“The Boring Days and Awesome Nights of Roy Winklesteen is filled with high-stakes escapades, bald mice, mysterious neighbors, and amusing pranks to keep middle graders turning pages. This story is compelling not just for its well-executed speculative plot, but also for its heartfelt characters. Roy faces a number of problems that young people will relate to. Aside from the mysterious girl next door, he also must cope with an annoying younger sister and a school bully. Author Sally Dill handles these topics in amusing yet sensitive ways, both validating young people’s emotions and providing them with sound moral guidance. The common worries that challenge Roy are blended well with the inventive plot. Dill’s writing is considered and logical, which lends credibility to the eye-catching speculative elements. Older readers will be struck by Dill’s insight into children, as Roy feels well-considered, rounded, and real as a young character.

 . . . it’s a terrifically enjoyable middle grade speculative novel. Dill’s insightful prose elevates this story, making it one that young readers can return to with joy as they await the next installment in the series.” Independent Book Review