From School Library Journal
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Gr 4–7—Two best friends build a fort in the woods and
defend it from bullies in this fun, old-fashioned story that
manages to be fresh and familiar. Wyatt is enjoying the freedom
of a summer with his dad in upstate New York. His friend Augie
lives there year-round and has many useful skills that include
killing squirrels with a sling and cooking them over a fire.
There are the expected bullies, two older boys named J.R. and
Morrie, and an unexpected friend named Gerard, a socially
isolated teenager with developmental disabilities. The two
friends spend rapturous days building their fort, looking at a
car company's girlie , and other country-boy activities
unimpeded by s or YouTube, since Wyatt's her doesn't
want him plugged into a screen all day. In a low-stakes climax,
the two bullies try to destroy the boys' fort but are foiled by
an ingenious series of booby-traps. The moral center of the novel
revolves around Wyatt and Augie discovering how J.R. and Morrie
are mistreating Gerard and how after some hesitation, they find
in him a valuable ally. There is a touch of burgeoning sexuality,
mostly as Wyatt notices and appreciates Augie's aunt's figure,
but otherwise the tone of the novel is remarkably innocent
without being cloying or unrealistic. There is a good balance of
action and description and well-developed characters, though the
bullies are a tad two-dimensional. VERDICT A boy-centered
adventure with heart, appealing to a variety of readers.—Kyle
Lukoff, Corlears School, New York City
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Review
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“Classic summer adventure . . . DeFelice doesn't shy away from
the gritty realities of outdoor life, and that's what sets the
book apart . . . Readers will appreciate the reminder that fun
like this is still possible.” ―The New York Times Book Review
“What preteen . . . wouldn't love to build a fort in the woods?
DeFelice makes that dream come true . . . [and] leads to a
glorious, feel-good climax in which all the right things work out
and the bad guys get their richly deserved comeuppance . . .
Upbeat, engaging and satisfying; altogether . . . a bit of
believable, achievable adventure.” ―Kirkus Reviews, starred
review
“DeFelice smoothly advances the plot to a satisfying climax and
conclusion . . . for this adventuresome, good-hearted, but never
goody-goody pair. Wyatt is a sympathetic narrator with a
realistic blend of thoughtfulness and daring.” ―Publishers Weekly
“Stuffed full of clever pranks and summertime nostalgia, this is
a story of kindness and adventure . . . A boisterous and poignant
coming-of-age tale.” ―Booklist
“A boy-centered adventure with heart, appealing to a variety of
readers.” ―School Library Journal
“Thoroughly enjoyable.” ―VOYA
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