Reach

Gr 4-6–Changes can be difficult, especially if you are a young man on the cusp of turning 13 years old. Denver has experienced his parents’ divorce and them both remarrying other people. He has a new baby stepsister and an eight-year-old stepbrother named Harlan. Harlan idolizes him; he wants to go where Denver goes and do everything he does. So much has changed for Denver, and he doesn’t know where he fits in anymore. To make matters worse, his mother is taking a job managing a lodge in Idaho for the summer, so he won’t be with his friends. When Denver meets a lonely magical tree named Spiro, who asks to change Harlan into a tree for a short time, Denver agrees. Spiro is eager to have a “stepbrother” and company for a while. But once he’s turned, no one seems to remember Harlan at all! And Spiro is not sure he can change Harlan back. Denver realizes he needs to make the effort to reconnect with loved ones and if he helps himself first, maybe he can help Spiro. This is a great book on many levels. It centers big family changes children can experience and validates their feelings. When the adults in the story realize what Denver is going through, they do their best to encourage him and discuss ways to make things better. Rimington includes fascinating science information about forest flora and fauna. A variety of trees are discussed and how they live in their environment, offering the opportunity for further learning experiences.