This realistic depiction of adolescence benefits from detailed characterizations and clearly drawn supporting actors. Carly’s teacher’s interest in her is an unusual and heartening touch, and the fantasy within the story is well-constructed and adds to this book’s appeal. This is a good choice for girls who feel that no one is ever as confused about growing up as they are, and may catch the attention of reluctant readers.

—School Library Journal

“This is a wonderful fantasy novel for your middle grade daughter. I suspect a lot of boys will enjoy the fantasy aspect of the novel, though I suspect they won't be old enough (or mature enough) to appreciate Carly's experience with the arrival of her first period. I found that it worked very well as a read aloud to my boys (6 and 9), because I was able to skim the section they weren't ready for without adversely affecting the book. They are now plotting their own versions of Atlantis, along with rotating castles."

Middle graders will relate to Arlene and Carly’s realistic reactions to the ups and downs of friendship and the effects of burgeoning hormones; some may even be inspired to try writing their own adventure tales.

—Booklist

“I picked up this book from the library on a whim. I wasn't expecting a great deal - books about the troubles of Middle School tend to be boring, cliched, and too numerous. I was pleasantly surprised. In some ways this book is just like any one of those; there are plenty of cliches to go around. However, some of the observations here are dead on, and reading this brought back some vivid memories from when I too was an insecure middle schooler who wrote. Overall, I enjoyed it greatly, and I'd recommend it to anyone who had a rough time in that stage of life (which is virtually everyone, I guess...)."