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A review by shayemiller
Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire by John August
4.0
This is book #1 of a middle-grade fiction fantasy series and I honestly didn’t realize who the author of this series was until I was starting book #2. If you’re not already aware — John August is an American screenwriter well-known for some of his popular children/family movies, such as: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride, Frankenweenie, and the recent Aladdin. So while this is his debut middle grade book, August isn’t new to writing stories centered around highly unusual (and supernatural) situations. Briefly: In Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire, 12-year-old Arlo Finch has moved to Pine Mountain, Colorado after his mom allegedly had a nervous breakdown. His mom grew up in Pine Mountain and she has inherited the old family home where her taxidermist brother, “Uncle Wade,” already lives. Meanwhile, Arlo’s father has fled the country because the United States government is accusing him of treason. How’s THAT for a story set-up? And things haven’t even gotten that weird, yet! Shortly after arriving in Pine Mountain, Arlo discovers the wonders of the Long Woods when he joins the Rangers, a mixed-gender scouting troop. He learns that ghosts are real, there are other supernatural beings, there are some who can cross into the Realm, and that there are certain abilities he can learn to command after much practice. Additionally, Arlo has one brown eye and one green eye, which may have something to do with the unique visions he begins seeing.
The story had some unusual variety and was fairly action-packed. Some spots in this story made me giggle out loud. (Hint for those who’ve read it: “What would a squirrel do?“). I also appreciated the development of Arlo’s friendships with a few characters, especially Henry Wu and Indra. I knew I would be going straight into book #2. And I’ll be adding this series to my “spooky books list” for October/Fall reads.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
The story had some unusual variety and was fairly action-packed. Some spots in this story made me giggle out loud. (Hint for those who’ve read it: “What would a squirrel do?“). I also appreciated the development of Arlo’s friendships with a few characters, especially Henry Wu and Indra. I knew I would be going straight into book #2. And I’ll be adding this series to my “spooky books list” for October/Fall reads.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!