How I Heard About It:*This title came to me during my virtual visit to #NCTE. While visiting the publisher booth of Walden Pond Press, I was able to download an E-Galley of this upcoming middle-grade novel. I was excited to read as I had seen a few online friends commenting on how much they enjoyed the story.
What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*Alder is a young boy living with his mother in a small Californian home.
*Oak is a young girl who has just moved into her small Californian home.
*Alder and Oak couldn't be much different, but after time realize they may have more in common than they ever imagined.
*Alder has always been somewhat of a loner at school. Oak is the new girl who would love to "fit in" with the other kids.
*After a large walnut tree between their homes is cut down, and two cats come into their lives, Oak and Alder bond over the differences and similarities between them.
What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*Oh my gosh, how I loved this story.
*I can't explain how different, fresh, and unique this middle-grade story is. Such a treat to read!
*Alder and Oak are two amazing, thoughtful, and special characters. With each page, I came to love them more and more.
*The story contains some realistic fiction, a bit of fantasy, and a dash of mystery. Everything this reader loves and enjoys in a middle-grade novel.
*There are portions of the plot that will definitely get readers thinking, discussing, and asking lots of questions.
Who Should Read It:
*I would most definitely put the book in all fourth, fifth, and sixth grade classroom libraries. The middle-school reader would also be ideal for the unfolding mystery of Alder and Oak. In my opinion, the story could be used for a class read aloud and/or to give to an individual student. Happy Reading!
Rating: 5 STARS out of 5 Stars
