A review by librerika
The Rat Queen by Pete Hautman

dark hopeful mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Very on-the-nose with the message, but it's a good message and a story I definitely haven't heard before, and has a modern fairytale feel that I think will appeal to plenty of middle grade readers.

love that the mc learns to question the actions of her dad who, spoiler alert, while he is a doting father, is also a slumlord who refuses to take responsibility for his actions and wants to pass that entitlement on to his daughter bc he thinks thats the easiest way to keep her happy. Also love that once she understands the depth of her father's mistakes, that realization comes hand in hand with the realization that while he cannot continue to live consequence free, everyone deserves another chance, no matter how terrible their mistakes are.