Published: 2022
Author: Rob Buyea
Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Adventure, Friendship, Family, Novels, Grief
Audience (Grade Levels): Middle School, 5-8
Number of Stars: 5 Stars
Goodreads Link: The Daredevils
Triggers: Death, depression, grief, bullying
Review By: Deb McHugh
Publisher’s Summary:
Loretta and her twin brother, Waylon, are headed to middle school. Loretta has always been quick with her fists and her wits. Since Waylon is on the small side, Loretta doesn’t let anyone mess with him. But now she worries he won’t survive without her by his side. Her secret plan: bulk him up with muscle over the summer. Little does she know that Waylon has a plan of his own. He’ll show his sister he can take care of himself.
As each puts their strategy in motion, Loretta and Waylon spend the summer going into the woods behind their house, even sneaking there in the dead of night. That’s where they first encounter Louie, who is about their age but noticeably bigger. Louie is homeschooled, he explains when Loretta gives him the third degree. Loretta, Waylon, and Louie soon fall into a comfortable friendship and continue their nightly forest adventures. When they unearth a mysterious box, the past collides with the present, propelling the trio on a quest that will forever change their lives.
Rob Buyea’s spirited dual narrative drives this funny, touching brother-sister story, where even the best-laid plans sometimes backfire and feelings may get bruised, but family and friends always count. Letting go of childhood means boldly taking risks to face the future while learning from the past.
Review:
I enjoyed this book and its references to famous movies and country music and hope that anyone reading the book who hasn’t yet seen the movies, takes the time to watch and enjoy them as well. The childrens’ adventures in the woods are realistic and fun and thankfully not too dangerous. Their relationship with their parents is believable and positive with just the right amount of sternness. Readers on the cusp of adolescence will find much to love in this middle grade novel from the author of the beloved MR. TERUPT series that follows three kids who come to realize that letting go of childhood means boldly taking risks to face the future while learning from the past.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- English Language Arts (Dual Narratives & Coming-of-Age): The novel serves as an excellent mentor text for studying structure, specifically focusing on how a spirited dual narrative shifts perspective between siblings. Teachers can use it to analyze character growth, sibling dynamics, and how authors use a summer setting to bridge the gap between childhood and the onset of adolescence.
- Social-Emotional Learning (Grief, Independence, and Growing Up): The narrative directly explores the bittersweet transition of growing older, learning to let go of childhood comfort zones, and navigating deep themes of grief and depression. It provides a healthy framework for discussing overprotectiveness in relationships, the importance of personal autonomy, and building trusting, multi-layered friendships.
Readalikes:
- Bob by Wendy Mass & Rebecca Stead
- Into the Glades by Laura Sebastian
- Ready or Not! by Megan E. Bryant
