Author: Betty Culley
Genre: realistic fiction
Similar books: Quintessence by Jess Redman
Tips for Magicians by Celesta Rimington
Rating:
Summary (provided by publisher): Henry has always been fascinated by rocks. As a homeschooler, he pours through the R volume of the encyclopedia (to help him identify the rocks he finds). So, when a meteorite falls in his family's field, who better to investigate than this rock enthusiast--with his best friend, James, and his little sister, Birdie, in tow, of course.
But soon after the meteorite's arrival, the water in Henry's small Maine town starts drying up. It's not long before news spreads that the space rock and Henry's family might be to blame. Henry is determined to defend his newest discovery, but his knowledge of geology could not have prepared him for how much this stone from the sky would change his community, his family, and even himself.
My opinion: I had ideas of where this book was headed from the very start. I was pleased to see that it defied my expectations. The eventual plot points were telegraphed early on, but it follows it's own path. The theme of the novel is more subtle than we typically see in middle grade fiction, an exploration of the way life changes whether we want it or not. The things that influence the person we will become. It's not exactly magical realism, more supernatural realism I suppose. Because the features of the meteorite defy explanation. And yet much of the plot is firmly based in science. Henry explores topics in a scientific manner, digging into every question that occurs to him. The characters are charming and all have at least a little depth. Thought-provoking and compelling without being overly complex.
More information: Down to Earth releases August 24.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
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