen a lot to Joe too, as in this crisis his friend Nick helps them find a home in his trailer park. But things fall apart again when Joe is suddenly left to fend for himself. He doesn’t tell anyone he’s on his own, as he fears foster care and has hope his mom will come back. But time is running out—bills are piling up, the electricity’s been shut off, and the school year’s about to end, meaning no more free meals. The struggle to feed himself gets intense, and Joe finds himself dumpster diving for meals. He’s never felt so alone—until an emaciated little dog and her two tiny pups cross his path. And fate has even more in store for Joe, because an actual tornado is about to hit home—and just when it seems all is lost, his life turns in a direction that he never could have predicted.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2024
136 people are currently reading
4769 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 693 reviews
March 23, 2025
Lisa Fipps tore my soul apart with this one. I wasn't expecting this to be such an emotional read. CW: parental abandonment/neglect, graphic scenes of a minor experiencing poverty alone, death of a loved one.
What Worked: Everything. Part of me feels as though we often underestimate the power of books written in verse. This was beyond phenomenal and really showcases the importance of children being able connect with the experiences of their peers. There were multiple moments where my heart broke and my stomach dropped for Joe. With the most immaculate writing and storytelling, this isn't a title to miss. If you're interested in hearing my full thoughts, check out my video here: https://youtu.be/3Z4mhnt5Y_g
What Worked: Everything. Part of me feels as though we often underestimate the power of books written in verse. This was beyond phenomenal and really showcases the importance of children being able connect with the experiences of their peers. There were multiple moments where my heart broke and my stomach dropped for Joe. With the most immaculate writing and storytelling, this isn't a title to miss. If you're interested in hearing my full thoughts, check out my video here: https://youtu.be/3Z4mhnt5Y_g
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March 13, 2024The follow-up to Lisa Fipps’s instant classic Starfish is And Then, Boom!, a middle-grade verse novel that is simultaneously heart-breaking and inspirational. When the book opens, Joe Oak is eleven years old and living with his beloved Grandmum. Because his mother is prone to disappearing for extended periods, Joe and Grandmum live in precarious circumstances. Joe lives first in poverty, “and then, Boom!”, things get worse. And Then, Boom! gives readers insights into hunger, homelessness, abandonment, and foster care while also providing reminders about resilience, friendship, ingenuity, and kindness.
Lisa Fipps absolutely gets what poetry needs to be like in middle grade verse novels. The verse in And Then, Boom! is mostly accessible but challenging in places while also subtly dropping in little poetry lessons that young readers can take forward to future reading experiences. (Onomatopoeia is almost a character in this book!) And Then, Boom! might best be read as one longer poem rather than as a collection of individually title pieces. Recurring themes, motifs, and phrases stitch together the novel in ways that help young readers feel validated as accomplished readers when they understand how the book comes together.
And Then, Boom! makes clear that Starfish was no fluke. Lisa Fipps is an important, powerful voice in contemporary literature for young people. Look for And Then, Boom! in May, 2024. Thanks to Lisa Fipps, Nancy Paulsen Books, and Penguin Random House for an early copy of And Then, Boom!.
This review is also posted in slightly different form on my What's Not Wrong? blog and on Instagram.
September 14, 2024
3.75 stars. Like the illustration on the front cover shows, this is the story of Joe; a boy who is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders .
June 9, 2024
This book is FABULOUS! Super quick read but so powerful! A middle school must read.
December 31, 2024
I can see why so many adult readers find this book 'important'. I found it emotionally wrought and manipulative. In a year of bad mom books, this may be the worst, with next to no context as to why the mom is so damn bad. With Quagmire and Hank at least there is a build up of the characterizations. This book just bludgeons the reader with tragedy and little else. Both the main character's inner and outer dialogue is too much like an adult who wants you to see how clever they can be with emotionally charged words.
August 1, 2025
5+ Stars!
A few years ago, Lisa Fipps came out with one of my favorite middle grade books called “Starfish.” I loved it. When I found out this author came out with a new book this year, I picked it up, but I didn't read it immediately. I was so afraid I wouldn’t love it like I did with her first book. I’m happy to say that I was wrong. This book was a 5-star middle grade book told in verse that tackles Joe’s journey through poverty, abandonment, and loss.
This is a book you can read in one sitting.
This book is real. Period. Kids are experiencing these things. They aren’t just issues you read about in a book, but these are lived experiences. Joe has to deal with his mom having the “itch” to leave and his hear of foster care feel real and urgent. The book tackles poverty. It has dumpster diving, the feeling of bills piling up, and the panic of losing your home. But it also shows the healing power of community. Joe has his friends Nick and Hakeem, and the mobile home owner keeps his eye on Joe.
I cried reading this book. It’s like 250 pages, but the author had me caring about the characters in such a short book. With poetry, every single line is important. I could have highlighted the entire book. The author does a beautiful job telling the story of marginalized families and the importance of connection when everything feels unstable. It will resonate with young readers for sure. I highly recommend this book for classrooms and book clubs and want honest conversations about poverty, grief, resilience, and community/friend support.
“There are three kids of people.
Some are hope-planters.
Some are hope-squashers.
Some are hope-restorers.”
A few years ago, Lisa Fipps came out with one of my favorite middle grade books called “Starfish.” I loved it. When I found out this author came out with a new book this year, I picked it up, but I didn't read it immediately. I was so afraid I wouldn’t love it like I did with her first book. I’m happy to say that I was wrong. This book was a 5-star middle grade book told in verse that tackles Joe’s journey through poverty, abandonment, and loss.
This is a book you can read in one sitting.
This book is real. Period. Kids are experiencing these things. They aren’t just issues you read about in a book, but these are lived experiences. Joe has to deal with his mom having the “itch” to leave and his hear of foster care feel real and urgent. The book tackles poverty. It has dumpster diving, the feeling of bills piling up, and the panic of losing your home. But it also shows the healing power of community. Joe has his friends Nick and Hakeem, and the mobile home owner keeps his eye on Joe.
I cried reading this book. It’s like 250 pages, but the author had me caring about the characters in such a short book. With poetry, every single line is important. I could have highlighted the entire book. The author does a beautiful job telling the story of marginalized families and the importance of connection when everything feels unstable. It will resonate with young readers for sure. I highly recommend this book for classrooms and book clubs and want honest conversations about poverty, grief, resilience, and community/friend support.
“There are three kids of people.
Some are hope-planters.
Some are hope-squashers.
Some are hope-restorers.”
August 6, 2024
The world is full of kind, generous people and we can only hope the ones who need them the most find them - and be those people when we can. A lovely, heart-wrenching story about poverty and the power of community.
October 3, 2024
I really loved this book! I loved how the author wrote it in verse because it makes the emotion so much stronger. A must read!
February 1, 2024
And then, BOOM, Lisa Fipps does it again! Only put it down once!! Amazing connections between so many of the characters and loved seeing the many ways that people really saw Joe (and his Grandmum) and found ways to support. So much for kids to connect with and discuss and an important light shone on the poverty struggles that face so many. So much amazingness in one fabulous book!
December 12, 2024
“Then make me choose and watch what happens.”
Oh, my heart.
And Then, Boom! is a story about a middle grade boy who is forced to grow up too quickly. 11-year-old Joe’s world turns upside down when his mom is arrested and skips out on bail, leaving Joe and his Grandmum without a place to live. Joe and his Grandmum then embark on a journey plagued with food insecurity, displacement, and abandonment that many face. There were many scenes in this book that broke my heart, and served as a reminder that most people are one paycheck away from experiencing homelessness firsthand.
What really shone through in this book, for me, was the “small” gestures from others that meant EVERYTHING to Joe. The kindness of others can be such a lifechanging impact. What may feel like not enough can be the difference between having something to eat/wear for another day. It doesn’t have to be a grand expensive gift or an organized event, it can just be a casserole. You never know exactly what people are going through but, if you’re paying attention, you can see when others are struggling. This book is rich with discussion opportunities and I will be using it for my middle grade book club when it comes out.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Oh, my heart.
And Then, Boom! is a story about a middle grade boy who is forced to grow up too quickly. 11-year-old Joe’s world turns upside down when his mom is arrested and skips out on bail, leaving Joe and his Grandmum without a place to live. Joe and his Grandmum then embark on a journey plagued with food insecurity, displacement, and abandonment that many face. There were many scenes in this book that broke my heart, and served as a reminder that most people are one paycheck away from experiencing homelessness firsthand.
What really shone through in this book, for me, was the “small” gestures from others that meant EVERYTHING to Joe. The kindness of others can be such a lifechanging impact. What may feel like not enough can be the difference between having something to eat/wear for another day. It doesn’t have to be a grand expensive gift or an organized event, it can just be a casserole. You never know exactly what people are going through but, if you’re paying attention, you can see when others are struggling. This book is rich with discussion opportunities and I will be using it for my middle grade book club when it comes out.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 16, 2024
From the dedication to the final pages, Lisa Fipps delivers an heart wrenching story that leaves the reader filled with hope for a better life. I believe this book is going to save the lives of many young people who will finally find themselves in the pages of a book! Wow!! Must read!
June 2, 2024
Sadder than Starfish. Sadder than Rex Ogle's Free Lunch. But the ending makes the journey worth it. A must read, middle grade verse novel. Loved it.
October 22, 2024
Excellent book! Educators should read this one for great insight into what some students' lives are like.
May 8, 2024
The latest book from a fav author, this was an incredibly moving and tender middle grade novel in verse about a young boy living with food and housing insecurity who loses his grandmother and is then abandoned by his mother forced to survive on his own and rely on the kindness of strangers and teachers to get by. Great on audio and perfect for fans of books like No fixed address by Susin Nielsen. HIGHLY recommended!!
December 17, 2023
Couldn’t put it down… love the onomatopoeia parts - so creative!
April 9, 2024
A beautiful and thoughtful book written in prose. Tough topics discussed (hunger, neglect, abandonment, poverty) however the take away is the importance of helping others and asking for help. Fipps creates emotions from readers with few words. ‘And then boom’ sprinkles some humour to keep readers engaged and not completely heart broken. ARC received from NetGalley.
April 28, 2025
I’ve got to stop reading these heart-breaking stories with children at the center. I read this nearly in one sitting. Lisa Fipps does it again… and by again I mean break my heart with a tragic but necessary story.
July 14, 2025
Joe Oak’s life is already full of “ifs” and unpredictables as his mother’s regular departures leave him unsure of when/if he will ever see her again. His grandmum and best friends seem to be the only constants he can depend on in life, however, the right hooks of the supervillains in his life are ever-present as well.
This book written in verse beautifully captures Joe’s journey to finding a safe space amidst uncertainty and struggles he can’t get a break from. I found myself feeling moved and inspired by the text; seeing how much the community could support each other and make an impact on Joe’s life. It was emotional and a bit of a tough read, watching Joe get pummeled again and again with little chance to get a break. However, this emphasizes the necessary perspective this text offers to students in any situation. More than anything it offers reflection for the feelings and experiences of individuals in similar situations as Joe, and how it can be the little things we do on a daily basis that may mean the world to others.
This book written in verse beautifully captures Joe’s journey to finding a safe space amidst uncertainty and struggles he can’t get a break from. I found myself feeling moved and inspired by the text; seeing how much the community could support each other and make an impact on Joe’s life. It was emotional and a bit of a tough read, watching Joe get pummeled again and again with little chance to get a break. However, this emphasizes the necessary perspective this text offers to students in any situation. More than anything it offers reflection for the feelings and experiences of individuals in similar situations as Joe, and how it can be the little things we do on a daily basis that may mean the world to others.
August 12, 2025
A story in verse about a boy whose life keeps taking more punches. Joe lives with his grandmum (originally from England) in a gingerbread-style house. He has never known his father and his mother occasionally"gets the itch" and disappears. When Joe's mom is arrested, things go from bad to worse. Briefly homeless then living in a trailer, Joe and his grandmum do their best to survive but they're always hungry, always unable to pay all the bills. Then, tragedy strikes again. And this time Joe's on his own.
OMG, this book made me ugly cry. So good. I love the fact that there were always characters who tried to help, even if it wasn't enough. The ending is lovely.
OMG, this book made me ugly cry. So good. I love the fact that there were always characters who tried to help, even if it wasn't enough. The ending is lovely.
August 10, 2024
Man, this book made me cry. Joe is one of the best protagonists I've seen written in a long time. The verse format was an excellent choice for the book and, while the book had an ultimately happy ending, it was also very realistic and includes some great information about hunger, food programs, and ways to help unhoused people (Little Pantries).
I think the thing that this book has in spades is *heart*; it CARES so much about the subject, the kids who are affected (unhoused, abandoned, foster system) - I cried twice. In a short book written in verse that I read in under an hour.
It needs to be read in every classroom - it helps kids be seen and understood. Incredibly powerful!
I think the thing that this book has in spades is *heart*; it CARES so much about the subject, the kids who are affected (unhoused, abandoned, foster system) - I cried twice. In a short book written in verse that I read in under an hour.
It needs to be read in every classroom - it helps kids be seen and understood. Incredibly powerful!
July 7, 2024
Outstanding ❤️
February 11, 2025
Middle grade book that tugged my heart strings. Kids can be so resistant. Makes me want to open my eyes a bit more to those around me and help. Superhero’s even need help
November 17, 2025
This book was sentimntal and wonderful, Lisa Fipps is an amazing author!
December 15, 2024
If I could give this book 10 stars I would. Everyone needs to read this
April 14, 2025
I read this because of my Bookish Bingo challenge to read the highest rated book (with over 1,000 ratings) on my Goodreads TBR, and this beat out The Will of the Many, which I thought would win. This was on my list because it's by the same author as Starfish, which I read and cried and loved. This is also an emotionally charged middle-grade in verse, but I think it was tackling a lot, which made it just a touch less successful for me. I kept begging the story to give our main character just a little bit of a break with his family issues, the death of a relative, a tornado, poverty, and so on. It's just A Lot to tackle in a short book in-verse, so while it's emotionally impactful and well-written, it didn't fully pull together for me.
April 26, 2024
I won an Advanced Reader Copy of this book on GoodReads, and I can't be more glad that I did. Lisa Fipps is now in my top 5 favorite authors. After reading this title, I inhaled her other one in a matter of hours. I don't typically take the time to write reviews, but I feel like this book was worth it.
This book was amazing, and I think it can be a great tool in building understanding. I cried, I laughed, and I rejoiced with Joe as he navigated challenges. I wish a book with this much feeling and perspective had been around when I was in middle school; I think it would have helped me understand what some of my peers were going through.
I cannot wait for Lisa Fipps's next book. It will be sure to be another one with the ability to change lives.
This book was amazing, and I think it can be a great tool in building understanding. I cried, I laughed, and I rejoiced with Joe as he navigated challenges. I wish a book with this much feeling and perspective had been around when I was in middle school; I think it would have helped me understand what some of my peers were going through.
I cannot wait for Lisa Fipps's next book. It will be sure to be another one with the ability to change lives.
June 23, 2024
Another Lisa Fipps masterpiece that you will want to read in one sitting. Be ready for some tears. But this is an important book for kids!
January 30, 2024
Get ready reader, this novel in verse will pull hard on your heartstrings.
Joe, middle school kid, had had to grow up fast and hard.
Joe’s mother has gotten in some trouble with the law, so her grandmum puts up the house as collateral for her daughter’s bond. But the mother once again gets The Itch and skips court as well as town. Bond money is gone so grandmum and Joe lose their home. They were already sitting on the precipice of homelessness before mom’s big mess. The pair are now living out of their car. Joe doesn’t want to let anyone know what is happening. He tries to behave at school as though everything is cool. This is pretty hard to pull off when you are starving, stinky from trying to bathe from a hose or dirty public toilet, and your clothing is threadbare. Kind adults assist Joe at school as much as they can. His teacher makes sure there are always snacks available for all the kids, which Joe takes full advantage of but without being greedy, and offers him access to the closet of lost clothes that he can choose from. Some things are really nice, like the brand new sneakers that fit him perfectly and even still have the tags on them. Hmmm, how did those get in there among the lost items?
His best friend finds a trailer park that his grandmother can afford to rent. The dwelling is not much, yellow with brown spots, so they name it The Overripe Banana. They have no things with which to furnish the trailer and King of the Castle trailer park owner, Frank, kindly recognizes this fact. He becomes known as Uncle Frankie. He takes them to his barn filled with secondhand furniture, doors, windows, you name it. They get everything they need even a little gas for The Fishbowl, grandmum’s Pacer. This is an old American Motor’s car with lots of glass kinda like a fishbowl.
Still, Joe and his grandmother spiral downwards into poverty. Food stamps (SNAP) doesn’t pay for toilet paper, or tooth paste, or anything that keeps one clean. so Joe has to find and use whatever he can in public restrooms. Tragedy strikes, then the tornado… so you see why the cover of the book has the weight of the world on Joe’s shoulders.
The human kindness displayed in this book was so heartwarming, which I believe is indicative of most folks. The way Joe and grandmum sacrificed for each other demonstrated a genuine and deep love.
I most highly recommend this novel for kids of all backgrounds to read and understand that there are truly hungry people right next door. Even though ethnicity is never stated, I liked the authors use of names like Hakeem, Zuri and Bashirah.
Lisa Phipps has a unique way with language that bring every aspect of the story to full life.
Joe, middle school kid, had had to grow up fast and hard.
Joe’s mother has gotten in some trouble with the law, so her grandmum puts up the house as collateral for her daughter’s bond. But the mother once again gets The Itch and skips court as well as town. Bond money is gone so grandmum and Joe lose their home. They were already sitting on the precipice of homelessness before mom’s big mess. The pair are now living out of their car. Joe doesn’t want to let anyone know what is happening. He tries to behave at school as though everything is cool. This is pretty hard to pull off when you are starving, stinky from trying to bathe from a hose or dirty public toilet, and your clothing is threadbare. Kind adults assist Joe at school as much as they can. His teacher makes sure there are always snacks available for all the kids, which Joe takes full advantage of but without being greedy, and offers him access to the closet of lost clothes that he can choose from. Some things are really nice, like the brand new sneakers that fit him perfectly and even still have the tags on them. Hmmm, how did those get in there among the lost items?
His best friend finds a trailer park that his grandmother can afford to rent. The dwelling is not much, yellow with brown spots, so they name it The Overripe Banana. They have no things with which to furnish the trailer and King of the Castle trailer park owner, Frank, kindly recognizes this fact. He becomes known as Uncle Frankie. He takes them to his barn filled with secondhand furniture, doors, windows, you name it. They get everything they need even a little gas for The Fishbowl, grandmum’s Pacer. This is an old American Motor’s car with lots of glass kinda like a fishbowl.
Still, Joe and his grandmother spiral downwards into poverty. Food stamps (SNAP) doesn’t pay for toilet paper, or tooth paste, or anything that keeps one clean. so Joe has to find and use whatever he can in public restrooms. Tragedy strikes, then the tornado… so you see why the cover of the book has the weight of the world on Joe’s shoulders.
The human kindness displayed in this book was so heartwarming, which I believe is indicative of most folks. The way Joe and grandmum sacrificed for each other demonstrated a genuine and deep love.
I most highly recommend this novel for kids of all backgrounds to read and understand that there are truly hungry people right next door. Even though ethnicity is never stated, I liked the authors use of names like Hakeem, Zuri and Bashirah.
Lisa Phipps has a unique way with language that bring every aspect of the story to full life.
November 25, 2023
"Even superheroes need help" This was NOT the story I expected but then again I shouldn't expect anything less from Lisa Fipps. I had to hold back the tears as I read this book in one sitting on a plane. The way that Lisa writes Joe's story is one that will take a long time for me to get over. And this is NOT a story that someone should ever forget. She hits on many issues that tweens face, but are very good about hiding. There are things that people may be going through that they don't want the world around them knowing about. But Joe learns that its OK to ask for help: from his friends, his teacher, his neighborhood "uncle". That from asking for that help, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I cannot wait to purchase this book for my school library because I KNOW that there are students in my school going through exactly what Joe goes through. Thank you Edelweiss for the e-arc!
May 25, 2024
Of course you read a 5 star book after you’ve printed and published your summer reading list 😂
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