For the child grappling with the bittersweet nature of changing friendships and growing up, this graphic novel explores loyalty, curiosity, and the magic of a shared journey.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is navigating the shifting sands of middle-grade friendships, where pacts are made and broken and belonging feels fragile. Each year, the town sends paper lanterns down the river, and a group of boys makes a pact to follow them to the end. But one by one, they drop out, leaving only Ben and the quiet, nerdy Nathaniel to continue the quest. This gorgeously illustrated graphic novel is a magical realist adventure that explores loyalty, the courage to be different, and the bittersweet truth that some friendships change while new, unexpected ones can begin. It’s a perfect, gentle entry point for conversations about social dynamics and finding your own path.
The primary sensitive topic is the emotional difficulty of changing friendships and social exclusion. This is handled metaphorically through the pact-breakers and Ben's initial reluctance to be seen with Nathaniel. The approach is entirely secular. The resolution is hopeful and affirming, suggesting that while old friendships may fade, new, more authentic connections can be made.
Ideal Reader
A thoughtful, perhaps introverted 10 to 13-year-old who is starting to feel the social ground shift beneath them. This child might be feeling left behind by old friends who are developing new interests or social groups. They are sensitive, value loyalty, and would appreciate a story that explores these feelings through a beautiful, fantastical lens rather than direct, realistic drama.
Parent Prep
No preparation is needed; this book can be read cold. The themes are gentle and the fantasy elements are enchanting rather than scary. Parents might prepare to discuss the feelings of both the boys who quit the pact and the two who continued, exploring different motivations and what makes a good friend. A parent has just heard their child say something like, “My friends don’t want to hang out with me anymore,” or “They all seem to like different things now.” The parent may have witnessed their child feeling lonely or being excluded by a long-standing friend group.
Age Experience
A 10-year-old will likely be captivated by the magical adventure: the talking bear, the riverboat, and the visual spectacle of the journey. A 14-year-old will connect more deeply with the social subtext: the performative nature of the initial pact, Ben’s internal conflict over his social standing, and the bittersweet metaphor of the journey representing the process of growing up and growing apart.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many contemporary books about friendship troubles, this one uses a quiet, dreamlike magical realism to explore its themes. The stunning, atmospheric artwork and limited color palette create a contemplative mood that sets it apart. It externalizes the internal emotional journey into a physical, fantastical quest, making the feelings both accessible and profound.
Read plot summary
On the night of the annual Equinox Festival, a group of boys makes a pact to follow the paper lanterns down the river to see where they go. All but two, Ben and Nathaniel, quickly abandon the quest. The unlikely pair continues the journey on their bikes, entering a magical, dreamlike world. They encounter a talking bear, a secret underground apothecary, and board a mysterious boat crewed by magical creatures, ultimately discovering the profound, cyclical connection between the river and the stars. The story is less about the destination and more about the boys' quiet, developing friendship along the way.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
At the start, all the boys make a pact, but most of them break it quickly. Why do you think Ben decides to keep going, even when he's not sure he wants to be with Nathaniel?
2
The talking bear tells Ben, 'Not all paths are for all people.' What do you think he means by that? How does this idea apply to the friendships in the story?
3
The ending feels both a little sad and very hopeful. What parts felt sad to you, and what parts felt hopeful? Is it possible for an ending to be both at the same time?
4
Nathaniel is different from the other boys. What makes him a good companion for this journey? What does Ben learn from getting to know him?
