THE WATERSTONE

Twelve-year-old Tad is too busy practicing with his new spear to notice the slow disappearance of the water, but soon the sounds of the creek have stopped and the water is dropping in the pond. His father, Pondleweed, tells him that the land is entering the “Drying Time,” and together with Tad’s younger sister, Birdie, the three set out to determine what might be causing the drought. Like most good members of the Fisher Tribe, the family has not often traveled far from their own pond, but after meeting members of the other tribes, they realize that not everyone does things the same way. Tad’s first visions come to him as hints of memories or the sounds of a distance voice, but they grow in intensity as his mysterious gift strengthens. Soon Tad learns that he is the Sagamore and only he can battle the magical forces that are threatening all the creatures of the forest. Along with the supernatural quest, Tad and Birdie learn some global lessons regarding heartache and the importance of diversity and freedom. The well-crafted tale and careful attention to detail will have young readers forgetting that the characters are only a few inches tall, as they submerge themselves in Tad’s amazing adventure. An amazing journey of surprising proportions. (Fiction. 10-14)