Review Roundup

Cindy Baldwin's Where the Watermelons Grow writes a heartfelt, lyrical middle-grade novel that deeply resonates with readers through its exploration of family and mental illness. The book's vivid, evocative prose and realistic portrayal of its young protagonist evoke empathy. Some readers, however, find the pacing slow at times and the ending somewhat predictable. Overall, it is a moving and thoughtfully crafted narrative.