THE EDGE OF FOREVER

Two plucky young people discover there’s lots happening in Heaven.

When 12-year-old Maisie McMeans’ Mama drops her off in Aunt Gertie’s small desert town of Heaven, Texas, for the summer, Maisie has no idea what lies ahead. She soon settles in, meeting enterprising, hardworking 14-year-old neighbor Walt Wise, who becomes a fast friend and crush. Voracious reader Maisie also befriends Charlene, head librarian at the air-conditioned Heaven Public Library, which she visits daily. She’s determined to participate in the summer reading program and has set herself a goal of reading all the Newbery Award winners. All’s not idyllic, however: As Maisie narrates in her unique first-person voice, which is filled with keen self-awareness, wisdom, humor, and Texas regionalisms, she’s deeply mourning the loss of her beloved father. Daddy died from cancer, and a bereft Mama’s drinking is so out of control that she’s entered rehab. Mama left Maisie at Aunt Gertie’s without saying goodbye, but with a note promising to return in August. In the meantime, Maisie and Walt uncover a proposed development that threatens the local environment. As if that weren’t enough, Maisie makes a startling discovery about her family. This novel starring two endearing, well-realized protagonists is densely plotted; some readers may find it overly detailed. It’s worth the read, however, and everything wraps up satisfactorily. Most characters are cued white.

An atmospheric and fast-paced debut; readers will care about the well-drawn main characters.