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Keeper of the Rend
A heart-rending middle-grade debut steeped in magical realism about a bird-loving boy who moves to the countryside where he encounters an invasion of dangerous creatures
Xavier T. Fletcher is an odd duck—at least that’s what everyone in his sleepy little suburb seems to think. Luckily, birds happen to be the aspiring naturalist’s favorite things, so he doesn’t mind the label. But when Xavier’s father loses his job, everything changes, and his family is forced to move to his Nana Susan’s farm. There he meets Clementine, a strange, messy girl who doesn’t see him as an odd duck at all. Too bad she has the unfortunate habit of using her slingshot to hunt the birds he loves. Xavier’s not sure what to think when Clem assures him they aren’t really birds. He’s even less sure when he discovers that Clem isn’t lying.
Xavier T. Fletcher is an odd duck—at least that’s what everyone in his sleepy little suburb seems to think. Luckily, birds happen to be the aspiring naturalist’s favorite things, so he doesn’t mind the label. But when Xavier’s father loses his job, everything changes, and his family is forced to move to his Nana Susan’s farm. There he meets Clementine, a strange, messy girl who doesn’t see him as an odd duck at all. Too bad she has the unfortunate habit of using her slingshot to hunt the birds he loves. Xavier’s not sure what to think when Clem assures him they aren’t really birds. He’s even less sure when he discovers that Clem isn’t lying.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published August 20, 2024
6 people are currently reading
4494 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Maxwell
13 books2,053 followersLisa Maxwell is the New York Times Best-Selling author of THE LAST MAGICIAN. Also of UNHOOKED, SWEET UNREST, and GATHERING DEEP. When she's not writing books, she teaches English at a local college. She lives near DC with her very patient husband and two not-so patient boys.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 27, 2024
Fletcher is an “odd duck” that loves birds. When he and his family are forced to move in with his Nanna…the birds are strange and Fletch discovers a friend has secrets that lead to him to discover more than he ever could have imagined!
September 11, 2024
Loved it, a perfect read aloud adventure that young readers will cheer for!
December 31, 2024
"How odd, Xavier thought, that something could seem so terrible one day, and the next thing you knew, it was just a goat. Which you may someday discover is exactly what happens to a great many things in life."
Keeper of the Rend is an adorable middle-grade fantasy novel about friendship, bravery and saving the world by (surprisingly!) birdwatching.
10 year old Xavier is “the odd-duck” in his family. He loves books, learning and nature; specifically learning about nature, and specifically learning about birds. His parents would rather have him have a “normal” hobby like fishing, or playing catch like his older brother, but what can you do?
When family circumstances force the family to move in with grandma at her countryside farm during the summer, Xavier tries to make the best of it by exploring nature around the farm. There he meets Clementine, a girl who’s equally interested in the local birds, but for very different reasons. Something strange is going on in the valley, she tells him, and some of the “birds” are not actually birds at all. Suddenly Xaviers skills as a junior ornithologist, and knowing the difference between “bird” and “not-bird” see him involved in a race to save the valley from a dangerous threat.
Lisa Maxwell’s writing is accessible as always, and she gives a nice touch of humor to an otherwise adventurous and at times wise and impactful story. Xavier makes for a wonderful protagonist and it’s lovely to see him embrace his own strengths, gain friendships, and find his own bravery in this story.
Each chapter opens with a small excerpt from Xaviers favourite book “Notes from the National Society of Natural Things” by naturalist Milton Von Wipple II. Although they make for fun little humorous openers (specifically for parents reading along with their kids), they did feel a bit out of place and tagged on. I’d preferred them to have tied in more to the story, or been left out entirely.
Overall this was an enjoyable magical realism story that I’d recommend to readers ca age 9-14, specifically those with a bookish interest in biology, birds and the natural world around them.
Keeper of the Rend is an adorable middle-grade fantasy novel about friendship, bravery and saving the world by (surprisingly!) birdwatching.
10 year old Xavier is “the odd-duck” in his family. He loves books, learning and nature; specifically learning about nature, and specifically learning about birds. His parents would rather have him have a “normal” hobby like fishing, or playing catch like his older brother, but what can you do?
When family circumstances force the family to move in with grandma at her countryside farm during the summer, Xavier tries to make the best of it by exploring nature around the farm. There he meets Clementine, a girl who’s equally interested in the local birds, but for very different reasons. Something strange is going on in the valley, she tells him, and some of the “birds” are not actually birds at all. Suddenly Xaviers skills as a junior ornithologist, and knowing the difference between “bird” and “not-bird” see him involved in a race to save the valley from a dangerous threat.
Lisa Maxwell’s writing is accessible as always, and she gives a nice touch of humor to an otherwise adventurous and at times wise and impactful story. Xavier makes for a wonderful protagonist and it’s lovely to see him embrace his own strengths, gain friendships, and find his own bravery in this story.
Each chapter opens with a small excerpt from Xaviers favourite book “Notes from the National Society of Natural Things” by naturalist Milton Von Wipple II. Although they make for fun little humorous openers (specifically for parents reading along with their kids), they did feel a bit out of place and tagged on. I’d preferred them to have tied in more to the story, or been left out entirely.
Overall this was an enjoyable magical realism story that I’d recommend to readers ca age 9-14, specifically those with a bookish interest in biology, birds and the natural world around them.
January 25, 2024
This is a beautifully-written story woven with good humor and wisdom. I'd describe it like this: imagine Carl and Ellie from 'Up' had to deal with the Upside Down from "Stranger Things."
Our MC, Xavier is a gentle, bird-loving kid who's dealing with something far bigger and scarier than he should be dealing with, but he finds his courage and stays true to himself with his unique problem-solving. While The Rend itself is a fantastic element in the story, the message, overall, is about coping with life's difficulties and losses in very real-world ways.
I tell you what, after reading this story, I'll never hear the name Carl Ripken, Jr. again without thinking of goats! IYKYK!
Our MC, Xavier is a gentle, bird-loving kid who's dealing with something far bigger and scarier than he should be dealing with, but he finds his courage and stays true to himself with his unique problem-solving. While The Rend itself is a fantastic element in the story, the message, overall, is about coping with life's difficulties and losses in very real-world ways.
I tell you what, after reading this story, I'll never hear the name Carl Ripken, Jr. again without thinking of goats! IYKYK!
December 19, 2024
What worked:
Although not the most glamorous conflict, Xavier’s relationship with his family is strained. His father loses his job so the family is forced to live with his aunt in the country. Xavier has mixed emotions when his father wants to start spending time with him. Xavier likes the surprising attention but he’s unsure how to navigate these uncharted waters. The activities his father suggests always include his older brother, which is a problem. Xavier’s brother is a bully and harasses Xavier whenever he gets the chance. His parents aren’t helpful or supportive so Xavier is forced to deal with his brother alone. His mother is always busy working on the computer and she’s not happy to be disturbed.
Xavier is a bird LOVER but his family doesn’t understand his obsession with them. Many chapters begin with words written by Milton Von Wipple II, Xavier’s naturalist hero. These words sometimes hint at what’s to come although some parts disparage children. The ensuing chapters begin with humorous apologies and explanations for what Von Wipple says. Xavier soon meets Clem, a girl living on the farm next door, and he likes that she gets him. However, she can be abrasive and Xavier is annoyed that she always calls him Fletch; she says he looks more like a Fletch than a Xavier. Clem informs him about the Rend, a tear in the sky between two worlds, and Carriers that bring Crumbs into the world. The Carriers must be stopped immediately or the Crumbs will eventually allow dark and cold from the Nether to take over the world. The Nether will suck the warmth and life out of every living thing.
The Carriers are most intriguing because they appear to be normal birds. This fits perfectly with Xavier’s passion for birds although he doesn’t notice the difference right away. Actually, he stops Clem from killing a Carrier he thinks is a bird and inadvertently escalates the problem. Xavier and Milton Von Wipple inform readers about birds and nature in general while Clem shares her knowledge of Carriers. The peacefulness of the countryside and the beautiful innocence of birds contrast sharply with the impending gloom and danger of the Carriers. Xavier is averse to killing things and Clem’s slingshot has its limits. How are these two kids going to stop the Nether from invading through the Rend?
What didn’t work as well:
The book doesn’t have a great hook. Also, some parts of the story are repetitive and become noticeable. Clem describes how the world is in danger and the Carriers are becoming a bigger problem than she’s ever seen. In response, Xavier constantly asks if it’s time to notify her father but Clem always quashes those ideas.
The final verdict:
The wonderfully written book shares the complicated issues of family life, friendship, and saving the world. The climactic ending helps the characters grow into more understanding people. I recommend you give this book a shot.
Although not the most glamorous conflict, Xavier’s relationship with his family is strained. His father loses his job so the family is forced to live with his aunt in the country. Xavier has mixed emotions when his father wants to start spending time with him. Xavier likes the surprising attention but he’s unsure how to navigate these uncharted waters. The activities his father suggests always include his older brother, which is a problem. Xavier’s brother is a bully and harasses Xavier whenever he gets the chance. His parents aren’t helpful or supportive so Xavier is forced to deal with his brother alone. His mother is always busy working on the computer and she’s not happy to be disturbed.
Xavier is a bird LOVER but his family doesn’t understand his obsession with them. Many chapters begin with words written by Milton Von Wipple II, Xavier’s naturalist hero. These words sometimes hint at what’s to come although some parts disparage children. The ensuing chapters begin with humorous apologies and explanations for what Von Wipple says. Xavier soon meets Clem, a girl living on the farm next door, and he likes that she gets him. However, she can be abrasive and Xavier is annoyed that she always calls him Fletch; she says he looks more like a Fletch than a Xavier. Clem informs him about the Rend, a tear in the sky between two worlds, and Carriers that bring Crumbs into the world. The Carriers must be stopped immediately or the Crumbs will eventually allow dark and cold from the Nether to take over the world. The Nether will suck the warmth and life out of every living thing.
The Carriers are most intriguing because they appear to be normal birds. This fits perfectly with Xavier’s passion for birds although he doesn’t notice the difference right away. Actually, he stops Clem from killing a Carrier he thinks is a bird and inadvertently escalates the problem. Xavier and Milton Von Wipple inform readers about birds and nature in general while Clem shares her knowledge of Carriers. The peacefulness of the countryside and the beautiful innocence of birds contrast sharply with the impending gloom and danger of the Carriers. Xavier is averse to killing things and Clem’s slingshot has its limits. How are these two kids going to stop the Nether from invading through the Rend?
What didn’t work as well:
The book doesn’t have a great hook. Also, some parts of the story are repetitive and become noticeable. Clem describes how the world is in danger and the Carriers are becoming a bigger problem than she’s ever seen. In response, Xavier constantly asks if it’s time to notify her father but Clem always quashes those ideas.
The final verdict:
The wonderfully written book shares the complicated issues of family life, friendship, and saving the world. The climactic ending helps the characters grow into more understanding people. I recommend you give this book a shot.
September 22, 2024
I won this in a giveaway, and it’s just the sort of thing I would have enjoyed when I was around 10. What kid doesn’t want a story about a fairly ominous magical threat that also includes a goat named Cal Ripken, Jr.?
January 22, 2024
GORGEOUS MG with lovable characters and a beautiful writing. This one reminded me of the books that made me fall in love with reading. Highly recommend.
April 24, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Reminded me a bit of Reese's Every Bird a Prince. Quirky characters and birding.
Reminded me a bit of Reese's Every Bird a Prince. Quirky characters and birding.
August 25, 2024
Loved it one of my favourite authors, not just about birds my favourite was the goat
October 12, 2024
This is a fun, beautiful little book! Lisa Maxwell is one of the best writers out there.
October 28, 2024
Cute story, I would've loved this as a kid
November 16, 2024
Wholesome, educational, good characterization. Great middle-grade adventure story!
November 22, 2024
Actual rating: 3.5 ☆
January 1, 2025
Cute, clever, and well thought out.
April 4, 2025
"The worldbuilding is tight in this eerie take on the battle between good and evil with a distinct message about the environmental impact of human activity." [Kirkus Reviews]
October 26, 2025
Although this book seems to have good ratings my children and I felt like the entire book was "filler". Nothing really that exciting or memorable happened (in our opinion). kids ages - 7, 9 and 11.
March 7, 2025
Based on the cover, I thought this book would be on the scary side, and there are some scary elements but it is not based on those elements. I loved Xavier T. Fletcher and his interest in birds, nature and his love for doing what’s right. The writing was very, very good and I look forward to reading more of Maxwell’s books.
This turned out to be a story about not destroying nature but it wasn’t preachy or about climate change, merely being aware of how our actions have an effect on the nature around us. “People as individuals don’t mean harm but as a group, it hurts the natural world around us.”
Found in Ultimate MG Bundle.
This turned out to be a story about not destroying nature but it wasn’t preachy or about climate change, merely being aware of how our actions have an effect on the nature around us. “People as individuals don’t mean harm but as a group, it hurts the natural world around us.”
Found in Ultimate MG Bundle.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews