Published: 2021
Author: David Levithan
Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, LGBT, Middle Grade, Magical Realism, Family
Audience (Grade Levels): 3-7; Middle School, Young Adult
Number of Stars: 5 Stars
Goodreads Link: The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as told by his brother)
Triggers: Missing persons, child disappearance, bullying/taunting, LGBTQ+ themes
Review By: Gretchen Fronk
Publisher’s Summary:
Aidan disappeared for six days. Six agonizing days of searches and police and questions and constant vigils. Then, just as suddenly as he vanished, Aidan reappears. Where has he been? The story he tells is simply. . . impossible. But it’s the story Aidan is sticking to.
His brother, Lucas, wants to believe him. But Lucas is aware of what other people, including their parents, are saying: that Aidan is making it all up to disguise the fact that he ran away.
When the kids in school hear Aidan’s story, they taunt him. But still Aidan clings to his story. And as he becomes more of an outcast, Lucas becomes more and more concerned. Being on Aidan’s side would mean believing in the impossible. But how can you believe in the impossible when everything and everybody is telling you not to?
Review:
I was a little surprised by this story. What I thought was going to be a straightforward mystery to solve about a young boy who goes missing, turned into a secret world that he consciously decided to go to. That twist is what I didn’t see coming. It turned out okay, this plot twist, but I still felt cheated at the end of the story. There was definitely the opportunity to include a mystery to solve about a missing person, but the author didn’t follow it. I feel cheated. That said, the story gives young people the opportunity to dream, imagine, and, perhaps, explore other places and worlds. I don’t think I would include this book in a curriculum, but it does have a place on the classroom library shelf. It does promote strong sibling relationships and feels very realistic, when it comes to the characters and actions at the school. A decent read.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- Social-Emotional Learning (Sibling Bonds & Peer Pressure): Although the reviewer notes they would not formally integrate this title into a core curriculum, the book serves as a realistic depiction of contemporary school dynamics and social isolation. It provides a platform to discuss peer taunting, the burden of being a social outcast, and the protective, empathetic nature of strong sibling relationships when facing community skepticism.
- English Language Arts (Subverting Reader Expectations): The text offers a unique example of a narrative bait-and-switch, subverting typical missing-person procedural tropes to explore magical realism. Teachers can use this text to help students analyze how a genre twist affects reader satisfaction and critical response.
Diversity & Representation:
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The novel supports diversity, equity, and inclusion by incorporating authentic LGBTQ+ themes alongside an empathetic, unvarnished look at vulnerable youth who do not fit societal expectations. By focusing on a family trying to navigate a bizarre crisis together, the book highlights inclusive themes of unconditional acceptance, trust, and the deep emotional reality of young people seeking places where they truly feel they belong.
Readalikes:
- Every Day by David Levithan
- The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
- Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
