The World From Up Here

April 11, 2016
Sixth-grader Wren worries about everything from riding horses to the witch who supposedly haunts nearby Creeper Mountain. Wren is forced to confront her fears when her mother is hospitalized after an emotional breakdown. Wren’s father travels to Akron, Ohio, with his wife, leaving Wren and her younger brother, Russell, who has Asperger’s syndrome, to stay with their aunt and cousin, Silver, who have just moved to town. Popular, fearless Silver is in Wren’s class, and Wren thinks they are polar opposites. But living with Silver, beginning to understand her own mother’s struggles, and facing her fears help Wren realize that people aren’t always what they seem and that she’s stronger than she knew. Galante (The Summer of May) creates a realistically complex character in Wren, sensitively portraying her anxieties and her realizations about how she holds herself back. The role of Witch Weatherly in Wren’s history, as well as her growing relationship with Silver, further flesh out a warmhearted story celebrating family and friendship. Ages 8–12. Agent: Stacey Glick, Dystel & Goderich Literary Management.

April 1, 2016
Sixth-grader Wren is besieged with worry. After her mother's hospitalization for a breakdown, Wren and her little brother must stay with their aunt and cousin for a few weeks. Only recently acquainted with them, Wren feels uncertain and slightly in awe of her popular cousin, Silver. The transition also increases Wren's concern for her 8-year-old brother, Russell, who has Asperger's syndrome. Although struggling in the aftermath of her mother's abrupt departure, Wren initially identifies with her mother emotionally, asserting that they are both worriers. However, Wren's increasing dissatisfaction with the incessant worrying evolves into a yearning to be braver than she often feels. Living with Aunt Marianne and Silver exposes Wren to a more free-spirited outlook on life, encouraging her to expand her self-imposed boundaries. Through her deepening friendship with Silver, Wren discovers her inner resilience. Galante's compassionate portrayal of Wren reveals a child coping with a mother's long-term depression, a caring, responsible sister who demonstrates a mature understanding of her brother, and a young girl endeavoring to manage her own anxieties. Unifying the tale is the mystery that surrounds Creeper Mountain's reclusive inhabitant, Witch Weatherly. When Silver decides to seek out the truth about the legendary recluse, Wren reluctantly participates. After a serious accident occurs during their mountain excursion to find Witch Weatherly, Wren must decide if she has the fortitude to persevere despite her worries. Galante's penned a poignant tale of self-discovery. (Fiction. 10-14)

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June 1, 2016

Gr 4-7-Galante introduces readers to Wren, a fearful and anxious sixth grader at a rural Pennsylvania school. After Wren's mother is hospitalized to treat her own anxiety and depression, Wren, her younger brother, and their dog move in with their aunt Marianne and cousin Silver. Silver's bravery inspires Wren to take more risks, including defending herself, and Wren discovers she is braver than she thought. For a school assignment, Silver decides to interview local legend Witch Weatherly, who reportedly lives in a house on Creeper Mountain. Despite Aunt Marianne's disapproval, Silver and Wren make the treacherous journey up the mountain. Silver and Wren's friendship deepens as they motivate and confide in each other along the way. Wren's courage is tested when their journey takes a dangerous turn. Galante's novel features likeable and realistic characters, with a hint of thrill, magic, and mystery. VERDICT An uplifting and inspiring read that will be especially appreciated by readers struggling to find their bravery.-Jess Gafkowitz, New York Public Library

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2016
Grades 5-8 Sixth-grader Wren is scared of everythinghorses, flying, and especially, Witch Weatherly, the old lady who haunts Creeper Mountain. Life gets really frightening when Wren's mother becomes ill, and Wren and Russell, her seven-year-old brother, who's on the autism spectrum, are left with Aunt Marianne and cousin Silver. It doesn't help that Silver is beautiful, popular, and apparently fearless. After a few days, Wren begins a voyage of self-discovery, thanks to Silver. Wren can ride a horse and go up in a plane. But she absolutely draws the line at seeking out the witch. Inevitably, both girls find themselves up on the mountain, and when Silver is injured, Wren discovers how brave she can be. The story moves along quickly, and background involving both girls' mothers and Witch Weatherly is believable and leads to added insights. Most of the characters, including Russell, are well-rounded, and the middle-school setting rings true. Readers will relate to Wren and Silver as they work their way beyond initial assumptions to true friendship.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)