Reviews

• “A truly great book for the middle grade reader. [The Worst Thing That Can Happen is Everything] is full of thoughts and feelings, and it helps you find the words when things are too difficult to comprehend.”

• “There is a nice flow to the language and the humor is well-balanced. [The Worst Thing That Can Happen is Everything] is written in first person, which allows the reader to get very close to Belle’s experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Many kids of today share Belle’s worries in different ways and can recognize themselves in the way she thinks. This is an important, sad, hopeful story about how to try to manage your emotions after a big loss.”

• “As always, Cina Friedner writes with both depth and warm humour. If you want to read truly great books for the middle grade, she is a safe bet.”

• “This is a truly great and surprising novel about friendship, anxiety and grief.”

• “The middle grade novel The Worst Thing That Could Happen is Everything by Cina Friedner is such a clever, comforting and beautiful story. /…/ I laughed, was charmed, and cried rivers while reading this novel. I immediately began recommending it to all potential readers, and although it is aimed at middle-grade readers it works just as well for older readers too. Cina Friedner is truly a master at writing for this age group. She takes her readers seriously, knows the art of lightening the mood with a big dose of humor, and writes in a way that allows readers to see themselves in the story.”

• “A favourite with me. /…/ The way the friendship-relations are portrayed made me both smile and feel warm inside. (…) But I also cried once the tragedy is unveiled. /…/ If I, as a 38-year old feels this strongly, I can only imagine how it will affect the target demographic. A book to truly get talking about feelings. /…/ [Cina Friedner] wonderfully portrays the vulnerability in the unknown.”

• “Oh, how I loved this book! /…/ So good and moving! /…/ It’s a good book to read together. It’s very sad and thought-provoking.”

• “Anxiety about the state of the world and the future is likely something many children experience today and are exposed to, not least through social media. Author Cina Friedner deals with this topical subject matter with both gravity and humour.”

• “A book about friendship, grief and missing someone, but also about hope. The novel is written with a lot of warmth and humour.”

• “A wonderful book about a difficult topic. (…) And yes, I cried too!”

• “I’m moved. /…/ A book about many children’s everyday, where the anxiety makes itself knows and one has to find coping strategies to get through the day. But also about friendship and grief, everyday life for an 11-year old. A truly important book that will stay with you.”

• “Cina Fridner has written a topical, important book about something that hardly ever is portrayed in children’s books. /…/ The portrayal is warm, empathic and takes children’s anxiety and grief seriously!”

• “Anxiety about the state of the world and the future is likely something many children experience today and are exposed to, not least through social media. Author Cina Friedner deals with this topical subject matter with both gravity and humour.”

• “Cina Friedner writes in a way that pulls at the heartstrings. I laugh and cry. Occasionally at the same time. The grief sneaks up on you, and gradually all the layers to this story are peeled back and moves closer to the core of Bella’s anxiety and fears. The Worst Thing That Could Happen is Everything is an incredibly accomplished novel and at the end I close the book in a state of wonder. Cina Friedner’s book has dug a small hole in my heart and I think Bella and her story will remain there for a long time.”