The Middle of Everywhere - Softcover

"A great deal of information about daily life and Inuit culture is packed into the recounting of a few days in the community. Beer, bullying and a hint of romance keep the first-person narrative in the typical 15-year-old realm. The conditions of life are harsh but not impossible, and the gradual rapprochement between Noah and his dad adds a nice counterpoint to Noah's reaction to this exotic world into which he not only arrives but that he discovers he admires."-- (09/15/2009)

"The harsh living conditions and culture of the Inuit abound. Yet, the actions, thoughts, and fears portrayed are of any typical 15-year-old boy who finds himself in an atypical setting...The commotion (storms, polar bears, and tragedy at camp) keeps our attention."-- (11/15/2009)

"Useful for its discussion of Canada's Inuit culture and the history of oppression that accompanies it, as well as the effect of climate change on northern life. I highly recommend this book; it is engaging, entertaining and a pleasure to read."-- (11/06/2009)

"Noah's greatest adventure is discovering that the middle of nowhere can be the beginning of something new."--The ALAN Review (06/01/2010)

"A well-crafted, revealing look at Inuit culture...A memorable book - a very worthwhile and important read for youth who are open to learning about the lived experiences of others with much to teach."-- (07/01/2010)

"The survival-adventure details will engage reluctant readers [and] the story has elements of romance when Noah strives to impress an Inuit classmate...Add this to survival/adventure collections."--School Library Journal (11/01/2009)

"A powerful novel that blends the emotional insecurities of young teenage boys with their need to be strong...Polak delivers her tale with a simplicity and realism that brings the readers into the northern world."-- (10/01/2009)

"The story eloquently addresses coming of age, understanding different cultures, and the values of a young teen as he spends time with his father in a predominately Inuit culture."--Tacoma School District #10 (01/05/2012)

Fifteen-year-old Noah leaves Montreal to spend a school term with his dad, a teacher in a small Inuit village in northern Quebec, and is quickly immersed in Inuit culture on an exhilarating winter camping trip.