Nowhere Near You

Gr 9 Up—This follow-up to Morris Award finalist Because You'll Never Meet Me picks up the story of pen pals Ollie and Moritz right where the previous novel left off. Separated by an ocean—and by unusual health conditions that could threaten both of their lives should they ever meet—the teenage boys continue to exchange letters as they encounter new challenges and uncover more secrets about the laboratory where they spent time as children. For the first time in his life, Ollie has left his isolated cabin in the woods to join his doctor on a road trip to visit other experimental "Blunderkids" from the lab. Meanwhile, Moritz is adjusting to life at a new school as well as a burgeoning relationship with fellow student Owen, who is deaf. As in the first book, the strength of the tale lies in the unique bond between Ollie and Moritz, both of whom are forced to confront their limitations and face their fears about their relative places in the world. The boys' voices remain distinct, and the dual narration once again helps to build tension, though the story loses some of the freshness and novelty of the first one. More firmly rooted in science fiction, the tale also ventures toward the allegorical, which feels a bit heavy-handed at times, and the ending leaves loose a few threads that beg for a third installment.