The Infinity Year of Avalon James

August 22, 2016
“When you’re ten years old, your life’s really starting to open up. It’s just kind of a special time, a magical time when anything can happen, where the possibilities are endless.” After a tough year in which Avalon James saw her father go to prison, she and her best friend Atticus are counting on these words from Atticus’s grandfather—and on the magical possibility of “Infinity Year powers,” which supposedly kick in at age 10 and last for a year. But as the months march on, Avie isn’t having luck recognizing any new superpowers in her life. The potentially heavy theme—a parent in prison and the social isolation that follows—is well balanced by Avie’s humor and hope. As she works to be a champion speller, a few mistakes (both spelling and social) lead to severe consequences, but also give her a greater understanding of her father’s mistakes. Blending realism with just a touch of magic, Middleton’s debut novel demonstrates a keen awareness of the infinite possibilities of childhood. Ages 8–12. Agent: Susan Hawk, Bent Agency.

It's Avalon's 11th year--her Infinity Year--the brief period when she and her very best friend, Atticus, will discover and be able to use their shared magic power.Or that's what Atticus' grandfather has told them, and the two credulous children believe him. It will be a year of excruciating challenges for Avalon (who, like Atticus, is depicted as a dark-haired white figure on the cover). Her father is in prison, and everyone in her small school is aware of her shame. She's relentlessly bullied by classmate Elena and her pair of minions. Her beloved cat goes missing. A week later, Atticus dreams of where the cat may be trapped. When the dream turns out to be unfathomably correct, they're both sure Atticus has acquired his magic. One of the few highlights of Avalon's year is when she shares spelling-bee honors with a seventh grader and is bound for the regionals. Then she unwittingly reveals Atticus' painful secret--that he wets the bed--and the story is shared schoolwide. Atticus abandons her; without his gentle, insightful support, Avalon retaliates against Elena with devastating consequences. All these painfully acquired life lessons are related in Avalon's genial, evocative voice, convincingly illuminating many of the issues of a year that can offer infinite possibilities, even if the magic is imagined. A fine, tenderly nuanced tale of the remarkable power of friendship. (Fiction. 9-12) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 1, 2016

Gr 4-6-Avalon James and Atticus Brightwell, both aged 10, are waiting for their "infinity" powers now that they are at the height of their Infinity Year. As explained to them by Attitcus's grandfather, your Infinity Year commences when you turn 10; if you obey the rules of the Infinity Year, you will develop magical powers before turning 11. While waiting impatiently for her powers, Avalon deals with a bully who ridicules her for her father's incarceration and she prepares for the upcoming spelling bee. When Avalon inadvertently reveals Atticus's secret, she endangers their friendship and her own Infinity Year. Avalon has a bright and relatable sensibility that will endear her to readers; her friendship with Atticus is genuine and refreshingly free of boy-girl antagonism and snark. Atticus is a vegetarian and requires medication to address bed-wetting issues, two situations not rare among preteens but seldom addressed in middle grade fiction. Though the bullying aspect is resolved a bit swiftly, Middleton subtly tackles outdated adages about bullying and inconsistent zero-tolerance policies. Although dedicated fantasy fans might find the mystical elements too light for their liking, this will appeal to readers looking for an overall upbeat story with realistic drama. VERDICT Featuring a positive depiction of boy-girl friendship and appealing characters, this is recommended for general purchase.-Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from October 15, 2016
Grades 4-6 *Starred Review* Now that they're 10 years old, hot-tempered Avalon and even-keeled Atticus believe that, as longtime best friends entering their Infinity Year, each will be granted a special power for a time. Avalon, whose father was incarcerated last year, is hoping for a skill that will help her deal with Elena, a dagger-tongued bully at school. Fifth grade doesn't start well, but for every negative (enduring a messy, upsetting Halloween prank), there's a positive (earning a place at the regional spelling bee), and Avalon can always count on Atticus, who helps maintain a delicate emotional balance. When she inadvertently hurts him and he withdraws, though, Avalon feels wretched and knows that she can't count on magic to put things right. Revealing her negative traits as well as more admirable qualities, Avalon's first-person narrative is forthright and engaging. Easy for readers to forget but always a background factor, her thoughts about her father and their relationship resurface to the fore from time to time. This offers a number of realistically drawn characters, both kids and adults, portrayed as complex people who interact and cope with their troubles in individual ways. A well-knit first novel with an involving, affecting story.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)