Under Review

Bartholomew Biddle’s ordinary life is about to change. When a crazy strong wind blows through his neighborhood, bending the trees and shaking his house, he wonders what it would be like to fly away. He grabs a bed sheet and throws open his window and the wind grabs him, carrying him high above the rooftops. When an even bigger gust comes along, Bart finds himself thrust upward and eventually comes to rest in a palm tree. Even better? Below him are a band of pirates! When it’s time to move on, Bart catches another gust and finds himself at a very boring and grey boarding school. He flies away yet again, only to come to rest in a place where the wind doesn’t blow. Now what will he do? Will he ever get home?

Gary Ross (you probably know him best as the director of The Hunger Games) has written an enchanting book about the wild imagination of one Bartholomew Biddle. Bart’s adventures will appeal to all ages, but the book is especially appropriate for a younger crowd. Written entirely in prose, the book has a lulling rhythm that is perfect for a bedtime story. The chapters are short yet effective, and Matthew Myers artwork perfectly illustrates Bart’s adventures. This one is a very easy read (I finished it in less than an hour) and appropriate for all ages. ( )