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Nowhere Special: A Moving Story of Friendship, Family, and Hope in a Desert Town for Kids
Author Matt Wallace delivers a deeply moving story exploring that first formative friendship, navigating challenging family circumstances, and finding hope and strength in a forgotten desert town. Perfect for fans of Ernesto Cisneros and Julie Murphy. The isolation and bullying Stan suffers at school are nothing compared to the war at home. After he tries and fails to defend his mom by standing up to his abusive father, Stan decides there is only one solution to finding a new he must learn how to fight. Tragic events have split the two sides of Elpidia’s family into fighting factions. Every day she finds herself outnumbered by her cousins on the schoolyard. After the latest beatdown, her grandmother decides Elpidia must learn how to defend herself. Stan and Elpidia seem like total opposites, but when they both wind up with the same reclusive trainer, they find an unexpected friendship as they work together to overcome their bullies. But when Stan gains the attention of a powerful gang leader, it threatens to pull him away from his new best friend. Will their dreams for the future be enough to get them out of this small town?
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 24, 2023
1 person is currently reading
2980 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 16, 2023
I really wanted to like this book but I was put off with some very repetitive writing and the story not progressing much with very questionable adult characters doing nothing much about the young characters being bullied much physically in front of their eyes. It’s quite disturbing and disappointing.
I appreciate the effort in representing the cultural/historically significant issues about immigration and how people are suffering.
I do hope I find a more interesting read from the author.
I appreciate the effort in representing the cultural/historically significant issues about immigration and how people are suffering.
I do hope I find a more interesting read from the author.
January 5, 2024
3.5 stars
Tense and dramatic novel about two bullied young people, who become friends when they learn to take on the bullies together. Good themes about “using your head along with your fists”, and about changing life a little at a time, not everything all at once.
*There is a disclaimer from the author at the beginning, explaining that there are some heavy issues dealt with in this book. He would not recommend it for any middle-grader whose parents did not think they were ready for it.*
Tense and dramatic novel about two bullied young people, who become friends when they learn to take on the bullies together. Good themes about “using your head along with your fists”, and about changing life a little at a time, not everything all at once.
*There is a disclaimer from the author at the beginning, explaining that there are some heavy issues dealt with in this book. He would not recommend it for any middle-grader whose parents did not think they were ready for it.*
March 13, 2025
Nowhere Special
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 6.14/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 7
Writing - 5
Plot - 6
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 6
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 6.14/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 7
Writing - 5
Plot - 6
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 6
January 14, 2024
This book has a warning at the beginning of it that is perfect. I felt prepared for the content that I did read about knowing ahead of time that it could be challenging. I'd say the portrayal of the issues was done well, and well enough for the age the book is being promoted to.
Gangs, drugs, domestic violence, and coming of age are all very difficult topics that Wallace handled with a grace our young readers need.
I would absolutely recommend this to anyone in grades 5-8. It's a short and sweet realistic fiction that ends pretty accurately in my eyes.
Gangs, drugs, domestic violence, and coming of age are all very difficult topics that Wallace handled with a grace our young readers need.
I would absolutely recommend this to anyone in grades 5-8. It's a short and sweet realistic fiction that ends pretty accurately in my eyes.
May 7, 2024
A lovely, heartbreaking, raw young adult read.
June 25, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Elpidia and Stan both attend school in a small, impoverished desert community in Southern California. They both struggle with their family lives as well as getting along with people at school. Stan's father is out of work, drinks a lot, and frequently beats his mother. Stan is a big and heavy kid, and he feels that people on his bus make fun of him and don't want him to sit next to them. Elpidia is living with her abuela after her parents' drug addiction leads to their house burning down and their incarceration. This has caused a rift between the two sides of her family, with her father's relatives from a nearby reservation blaming Elpidia's mother for everything that occurs. Some of Elpidia's cousins, who go to her school, have accosted her and beaten her up several times. After Stan's father's last episode, his mother takes him to Charlie, a Filippino man who occasionally teaches people how to fight. Elpidia's grandmother takes her, as well, so she can defend herself from her cousins. The two bound over a love of writing, as well as their tough circumstances. Having the support of someone else is very helpful, and Abuela takes Stan under her wing, sending food to school from her restaurant for Stan, since his mother struggles to provide for him. Elpidia's grandfather on her father's side tries to mend the relationship between the families, and Elpidia has come to a detente with herr cousin after Stan stood up for her. As their fighting lessons continue, they come to the attention of the local gang leader, Mezco, who wants to recruit Stan for his gang, so that he can be a lone white face in the group, and because of his size and fighting skill. Stan doesn't think this is a good idea, and tells Charlie about it. Charlie takes Stan to Mezco and tells Mezco very politely to leave Stan alone. Later, things blow up both at Stan's home and with Charlie. Stan may have the skills to protect himself, but is he a danger to others?
Strengths: I appreciate that Wallace has a note at the beginning of the book with a content warning about the abuse, as well as the drug related content. He also notes that he has tried to make this middle grade appropriate, and I think he has done a good job. There's no bad language, the violence isn't glorified, and the outcomes improve life for both main characters. There is hope and redemption. Abuela, Grandpa Jamie, and Charlie are all adults in somewhat difficult circumstances who are trying their best to help Stan and Elpidia.
Weaknesses: This is still pretty bleak, although not as bleak as the somewhat similar but more YA Desert Angel by Price. Several other reviewers have mentioned that they would probably not put this in an elementary library. It's not necessarily any bleaker than all the middle grade novels where everybody dies, so it really depends on what your students ask for. In Februrary, my 7th graders always start asking for problem novels where children are abused, so this would be perfect. (I understand it, but I still don't really grok it.)
What I really think: This would be a good choice for readers who want books like Braden's The Benefits of Being an Octopus but who want a more Southwest setting with more of a sports focus, or for readers who like Rex Ogle's memoirs.
Elpidia and Stan both attend school in a small, impoverished desert community in Southern California. They both struggle with their family lives as well as getting along with people at school. Stan's father is out of work, drinks a lot, and frequently beats his mother. Stan is a big and heavy kid, and he feels that people on his bus make fun of him and don't want him to sit next to them. Elpidia is living with her abuela after her parents' drug addiction leads to their house burning down and their incarceration. This has caused a rift between the two sides of her family, with her father's relatives from a nearby reservation blaming Elpidia's mother for everything that occurs. Some of Elpidia's cousins, who go to her school, have accosted her and beaten her up several times. After Stan's father's last episode, his mother takes him to Charlie, a Filippino man who occasionally teaches people how to fight. Elpidia's grandmother takes her, as well, so she can defend herself from her cousins. The two bound over a love of writing, as well as their tough circumstances. Having the support of someone else is very helpful, and Abuela takes Stan under her wing, sending food to school from her restaurant for Stan, since his mother struggles to provide for him. Elpidia's grandfather on her father's side tries to mend the relationship between the families, and Elpidia has come to a detente with herr cousin after Stan stood up for her. As their fighting lessons continue, they come to the attention of the local gang leader, Mezco, who wants to recruit Stan for his gang, so that he can be a lone white face in the group, and because of his size and fighting skill. Stan doesn't think this is a good idea, and tells Charlie about it. Charlie takes Stan to Mezco and tells Mezco very politely to leave Stan alone. Later, things blow up both at Stan's home and with Charlie. Stan may have the skills to protect himself, but is he a danger to others?
Strengths: I appreciate that Wallace has a note at the beginning of the book with a content warning about the abuse, as well as the drug related content. He also notes that he has tried to make this middle grade appropriate, and I think he has done a good job. There's no bad language, the violence isn't glorified, and the outcomes improve life for both main characters. There is hope and redemption. Abuela, Grandpa Jamie, and Charlie are all adults in somewhat difficult circumstances who are trying their best to help Stan and Elpidia.
Weaknesses: This is still pretty bleak, although not as bleak as the somewhat similar but more YA Desert Angel by Price. Several other reviewers have mentioned that they would probably not put this in an elementary library. It's not necessarily any bleaker than all the middle grade novels where everybody dies, so it really depends on what your students ask for. In Februrary, my 7th graders always start asking for problem novels where children are abused, so this would be perfect. (I understand it, but I still don't really grok it.)
What I really think: This would be a good choice for readers who want books like Braden's The Benefits of Being an Octopus but who want a more Southwest setting with more of a sports focus, or for readers who like Rex Ogle's memoirs.
October 24, 2023
“Who you are isn’t in your blood. What’s in your blood is an idea, like something whispered to you from the past. You have to decide what to do with that.”
Elpidia is tired of her cousins beating her up for something she didn’t do. School is miserable when the three of them decide to come pick on her, and no one at the school cares enough to do anything about it. When her abuela decides that it’s time for a change, Elpidia finds herself being delivered to Charlie, who lives out in a compound that he built in the middle of the desert. Charlie, Elpidia is told, is going to teach her to fight.
Stan is tired of being unable to protect his mother from her abusive husband, and the violence that he drunkenly explodes with. He’s the one white kid at school, and that plus his size makes him a prime target for bullies at school. When his mom says that she has a surprise for him, he’s truly shocked to be driven out to Charlie’s, where he finds a girl that he knows from school.
Together, Elpidia and Stan begin to find a new strength, both in their Escrima training and in their friendship. She’s trying to move beyond the disaster that destroyed her home and resulted in her mom and dad no longer being in the picture (it’s not stated outright, but it looks like an attempt to cook meth in their house went awry), and the ripples that have impacted both sides of her family in the aftermath. Stan is trying to find where he belongs, and right now it looks like that might be serving as a nice, white face on behalf of the local gang, Los Cocos (the gang leader would love to have a friendly looking gringo to interact with law enforcement for him). Together, they might be able to make a better future for themselves and their families.
Matt Wallace is a phenomenal writer, and he’s put together another brilliant middle grade fiction title. Nowhere Special is a great depiction of life in a small town, where no one wants to actually talk about the issues that the people face. It’s a quick read, and a necessary story to tell, tackling issues of bullying, drug use, domestic violence, and more in a format that makes the story accessible for younger readers who are dealing with these issues in real life.
Nowhere Special is out tomorrow, 10/24. Do yourself a favor and give it a read. My utmost thanks to HarperCollins Children’s Books and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for a fair review.
This review originally appeared here: https://swordsoftheancients.com/2023/...
Elpidia is tired of her cousins beating her up for something she didn’t do. School is miserable when the three of them decide to come pick on her, and no one at the school cares enough to do anything about it. When her abuela decides that it’s time for a change, Elpidia finds herself being delivered to Charlie, who lives out in a compound that he built in the middle of the desert. Charlie, Elpidia is told, is going to teach her to fight.
Stan is tired of being unable to protect his mother from her abusive husband, and the violence that he drunkenly explodes with. He’s the one white kid at school, and that plus his size makes him a prime target for bullies at school. When his mom says that she has a surprise for him, he’s truly shocked to be driven out to Charlie’s, where he finds a girl that he knows from school.
Together, Elpidia and Stan begin to find a new strength, both in their Escrima training and in their friendship. She’s trying to move beyond the disaster that destroyed her home and resulted in her mom and dad no longer being in the picture (it’s not stated outright, but it looks like an attempt to cook meth in their house went awry), and the ripples that have impacted both sides of her family in the aftermath. Stan is trying to find where he belongs, and right now it looks like that might be serving as a nice, white face on behalf of the local gang, Los Cocos (the gang leader would love to have a friendly looking gringo to interact with law enforcement for him). Together, they might be able to make a better future for themselves and their families.
Matt Wallace is a phenomenal writer, and he’s put together another brilliant middle grade fiction title. Nowhere Special is a great depiction of life in a small town, where no one wants to actually talk about the issues that the people face. It’s a quick read, and a necessary story to tell, tackling issues of bullying, drug use, domestic violence, and more in a format that makes the story accessible for younger readers who are dealing with these issues in real life.
Nowhere Special is out tomorrow, 10/24. Do yourself a favor and give it a read. My utmost thanks to HarperCollins Children’s Books and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for a fair review.
This review originally appeared here: https://swordsoftheancients.com/2023/...
October 22, 2023
Out in the dry, Southen California desert is a place called Lakeshore Estates, where a church has been converted to a school, and the town feels infinitesimal despite the vastness of the desert surrounding it. Both Elpidia and Stan are middle school students who desire nothing more than to feel safe in their daily lives. Physical violence is always a potential occurrence for them, so they find themselves venturing even farther out into the desert to meet with the fabled Charlie Ramos to learn Escrima, the Filipino art of fighting. And as they become more confident in their physical abilities, they begin to emerge as stronger individuals, as well.
This raw middle grade novel stands apart from others in its genre. An author’s note at the beginning alerts readers to the mature nature of the text, including the fact that it references drug and alcohol abuse, physical and emotional abuse, and racially charged topics. While this is certainly true within the narrative, Elpidia and Stan are experiencing realities many youth face themselves on a daily basis. And thanks to this thoughtfully designed book, readers can observe the things happening in the novel through either a window or a mirror depending on their own unique circumstances.
Descriptive writing paints a vivid series of images for the reader, from the feeling of being punched in the face to the hot breeze blowing by a car under the hot desert sun. These details help readers understand the setting for the trauma experienced by both Elpidia and Stan, and they also draw readers into the complexity of both the story and its surroundings. Though certain moments of the novel can be difficult to read, the overall narrative is one that will encourage discussion and reflection in either a home or a classroom setting. And the tenacity of the two protagonists will inspire readers of all ages to find strength and courage in their own lives. This is a powerful addition to library collections for mature middle grade readers.
This raw middle grade novel stands apart from others in its genre. An author’s note at the beginning alerts readers to the mature nature of the text, including the fact that it references drug and alcohol abuse, physical and emotional abuse, and racially charged topics. While this is certainly true within the narrative, Elpidia and Stan are experiencing realities many youth face themselves on a daily basis. And thanks to this thoughtfully designed book, readers can observe the things happening in the novel through either a window or a mirror depending on their own unique circumstances.
Descriptive writing paints a vivid series of images for the reader, from the feeling of being punched in the face to the hot breeze blowing by a car under the hot desert sun. These details help readers understand the setting for the trauma experienced by both Elpidia and Stan, and they also draw readers into the complexity of both the story and its surroundings. Though certain moments of the novel can be difficult to read, the overall narrative is one that will encourage discussion and reflection in either a home or a classroom setting. And the tenacity of the two protagonists will inspire readers of all ages to find strength and courage in their own lives. This is a powerful addition to library collections for mature middle grade readers.
April 13, 2023
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Stan and Elpidia are two 12-year old kids in a very small desert town in southern California. Life is not easy for either of them; Elpidia's parents are both in prision and her somewhat estranged cousins are beating her up at school. Stan's teased for his weight and his color and has an abusive home life. They both need a way to protect themselves and are brought to Charlie, but what starts as lessons in defense turn into lessons that are brought into every part of their lives.
This book had quite a few layers. It touched on not only absentee parents, but race issues, neglect, gang activity, and what happens to a small rural town that it seems like the world forgot. It definitely hits quite a few diversity check marks. I waffled quite a bit on this book. I didn't care for it in the beginning. Everything seemed so depressing and hopeless, to be honest. I also wasn't sure that I liked the writing style; things felt a bit choppy. As the story progressed I did find connections with Elpidia and Stan and really began to get into the feel of the story, but I ultimately found the entire book too dark for the intended age group.
Stan and Elpidia are two 12-year old kids in a very small desert town in southern California. Life is not easy for either of them; Elpidia's parents are both in prision and her somewhat estranged cousins are beating her up at school. Stan's teased for his weight and his color and has an abusive home life. They both need a way to protect themselves and are brought to Charlie, but what starts as lessons in defense turn into lessons that are brought into every part of their lives.
This book had quite a few layers. It touched on not only absentee parents, but race issues, neglect, gang activity, and what happens to a small rural town that it seems like the world forgot. It definitely hits quite a few diversity check marks. I waffled quite a bit on this book. I didn't care for it in the beginning. Everything seemed so depressing and hopeless, to be honest. I also wasn't sure that I liked the writing style; things felt a bit choppy. As the story progressed I did find connections with Elpidia and Stan and really began to get into the feel of the story, but I ultimately found the entire book too dark for the intended age group.
October 4, 2024
Elpidia and Stan find themselves unlikely friends in a small “nowhere” town in the middle of the desert. Elpidia lives with her abuela while her parents serve time in a detention center; Stan tries to live under the radar with his abusive father.
Wallace does great job of setting up the two together when Elpidia was attacked at school, Stan is abused by his father, with both enrolling in the same self-defense class held by Charlie Ramos. Their friendship grows as they train together. Stan steps in to protect her when she is attacked again, but freezes when his father begins abusing him. The action picks up when Los Locos, the local gang, try to enlist Stan to join their ranks, Charlie dies when his house catches fire, Stan and Elpidia suspect Los Locos is to blame for his “murder”.
Told in alternate chapters, Stan and Elpidia open up their feelings and points of view to actions as they happen. A well paced story, relatable characters, and a satisfying (though predictable) ending will have readers want to hear more about Eplidia and Stan.
Recommended for grades 5-8.
S.B.
Children's Literature Consultant
Wallace does great job of setting up the two together when Elpidia was attacked at school, Stan is abused by his father, with both enrolling in the same self-defense class held by Charlie Ramos. Their friendship grows as they train together. Stan steps in to protect her when she is attacked again, but freezes when his father begins abusing him. The action picks up when Los Locos, the local gang, try to enlist Stan to join their ranks, Charlie dies when his house catches fire, Stan and Elpidia suspect Los Locos is to blame for his “murder”.
Told in alternate chapters, Stan and Elpidia open up their feelings and points of view to actions as they happen. A well paced story, relatable characters, and a satisfying (though predictable) ending will have readers want to hear more about Eplidia and Stan.
Recommended for grades 5-8.
S.B.
Children's Literature Consultant
January 19, 2024
Not going to lie, the author’s disclaimer had me a little worried when I started listening to this. But by the end, I was rooting for Stan and Elpidia so much! It honestly made me think of the students I have at my new school and how some of them may benefit from reading this. My only complaint is that we try to teach students that violence is not the answer, and this book seems to stray away from that teaching.
Elpidia and Stan are sent to learn how to fight by their parents for different reasons. Elpidia’s cousins pick on her at school physically (my other issue with this book is the lack of caring from the teachers on bullying), and Stan has an abusive father that is beginning to pick on Stan in addition to his mother. Charlie lives out in the middle of nowhere but has agreed to teach the two kiddos. Stan is a large kid and is soon being recruited by the local gang in their southern Californian town. Elpidia is mixed Mexican and Native, and her parents are currently serving time for accidentally setting their house on fire during a drug and alcohol induced stupor.
These kids are dealing with hard things. Unfit parents, gangs, drugs and violence. And while some may not be happy with the ending, I don’t see how it could have ended differently. A definite buy for my school library.
Elpidia and Stan are sent to learn how to fight by their parents for different reasons. Elpidia’s cousins pick on her at school physically (my other issue with this book is the lack of caring from the teachers on bullying), and Stan has an abusive father that is beginning to pick on Stan in addition to his mother. Charlie lives out in the middle of nowhere but has agreed to teach the two kiddos. Stan is a large kid and is soon being recruited by the local gang in their southern Californian town. Elpidia is mixed Mexican and Native, and her parents are currently serving time for accidentally setting their house on fire during a drug and alcohol induced stupor.
These kids are dealing with hard things. Unfit parents, gangs, drugs and violence. And while some may not be happy with the ending, I don’t see how it could have ended differently. A definite buy for my school library.
June 5, 2023
Nowhere Special was a captivating dive into the life of children who deal with abuse and addicted loved ones. As an adult child of an addict/alcoholic, I appreciate the real and raw look at that world from a child's perspective. I would have very much appreciated reading a book like this as a preteen and teen. The book deals well with the complexities of anger and love that a child feels toward an addicted or enabling parent. As an elementary librarian, I feel that the book is better suited for middle school and high school students.
January 14, 2024
Gosh, this is such a hard book to rate and review. I would have totally placed this as "good for MS" in my tags except for how the book ended. As if dealing with emotional and physical abuse at home is not enough, add in bullying at school and gang activities in the characters' spare times, and you have one heavy read.
But then the ending. Gosh... it was SO violent. and SO indicative of big issues in these characters' lives. I was not left feeling much hope at all.
Not recommended for MS or HS.
But then the ending. Gosh... it was SO violent. and SO indicative of big issues in these characters' lives. I was not left feeling much hope at all.
Not recommended for MS or HS.
July 23, 2023
I very much appreciated that Matt Wallace isn't afraid to dig into the tougher topics that might be uncomfortable to some. While I didn't grow up in the same situation at all, to be able to see how he approached it gave me a better understanding of how the characters came to be as they are. This is an exceptional book. Netgalley, I appreciate that I was able to get the ARC and review this wonderful story. I can't wait to dig into more by Matt!
July 24, 2023
I thought Stan's arc was a little more developed than Elpidia's, but I enjoyed the way their friendship came together and blossomed. At times it seemed like there were too many family members to keep track of, and while some of them were central to the narrative, others probably could have been left out. Kids who like multiple narrators will appreciate that aspect.
July 29, 2023
This book was really good and inspiring, and I loved the story. I loved seeing how the two main characters slowly became unlikely friends and learned how to stand up for themselves and each other! I also loved how their family lived were so creatively mixed in, because it just added even more to the story.
November 4, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I would hesitate to make it available to my fifth graders, but I can see it being a good fit for seventh grade and up. I’d read a sequel if there ends up being one. I’d like to see what happens with the characters next. Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for access to an advance copy.
January 30, 2024
On a watch list as a Newbery contender. Definitely kept me interested-very likeable characters. I thought Elpidia's family dynamics were especially thought-provoking-loved her abuela! Some tough subject matter was presented in the book that might keep this one from the medal, but could be a great multi-generational read and discuss together title.
August 21, 2024
A sensitive story of two kids living hard lives in the desert. Elpidia and Stan are surrounded by broken adults in a poor community, doing their best to get by, and discover strength in friendship with each other, martial arts training from an unexpected tutor, and the support of extended family and community. It's engaging and moving, and avoids getting too heavy or bogged down in struggles.
October 5, 2024
I appreciated Wallace's disclaimer at the beginning that the book could present triggers for some readers. Even with that I found the book very heavy for middle grade readers. There were a few scenes that were hard for me to read as an adult (especially the scene where Stan's dad attacks him). I did like the way the story ended after all of the trauma both Stan and Elpidia endured.
December 8, 2023
quick jr. fiction about bullying and finding a friend when you least expect it. I did like how after Elipidia parents went to jail, her gmas family took her in and tried to let her see her dad's side of the family. There were no perfect characters throughout, but they were relatable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2025
This was a first reads giveaway. Overall it was a good book, however the ending felt a little rushed.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews