
Reach for this book when your child feels like a quiet soul in a loud world or is struggling to find their 'tribe' among peers. It is a perfect choice for middle-grade readers navigating the complexities of social hierarchies, the sting of bullying, and the quiet bravery required to be oneself. Through four distinct perspectives, the story explores how small moments of courage can lead to life-changing connections. The story follows Virgil, a shy boy who feels invisible in his boisterous family, and Valencia, a brave girl who is deaf and fiercely independent. When a local bully's prank goes wrong, trapping Virgil in a well, a group of unlikely allies must come together to find him. It is a poignant, realistic, and ultimately hopeful exploration of fate, empathy, and the diverse ways children experience the world. It is highly appropriate for ages 8 to 12, offering a mirror for introverts and a window into the lives of those with different abilities and backgrounds.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe bully uses insensitive language and microaggressions toward the protagonists.
Virgil experiences fear and darkness while trapped; there are brief mentions of scary folklore.
The book addresses bullying and physical disability (deafness) through a direct and secular lens. The approach is deeply realistic: Valencia's deafness is a part of her identity, not a tragedy to be fixed. The resolution is hopeful and grounded in human connection rather than magic or easy fixes.
An introspective 10-year-old who feels overshadowed by louder siblings or classmates, or a child who values small, meaningful coincidences and the beauty of nature.
Read cold. The scene in the well involves mild peril and anxiety, but it is handled with sensitivity. A parent might choose this after seeing their child withdraw socially or hearing their child express that they don't fit in with 'normal' kids.
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the adventure and the 'mean' behavior of the bully. Older readers (11-12) will better appreciate the nuanced inner monologues about identity and the 'fate vs. coincidence' theme.
Its masterful use of four distinct voices to show how one event is perceived through different lenses of ability, culture, and temperament.
The narrative follows four middle-schoolers over the course of one pivotal day. Virgil Salinas is shy and feels like a disappointment to his loud, athletic family. Valencia Somerset is smart and deaf, preferring nature to social rejection. Kaori Tanaka is a self-proclaimed psychic who runs a business out of her bedroom with her sister, Gen. Chet Bullens is the neighborhood bully. When Chet throws Virgil's backpack (with his pet guinea pig inside) down an abandoned well, Virgil climbs in to save it and gets stuck. The girls eventually cross paths and work together to find the missing Virgil, sparking an unexpected friendship.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.