Realistic Fiction, African American, Adventure, Foster Children, Friendship
297 pages; 2018
ALA Notable Book, Coretta Scott King Honor, Hornbook starred review
NPR, HornBook, Kirkus Reviews, SLJ, Shelf Awareness
Five starred reviews
NPR, HornBook, Kirkus Reviews, SLJ, Shelf Awareness
Five starred reviews
Description
Meet Caleb and Bobby Gene, two brothers embarking on a madcap, heartwarming, one-thing-leads-to-another adventure in which friendships are forged, loyalties are tested . . . and miracles just might happen.
Meet Caleb and Bobby Gene, two brothers embarking on a madcap, heartwarming, one-thing-leads-to-another adventure in which friendships are forged, loyalties are tested . . . and miracles just might happen.
Caleb Franklin and his big brother Bobby Gene are excited to have adventures in the woods behind their house. But Caleb dreams of venturing beyond their ordinary small town.
Then Caleb and Bobby Gene meet new neighbor Styx Malone. Styx is sixteen and oozes cool. Styx promises the brothers that together, the three of them can pull off the Great Escalator Trade--exchanging one small thing for something better until they achieve their wildest dream. But as the trades get bigger, the brothers soon find themselves in over their heads. Styx has secrets--secrets so big they could ruin everything.
Comments
High action, fast-moving plot encompasses serious issues such as foster children, family life, friendship, and much more. It reminds me a bit of Maniac Magee. This would be a fantastic book for group discussions. So glad this was recommended to me by our elementary librarian, Stephanie Spierings!
