Yonder

Set in small-town Appalachia during WWII, Standish's (The Mending Summer) uplifting mystery tackles big themes of abuse, bullying, heroism, mental health, and prejudice. Life has recently felt tumultuous for observant narrator Danny Timmons, 13, who delivers the local newspaper that his mother edits. Danny's father is fighting in Europe, his mom is expecting a baby, and a longtime friendship has recently changed. And Foggy Gap, N.C., has also had its share of news lately--a Black family forced out of town, another ostracized for their son's desertion. Danny sees good in courageous 15-year-old Jack, who protects him from the town's bullies, once saved local twins from a flood, and tells Danny about a magical-sounding place called Yonder. When Jack suddenly goes missing, Danny is determined to find him, no matter the cost. Through an elegant voice and a series of flashbacks, the mystery of Jack's disappearance unfolds alongside the story of Danny's friendship with him, the increasing clarity with which Danny sees life as far from perfect, and the small but meaningful steps he takes to discover what bravery means. Most protagonists are white. Ages 8-12. Agent: Chelsea Eberly, Greenhouse Literary. (May)

Gr 5 Up--Jack Bailey became a hero to Danny Timmons the day he dove into floodwaters to save two girls while the adults stood by and watched. That was three years ago, but a lot has changed in that time. It's now 1943, and Danny's father is off fighting in the war, his pregnant mother is editing the local newspaper, a Black family has had to move away from town, and another family is being treated badly because of their son's desertion. One thing that hasn't changed is the bullying Danny has faced at the hands of a classmate. When 15-year-old Jack defends Danny, his hero status grows in Danny's eyes, and the two become friends of sorts. They share a paper route, go fishing, and Jack tells Danny of a magical place called Yonder. Then Jack disappears. Danny is determined to find out what happened to him--even if it means putting himself in the sights of Jack's abusive father to do so. Danny's quest to discover what happened to Jack opens his eyes to the bullying and prejudice all around him and make him question what it means to be brave, and what really makes a hero. VERDICT This is a quiet yet powerful, story told through flashbacks over the span of several years. Recommended for general purchase.--Heather Webb

"Both timely and historical. An exploration of what it means to be brave and do good." — Tae Keller, Newbery Medal-winning author of When You Trap a Tiger

What does it mean to be a hero, and when is it all right—necessary, even—to put your own well-being ahead of others? YONDER is a thoughtful, eloquent, and honest examination of prejudice, loyalty, and what it means to be brave. I loved it. — Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of REFUGEE and GROUND ZERO

"A beautiful and important novel that explores what it means to be a hero and the role of each of us to stand up for what's right. — New York Times bestselling author, Karina Yan Glaser

...The story ultimately serves as a sophisticated analogy for the self-serving and simplistic stories perpetuated about the role of the United States in World War II...The concluding message imparts there is no final horizon in the pursuit of peace and justice. Rather, like yonder, it is a direction. — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Standish...thoughtfully explores a number of nuanced themes, including friendship, loyalty, prejudice and the horrors of war." — BookPage