A Flicker of Courage

October 21, 2019
Kind Henry Every lives a life of hunger and fear in a dilapidated house with neglectful parents. The only spots of light are his glimpses into the joyful Dante house next door, where his classmate Apollo lives with his loving family, and secret excursions to visit his beloved grandfather, Captain Every, who lives in a lighthouse that houses a towering library. When Apollo appears wailing in front of Henry’s house, it turns out that the town’s villain, Vlad Luxor, has transformed his little brother Rocco into a lizard. Joined by classmates kind Jo and fearless Pirate Girl, and a loyal terrier named Button, the kids learn that they are what people barely dare to whisper: spell breakers. Together, the friends find the courage to embrace their power, saving Rocco and standing up to the childish, pompous tyrant to stop him from hurting anyone else. Through a broad-strokes portrayal of good vs. evil, this fast-paced middle grade debut from YA author Caletti (A Heart in a Body in the World) offers an allegorical message about activism and cooperation. Images that reinforce descriptions appear throughout alongside faux-serious titles (“A Great, Glistening Walrus”). Ages 8–12.

Narrator Kristen Sieh invites listeners into a magical world in this superb audiobook. Jumping right into the action, Sieh introduces listeners to young Henry, whose timid tones reflect his shy nature. Friends Apollo and his little brother, Rocco, are next. Apollo's boldness comes across in his booming voice, while Rocco's high-pitched whispers seem right for a boy who has been turned into a lizard. As the kids search for a spell to reverse the curse on Rocco, they meet the witty Pirate Girl. Sieh's skilled narration is sure to keep listeners engaged and cheering for the children as they confront the evil Vlad Luxor and his dark magic. V.T. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine