This installment of the 'From the Files of Madison Finn' series, 'Just Visiting,' offers a relatable glimpse into the summer life of a 12-year-old navigating new surroundings and budding crushes. While the publisher's age range of 4-11 is too broad, this chapter book is ideally suited for late elementary to early middle school readers, specifically ages 10-13, who can connect with Madison's seventh-grade experiences. The series is framed by Madison's computer diary entries, providing an intimate, first-person perspective on her thoughts about friends, crushes, and the background reality of her parents' divorce. In 'Just Visiting,' Madison initially feels disappointed about her summer plans, but the arrival of a mysterious boy next door injects excitement and new possibilities into her vacation. The emotional arc is gentle and uplifting, focusing on the universal pre-teen experience of summer anticipation, new friendships, and first crushes. It normalizes feelings of loneliness when away from friends and the thrill of unexpected connections. Parents might reach for this book when their child is experiencing similar summer transitions, feeling a bit bored or lonely, or starting to develop crushes. It requires no specific parent preparation, as the themes are handled with warmth and age-appropriateness. Younger readers (10-11) will enjoy the straightforward plot and Madison's voice, while slightly older readers (12-13) will appreciate the nuanced emotional landscape of pre-teen relationships and self-discovery. What sets this series apart is its consistent diary format, which makes Madison's internal world highly accessible, combined with its focus on everyday, realistic challenges and triumphs, making it a comforting and engaging read for its target audience.
