Danny, Who Fell in a Hole

Gr 3–6—Danny is the levelheaded member of his family. His brother is a creative musician, and his parents have decided to go their separate ways for a year or two to pursue their unrealized passions. This means that he has to leave the comforts of home to live in the Rocky Mountains while his mom bakes cheesecakes and then in New York City while his dad becomes an opera singer. To make matters worse, his parents have given away his beloved dog. Unable to absorb so much change at once, the child bolts from his house and lands at the bottom of a deep construction hole. There he meets an unlikely companion: a talking mole. With so much time to think, Danny matures in surprising ways. This title will grab many readers, who will easily relate to the completely unfair way in which Danny has been thrust into this new living situation by his parents. The talking mole infuses a dose of humor and unexpected whimsy, keeping the tale light and fun. Danny's resourcefulness during his misadventure adds a survival-story element that kids will enjoy. Black, white, and gray illustrations appear sporadically throughout and complement the simple, clear text. The story line will hold the attention of reluctant readers, while the subtle emotional maturation of the protagonist will spark thinking in all students.—Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE