Title: The Edge of Forever
Author: Meghan P Browne
Genre: realistic fiction
Age range: middle grade
Similar book: The Forgotten Magic of Zoe Turner by Erin Stewart
Summary (provided by publisher): Maisie is still reeling from the loss of her dad when her mom deposits her with Aunt Gertie at the start of summer in Heaven, TX. Population: tiny. Gertie is nothing but nice, but Maisie doesn’t want to be there – surrounded by cactus and tumbleweeds.
Thankfully, the Heaven Library is well air-conditioned. Here, Charlene the librarian offers Maisie much-needed solace and book recommendations. Then Maisie meets another actual kid, Walt Wise, Aunt Gertie’s nearest neighbor. As she and Walt work odd jobs together and become friends, they also stumble upon a stealth campaign to develop one of Heaven's most beloved natural resources.
As Maisie and Walt research the development plan, they also uncover a long-buried, life-changing secret about Maisie's family. This secret, along with an explosive event at the Heaven County Fair, will turn a sleepy summer into one Maisie and Walt will never forget.
What I liked: The characters here are strong. We are quickly caught up in the world that Maisie and Walt are discovering. The messaging is solid with parallels drawn between the personal issues and the larger plot that the kids uncover.
What I didn't like: The twists are, as the plot summary suggests, explosive and thus a bit extreme. They can tend to stretch the bounds of believability.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

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