June Bug narrates this work of historical realism with a magical, poetic quality, turning the ordinary extraordinary. June Bug and Ziggy’s fanciful adventures are likely to resonate with fans of Katherine Paterson’s Bridge to Terabithia (1977)…An exceptional story for readers who feel deeply.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Trowbridge Road is a luminous, heart-wrenching story that reminds us that love—maybe flawed, maybe messy—is what sustains us. Burbling over with lush details, Marcella Pixley’s novel takes the ordinary stuff of life—steam from a bowl of warm pasta, summer sunlight, the bond between two kids burdened by family secrets—and makes it extraordinary.”
—Esther Ehrlich, author of Nest
Told from the point of view of the two friends, the narrative is imaginative, flows smoothly, and has you routing for both characters by the end of the story…I truly enjoyed this well-written, plot-driven story and would recommend it for all middle schoolers. The book also reflects the lack of diversity that defined many communities in the 80s. Even though it is a work of historical fiction, there are many lessons in this book that all readers can learn from today.
—School Library Connection
Drawing comparisons to Bridge to Terabithia, this literary middle grade novel by Pixley (Ready to Fall) follows two lonely children awash in secrets and hurts…Heartbreaking and sometimes emotionally difficult, this novel will appeal to young teens looking for something serious to dig into.
—Publishers Weekly
A beautifully honest account of trauma and childhood friendship that takes place in the early 1980s…The text richly illustrates the inner lives of children, and the subject matter is handled in a way that is honest yet age appropriate. A solid choice for mature tweens who appreciate a story with literary and fantastical elements that also tackles realistic topics.
—School Library Journal
Fans of Kate DiCamillo’s Raymie Nightingale (BCCB 4/16) and its followups will find this similarly emotional and ultimately satisfying. A brief author’s note offers more information about AIDS and about mental illness.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
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