BOOKS

Home Time: Under the River

by Campbell WHYTE
illus. by Campbell Whyte. 228p. Top Shelf Comics. Aug. 2017. Tr $24.99. ISBN 9781603094122.
COPY ISBN
Gr 6 Up—On their way home on the last day of eighth grade, twins David and Lilly discuss their big plans for the summer (December in Australia). Yet when they fall into a river and land in another world along with a rogues' gallery of friends, adventures (and witty banter) await. The young humans are understood to be spirits, treated as special guests and emissaries, and generally exposed to the strange "peach" culture they've accidentally stumbled upon. Whyte employs different illustration styles. While the artwork is beautiful, the story is incredibly lengthy and may not suit reluctant readers used to more accessible graphic narratives. Standout panels include the layout of a magic tree house, handwritten diary entries, and detailed pictures of the flora and fauna in the new realm.
VERDICT With an interesting narrative and age-appropriate characters, this title has plenty to offer patient readers. A strong additional purchase for middle and upper school libraries.
Reviewed by Erinn Black Salge, Morristown-Beard School, NJ , Dec 01, 2017

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BLOGS

Take Five: 2024 Middle Grade Native American Books
by Amanda MacGregor
BLOGS

Most Anticipated Young Adult Reads of 2025
by Amanda MacGregor
BLOGS

Most Anticipated Middle Grade Reads of 2025
by Amanda MacGregor
BLOGS

Take Five: 2024 LGBTQIA+ Middle Grade Novels
by Amanda MacGregor
BLOGS

The Importance of Making Stories Personal, a guest post by Amy Christine Parker
by Amanda MacGregor
BOOKS

Medalist, Vol. 1
by TSURUMAIKADA
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?