Monday's Not Coming

By: Tiffany D. Jackson

5/5 Colors

Claudia and Monday are practically twins. What one does, the other follows closely behind. The girls share secrets, dance together, and help each other navigate the confusing time of middle school. However, one day, Monday doesn't come to school. Claudia finds this odd because Monday's favorite day of the week is Monday. Where could she be? How will Claudia survive the start of high school if her best friend stays away? Why is no one else searching for this girl?

Claudia will scour the Earth if it means finding Monday. Conflicted by her gut feeling and others' opinions, Claudia doesn't know if Monday left on purpose or if something more sinister is going on. Did Claudia know the true Monday at all?

During this time in quarantine, I've been reading a lot of books, but I've noticed that none of them have provided an escape for me. For some reason, Monday's Not Coming did. I say for some reason because this book is so raw and realistic, you wouldn't think of it as an "escape" from life; however, Claudia is a character I could root for. I wanted her to succeed. I wanted her to have everything she needs and wants. Every feeling Claudia portrayed I felt deep in my gut. I laughed, I cried, and I sat there stunned at some parts.

I love how Jackson flipped between The Before, Before the Before, and The After. I always find that style riveting, and this is another case where it led to me devouring the book. The "plot twist" at the end truly left me stunned and holding back tears. With all the books I read, not many stick with me over time... Monday's Not Coming most definitely will.

This book tackles so many issues within its pages: mental health, abuse, learning disabilities, and friendship. It will most definitely be on the shelves of my library - front and center. Students from all walks of life will benefit from reading Tiffany D. Jackson's Monday's Not Coming.