*I have been wanting to read this novel for quite some time. I loved When Zachary Beaver Came to Town and was excited to revisit the town and its characters. I decided to download the audio version and listen during my commute to and from the classroom. This was one of the most enjoyable audio experiences I've had in a long time.
What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*During the Vietnam era, Toby and Zachary had a summer they would never forget.
*Now it is 2001 and the story centers around Toby's daughter Rylee.
*Rylee is adjusting to life with a strange "vibe" between herself and her best friend Twig. Twig was on an airline flight on September 11, 2001.
*As she is getting use to time alone, she meets a new neighbor boy Joe who has just moved to Antler after losing his father during the 9/11 terrorist attack.
*Joe and Rylee join forces to locate the infamous Zachary Beaver and uncover what happened to him when he left Antler so many years ago.
What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*As I mentioned, this was one of the best audio "listens" I've had in recent times.
*Listening brought me back years to when I read I first read Zachary. Such great memories!
*The main character Rylee was thoughtful, sensitive, and authentic.
*I thought Kimberly Willis Holt did a phenomenal job of bringing Zachary's story and Rylee's story together and linking in the horrific events of September 11th.
*The themes of friendship, loyalty, and exploration came through on each and every page.
Who Should Read It:
*This story must be in every fourth, fifth, and sixth grade classroom library. I could see the novel being used as a class read aloud and/or put in the individual hands of a reader. The story would be perfect for the middle-school student. Happy Reading!
Rating: 5 STARS out of 5 Stars
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