Read for: Requested Reviews
Synopsis: "My name is Calvin Sinclair, I'm eleven years old and I have a confession… ...I killed my brother.
It's the summer before grade six and Calvin Sinclair is bored to tears. He’s recently moved from a big city to a small town and there's nothing to do. It’s hot, he has no friends and the only kid around is his six-year-old brother, Sammy, who can barely throw a basketball as high as the hoop. Cal occupies his time by getting his brother to do almost anything: from collecting ants to doing Calvin’s chores. And Sammy is all too eager - as long as it means getting a "Level" and moving one step closer to his brother's Eagle status.
When Calvin meets Aleta Alvarado, a new girl who shares his love for Goosebumps books and adventure, Sammy is pushed aside. Cal feels guilty but not enough to change. At least not until a diagnosis makes things at home start falling apart and he's left wondering whether Sammy will ever complete his own journey...
From Ant To Eagle."
My Review: When I was first contacted about this book, I had been looking for more Middle Grade books to read, especially ones that would appeal to young boy readers, and I like the bit of nostalgia brought on by the mention of Goosebumps. This book ended up being so much more than I ever expected, it was more than a boy growing up and coming into his own, more than friendships and family, it was all that and the unfair and difficulties of reality. The journey is an emotional one (I wouldn't suggest reading it at work like I did) and it will take you on many highs, lows and moments of absolute beauty. The emotions the characters endure are so raw and real, I really found the anger to be so honest that it really hit home. I adored Sammy and while Cal was not always the nicest he was still a caring and great big brother. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
It's the summer before grade six and Calvin Sinclair is bored to tears. He’s recently moved from a big city to a small town and there's nothing to do. It’s hot, he has no friends and the only kid around is his six-year-old brother, Sammy, who can barely throw a basketball as high as the hoop. Cal occupies his time by getting his brother to do almost anything: from collecting ants to doing Calvin’s chores. And Sammy is all too eager - as long as it means getting a "Level" and moving one step closer to his brother's Eagle status.
When Calvin meets Aleta Alvarado, a new girl who shares his love for Goosebumps books and adventure, Sammy is pushed aside. Cal feels guilty but not enough to change. At least not until a diagnosis makes things at home start falling apart and he's left wondering whether Sammy will ever complete his own journey...
From Ant To Eagle."
My Review: When I was first contacted about this book, I had been looking for more Middle Grade books to read, especially ones that would appeal to young boy readers, and I like the bit of nostalgia brought on by the mention of Goosebumps. This book ended up being so much more than I ever expected, it was more than a boy growing up and coming into his own, more than friendships and family, it was all that and the unfair and difficulties of reality. The journey is an emotional one (I wouldn't suggest reading it at work like I did) and it will take you on many highs, lows and moments of absolute beauty. The emotions the characters endure are so raw and real, I really found the anger to be so honest that it really hit home. I adored Sammy and while Cal was not always the nicest he was still a caring and great big brother. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
My Rating: I really enjoyed this book and it was great to see things from a sibling point of view. The relationship between the brothers is so well depicted, the love, annoyance, the disappointment, the anger, and the unbreakable bond. I cannot recommend this book enough but prepare yourself for all the feels. I give it a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag!
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
You can find out more about Alex Lyttle and his work on his Goodreads Page or Website.
From Ant To Eagle is scheduled for release on April 1st, but you can pre-order your copy in print or digital format from Amazon or Barnes & Noble, or check with your favorite bookseller.
This sounds great. I'm not a middle grade fan but I'd try this one.
ReplyDeleteThis is more of an upper middle grade, it is one of those books that could be classified as YA too. I think you will really enjoy it.
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