The Doldrums

Gr 4–6—Ever since Archer's adventurous grandparents disappeared on an iceberg in Antarctica, his mother has been excessively overprotective. As a result, Archer has created a rich life for himself, largely played out in his imagination. When a mysterious package arrives from his supposedly deceased grandparents, it is all the motivation Archer needs to hatch a plan to rescue them. With the help of his newfound friends, Adelaide and Oliver, Archer begins to prepare for his trip to Antarctica. The story gently unfolds from there, with the children spending a large portion of their time preparing for the journey. The protagonists are lonely and isolated in their own way, and they (and readers) eventually realize that all their planning is not about the adventure after all but, rather, about the companionship and camaraderie they find in one another. The adults in the story are quirky and caricaturelike; the evil Mrs. Murkley is the spitting image of Matilda's Miss Trunchbull, and Adelaide's father is an eccentric flibbertigibbet. Overall, the story is appealing, with sweet, quiet moments of friendship and well-crafted metaphors and a focus on character development over action. The work features approximately 20 pieces of full-color artwork as well as black-and-white spot illustrations.