The Road to Ever After

September 1, 2017

Gr 4-6-Davy Davidson lives a bleak existence. His mother died in childbirth, and the children's home he was raised in has long since closed. His small town is run by a menacing, hypocritical parson who is determined to drive out of town those who don't subscribe to puritanical values. Now 13 and on his own, Davey takes solace in art. His life changes when he meets the eccentric Miss Flint, who plans to die on her 80th birthday in her childhood home and needs a driver to take her there. Initially just a business arrangement, the road trip evolves into a miraculous journey as Davy and Miss Flint race against time and develop a close friendship. Part one has a somewhat dystopian tone. It is difficult to get a sense of the time period or setting, and it is unclear why the parson has so much power. Many minor characters are introduced in this section who are never to be seen again. When Davy and Miss Flint meet, it's a welcome relief. Part two takes place in a somewhat more familiar world and adds some needed energy and humor. The characters are unlikely friends and an enjoyable pair of outlaws. The novel takes a fantastical turn when Miss Flint begins to age backwards. VERDICT This fairy tale-like novel has good potential as a read- aloud and is just quirky enough to not be sentimental.-Juliet Morefield, Belmont Library, Portland, OR

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 18, 2017
Davy David lives in the shadows of Brownvale, a down-on-its-luck town ruled by the ominous Parson Fall. Davy surreptitiously scratches dirt angels in the wee hours, until an unfortunate encounter with the reverend forces him to skip town. Coincidentally, town recluse (and supposed witch) Miss Flint also wants to escape Brownvale, and she hires Davy as her driver (never mind that he is only 13 and can’t drive). What follows is a grand adventure full of surprises and inexplicable mysteries, culminating in a bittersweet ending that will stay with readers. Miss Flint and Davy are exact opposites—she is cantankerous and wily, he is guileless and kind—and Young (the Dustlands trilogy) gradually builds a tender, believable friendship between them. Their road trip mishaps are amusing (several instances of grand theft auto are involved), and the mysteries that surface will have readers riveted. Gorgeous writing combines with a hauntingly bleak near-future setting, a whiff of holiday magic, and a transcendent story arc to make this novel feel like the classic it deserves to become. Ages 8–12.