Olivia Gold’s Hidden kicks off as a middle-school romp but quickly spirals into an action-packed rollercoaster involving secret identities, quirky characters, and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments. The protagonist, Xander Hall, is thrust into a witness protection program, moving from his bustling Washington, D.C. life to the peculiar Gizmo, Utah. The juxtaposition of his spy-like parents’ high-stakes paranoia with his own struggles to navigate Soda Club meetings and middle school drama creates a surprisingly heartwarming and comedic tale.

One thing I loved about this book was how the author made the mundane hilariously exaggerated. The Soda Club, for instance, is absurd in the best way possible. Hayleigh, the overzealous club president, treats soda crafting like an Olympic sport, barking orders about “the essence of a quality soda.” And then there’s the Jell-O obsession at Morrison Middle School that’s so strange it had me laughing. Xander’s disbelief and discomfort were palpable, making it easy to root for him even as he stumbled through this bizarre culture shock. The scene where Xander fakes enthusiasm for a soda recipe he doesn’t have? Hilariously awkward.

Gold’s writing shines in its humor but also captures family dynamics beautifully. Xander’s parents are hilarious in their hyper-vigilance, from his mom’s insistence on banning internet access to their utter suspicion of seemingly harmless dog groomers. The chaos in their house during the infamous grooming scene had me laughing out loud—who knew dog groomers could be so suspicious and inept? The blend of humor and tension is handled well, keeping the plot lighthearted yet engaging.

The plot isn’t without its depth, either. Beneath all the soda club madness and misadventures, there’s a genuine story about adaptation and finding a sense of belonging. Xander’s growth—his gradual acceptance of his new life and his understanding of his parents’ choices—feels authentic. His clever idea of creating Jell-O soda to fit in illustrates his desire to connect without losing himself. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show how much he evolves.

Hidden will be great for anyone looking for a fun, quirky read with heartfelt moments. Middle schoolers will enjoy the relatable humor, while adults might find themselves nostalgic for their own awkward teenage years. It’s lighthearted, yet it surprises you with its emotional beats. If you’ve ever felt like a fish out of water, Xander’s story is bound to resonate—and make you laugh along the way.

Pages: 156 | ASIN : B0DP26WT2V