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Utajené přátelství
Srdečný a napínavý příběh o cestě z osamělosti k velkému přátelství. Pod rouškou temné noci dorazí do malého městečka Slaughterville dodávka. Vystoupí z ní sedm záhadných dětí a zmizí ve dveřích opuštěného domu na konci slepé ulice. Jejich příchod ale nezůstane utajen – z okna svého pokoje je pozoruje nesmělý a osamělý chlapec Ravani. O svých nových sousedech se musí dozvědět víc! Co jsou zač? Co skrývají? A hlavně: kde mají rodiče?
Netrvá dlouho a Ravani si mezi dětmi najde kamarádku – srdečnou a odvážnou Virginii. Jenže nové přátelství s sebou přináší i jedno velké tajemství. A také nebezpečí. Když se Ravani dozví o hrozbě, která na Virginii a její sourozence číhá, musí udělat všechno pro to, aby je ochránil. Jinak ztratí jediného člověka, který mu kdy rozuměl.
Netrvá dlouho a Ravani si mezi dětmi najde kamarádku – srdečnou a odvážnou Virginii. Jenže nové přátelství s sebou přináší i jedno velké tajemství. A také nebezpečí. Když se Ravani dozví o hrozbě, která na Virginii a její sourozence číhá, musí udělat všechno pro to, aby je ochránil. Jinak ztratí jediného člověka, který mu kdy rozuměl.
296 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2022
223 people are currently reading
6733 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 664 reviews
August 17, 2022
Gemeinhart is the Fredrik Backman of middle grade
August 1, 2022
4.5 stars
Well, Dan Gemeinhart did it again and made me want to read this book from beginning to end in one sitting (I didn't because I had to work, but I would have). The style of the storytelling is with an omniscient narrator who has a tale to tell; a teaching fable. It took me some time to adjust to that style, as it felt very different from his other books that I've read. But the story itself drew me in immediately. It starts out like a mystery, with some spooky elements, like with the slaughterhouse (very sensitive readers may want to be careful with these scenes), but the story is really about friendship and found family, and choosing what kind of life you want. I loved how the arrival of these children into this town of Slaughterville not only changed their lives but changed the lives of the townsfolk. Dan Gemeinhart has the gift of making you care about the people in his stories and I loved how it ended not just for Ravani and the seven Midnight children, but also for the townspeople, especially those that were featured throughout the story.
I will definitely be recommending this book to my students, especially those who like books about family, adventure, and a little bit of magic thrown in.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book is being published on August 30.
Well, Dan Gemeinhart did it again and made me want to read this book from beginning to end in one sitting (I didn't because I had to work, but I would have). The style of the storytelling is with an omniscient narrator who has a tale to tell; a teaching fable. It took me some time to adjust to that style, as it felt very different from his other books that I've read. But the story itself drew me in immediately. It starts out like a mystery, with some spooky elements, like with the slaughterhouse (very sensitive readers may want to be careful with these scenes), but the story is really about friendship and found family, and choosing what kind of life you want. I loved how the arrival of these children into this town of Slaughterville not only changed their lives but changed the lives of the townsfolk. Dan Gemeinhart has the gift of making you care about the people in his stories and I loved how it ended not just for Ravani and the seven Midnight children, but also for the townspeople, especially those that were featured throughout the story.
I will definitely be recommending this book to my students, especially those who like books about family, adventure, and a little bit of magic thrown in.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book is being published on August 30.
June 11, 2023
Un chouïa lent à démarrer et du coup j’ai mis plus de temps que je pensais à rentrer dedans mais… une fois que ça été fait… une pépite. Vraiment. C’est décalé, plein de rebondissements, vraiment drôle et mignon mais surtout hyper touchant. J’avais eu un enoooooorme coup de cœur pour L’incroyable Voyage de Coyote Sunrise du même auteur et je ne suis pas déçue par ce nouveau roman 🫶
April 25, 2022
You are in for a real treat with this book!
An unlikely hero, seven mysterious kids and an evil villain make for a perfect story about friendship, and doing whatever it takes to help your friend. Ravini Foster is one of the heroes in this story. “No one would have been more surprised to hear that the the boy himself.” Sometimes. Though, a soul doesn’t know how great it truly is. Until it has to find out.”
Ravini has never had a friend and when he meets Virginia, he finds that, “Perhaps that’s all our souls are ever really looking for: another soul they don’t feel lonely with.”
“The thing about this world is that there’s all kinds of people in it, and there’s nothing you can do about that. The only thing to do is decide what kind you are, and then be it.”
Read this book and then read it again! Yes, it is that good!
An unlikely hero, seven mysterious kids and an evil villain make for a perfect story about friendship, and doing whatever it takes to help your friend. Ravini Foster is one of the heroes in this story. “No one would have been more surprised to hear that the the boy himself.” Sometimes. Though, a soul doesn’t know how great it truly is. Until it has to find out.”
Ravini has never had a friend and when he meets Virginia, he finds that, “Perhaps that’s all our souls are ever really looking for: another soul they don’t feel lonely with.”
“The thing about this world is that there’s all kinds of people in it, and there’s nothing you can do about that. The only thing to do is decide what kind you are, and then be it.”
Read this book and then read it again! Yes, it is that good!
March 18, 2022
If you want to help a child become a reader you need to find books that make them feel something, that spark some emotion. That’s what I love about Dan Gemeinhart books-they make you feel deeply about the characters. Whether it’s sympathy, empathy, anger, happiness…it doesn’t matter, it makes you invested, it makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens to them. When a child reads this book, she or he will be asking for more and lucky for us teachers and parents, Mr. Gemeinhart has more to offer! Plus who doesn’t love a villain with black jellybean breath?!
December 8, 2023
I could quote this book all day and still not get all the great lines that were written inside this fantastic story. Dan Gemeinhart knocks it out of the park again, with this story of Ravani who lives with his parents in the town of Slaughterville. Yes, Slaugtherville. Ravani dodges the bullies in his small town as he follows his lonely daily routine, day in and day out. One evening though, it all changes when he spots a truck across the street. The truck is dropping off some young children, in the middle of the night, who make their way inside the empty house carrying their suitcases. Ravani doesn’t spot any adults accompanying the children as they rush towards the house. As the day’s past, Ravani watches across the street for any activity and he keeps close tabs on the house for clues on who these children might be.
While out, Ravani spots the children. Ravani talks with them and they seem to be hiding something but I felt that it didn’t matter to Ravani. He now had someone that he could talk with. There were no expectations from neither Ravani or the children and they were comfortable with each other. I liked how innocent and cautious they were with each other; they weren’t judgmental or overbearing. When all the children were playing hide-and-seek, that moment with Ravani and Virginia when Virginia tells him “The Secret,” it just warmed my heart. Ravani invites them into his life and he sees life through their eyes. This experience opens up another world for him and for the children, they enjoy being a part of Ravani’s life.
A wonderful book! If you haven’t read one of Dan Gemeinhart’s book, you have definitely been missing out. A hairdryer book for me!
More Quotes:
” The first time we met, we both said that we weren’t looking for friends. You were lying. She took in a deep breath and let it out. “Well, guess what? So was I.””
“Instead, her eyes filled with tears. Quietly. Eyes are always quiet, technically, but at some moments they are even more quiet than usual. “
“Ravani skin tingled at those words. It was like hearing another soul say all the things that his own soul has been dying to say. And perhaps that’s all our souls are ever looking for: another soul they don’t feel lonely with.”
"They'll always be people who want to make you feel small, Rav. But they shouldn't do with your permission."
"Honestly, the cupcake was way better. No offense. " This was so cute and perfect - HA
"The thing about this world is that there's all kinds of people in it, and there's nothing you can do about that, ........the only thing to do is decide what kind you are, and then be it. Don't worry about anyone else. Especially the Donnies (bullies).
" The Donnies of the world are always gonna try and tell you you're worthless. It's your choice whether you believe them or not."
While out, Ravani spots the children. Ravani talks with them and they seem to be hiding something but I felt that it didn’t matter to Ravani. He now had someone that he could talk with. There were no expectations from neither Ravani or the children and they were comfortable with each other. I liked how innocent and cautious they were with each other; they weren’t judgmental or overbearing. When all the children were playing hide-and-seek, that moment with Ravani and Virginia when Virginia tells him “The Secret,” it just warmed my heart. Ravani invites them into his life and he sees life through their eyes. This experience opens up another world for him and for the children, they enjoy being a part of Ravani’s life.
A wonderful book! If you haven’t read one of Dan Gemeinhart’s book, you have definitely been missing out. A hairdryer book for me!
More Quotes:
” The first time we met, we both said that we weren’t looking for friends. You were lying. She took in a deep breath and let it out. “Well, guess what? So was I.””
“Instead, her eyes filled with tears. Quietly. Eyes are always quiet, technically, but at some moments they are even more quiet than usual. “
“Ravani skin tingled at those words. It was like hearing another soul say all the things that his own soul has been dying to say. And perhaps that’s all our souls are ever looking for: another soul they don’t feel lonely with.”
"They'll always be people who want to make you feel small, Rav. But they shouldn't do with your permission."
"Honestly, the cupcake was way better. No offense. " This was so cute and perfect - HA
"The thing about this world is that there's all kinds of people in it, and there's nothing you can do about that, ........the only thing to do is decide what kind you are, and then be it. Don't worry about anyone else. Especially the Donnies (bullies).
" The Donnies of the world are always gonna try and tell you you're worthless. It's your choice whether you believe them or not."
May 20, 2025
When a shy boy meets a group of children that don’t have much, including legal guardians, they realize they have each other and they all work together to make their lives worth living.
Gemeinhart’s writing is rich, as usual, with lines like this: “Souls are like that: they do what they have to. They put the darkness down deep, sometimes, so they can shine.” (175)
Gemeinhart’s writing is rich, as usual, with lines like this: “Souls are like that: they do what they have to. They put the darkness down deep, sometimes, so they can shine.” (175)
October 29, 2023
What happens when Ravani a lonely boy who is tormented by two local bullies meets a group of seven orphans who are hiding out in his small town to avoid being taken back to an orphanage and separated? How can Ravani's befriending of the orphans and especially the outgoing Virginia change the course of his life? Find out in this story that involves slaughterhouses, cows on death row, coffins, summer festival boat races and a shadowy character named 'The Hunter'.
Give this to fans of other stories about orphans trying to find homes like A Place to Hang the Moon, stories about secret and surprising friendships like My Jasper June, stories about the mysterious past of characters like Long Lost and of course anyone who enjoyed Paolo Bacigalupi's Zombie Baseball Beatdown which also involves a slaughterhouse.
Give this to fans of other stories about orphans trying to find homes like A Place to Hang the Moon, stories about secret and surprising friendships like My Jasper June, stories about the mysterious past of characters like Long Lost and of course anyone who enjoyed Paolo Bacigalupi's Zombie Baseball Beatdown which also involves a slaughterhouse.
August 23, 2022
Really not vibing with this one. The first 12% has been almost entirely descriptions of the slaughterhouse. So like, lots of blood and dead cows and pieces of dead cows... It all feels …unnecessary.
I haven’t connected to any of the characters and haven’t been interested in what plot there has been thus far. Mostly I’m just grossed out by the slaughterhouse and just want to stop reading and wash out my brain because ew. It's way too intense for me as an adult that can and sometimes does read bloodier books. I can't imagine reading this - or worse, listening to it via audiobook, where the descriptions go on and on and you can't really skip - as a child, which is presumably the audience it's aimed at as it's a middle grade book.
Also the bullying is intense and very uncomfortable.
I listened to the audio and the narrator was all right, but didn't stand out to me. I wouldn't seek out other books that he narrated, though I wouldn't actively avoid them either.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an audio arc for review.
I haven’t connected to any of the characters and haven’t been interested in what plot there has been thus far. Mostly I’m just grossed out by the slaughterhouse and just want to stop reading and wash out my brain because ew. It's way too intense for me as an adult that can and sometimes does read bloodier books. I can't imagine reading this - or worse, listening to it via audiobook, where the descriptions go on and on and you can't really skip - as a child, which is presumably the audience it's aimed at as it's a middle grade book.
Also the bullying is intense and very uncomfortable.
I listened to the audio and the narrator was all right, but didn't stand out to me. I wouldn't seek out other books that he narrated, though I wouldn't actively avoid them either.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an audio arc for review.
February 11, 2023
This was an interesting book, sometimes depressing and gross, but overall a good read.
August 15, 2023
Ravani Foster is not very fond of living in Slaughterville. The name fits the biggest business in town—a slaughterhouse—where Ravani has to often venture to bring his father his lunch. On his way home, Ravani has to avoid Donnie Carter, a bully who makes Ravani the fearful and lonely boy he is.
That is, until the Ragabonds showed up.
One night, seven children—the Ragabonds—show up at the abandoned house across the street from Ravani’s home. With them, comes secrets. Immediately, Ravani wants to know who they are, and what their story is. One of them, the blunt and gutsy Virginia, takes a liking to Ravani, and they become comrades. But just as Ravani begins to value their friendship, he realizes these seven children aren’t safe, and he must do all he can to help them.
This is a story filled with choices, good and bad. It’s a story about two souls who meant to connect. It’s a story filled with love and adventure. And, it’s a story that should be shared.
That is, until the Ragabonds showed up.
One night, seven children—the Ragabonds—show up at the abandoned house across the street from Ravani’s home. With them, comes secrets. Immediately, Ravani wants to know who they are, and what their story is. One of them, the blunt and gutsy Virginia, takes a liking to Ravani, and they become comrades. But just as Ravani begins to value their friendship, he realizes these seven children aren’t safe, and he must do all he can to help them.
This is a story filled with choices, good and bad. It’s a story about two souls who meant to connect. It’s a story filled with love and adventure. And, it’s a story that should be shared.
May 5, 2023
At first, reading The Midnight Children on the heels of Coyote Sunrise, this one didn’t do it for me at all. Coyote Sunrise is a warm, golden-hued hug of a book filled with likable and quirky characters; in contrast, The Midnight Children is cold, dismal, full of morbid imagery, and the setting and characters all hold the reader at arm’s length.
I also found so many instances in which I had to suspend my disbelief—for example…
-Why would an otherwise “wonderful” mother repeatedly and casually send her sensitive 12yo child to deliver his father’s lunch to the slaughterhouse where his father works?
-Why does Gemeinhart write the Hunter character like he’s a sociopathic, supremely creepy, neat-freak serial killer, when actually the Hunter is just kinda a mediocre bounty hunter who’s tracking down a bunch of sweet kids?
I also hated the way the omniscient narrator constantly interrupted the flow of the story with declarations about souls, e.g., “Sometimes a soul, when it sees the chance to have what it’s always wanted, doesn’t have the courage to seize it” and “Sometimes, when two souls leap, they catch each other.” This kind of throat-clearing is sprinkled throughout the book ad nauseam.
Anyway, because of all of these things, I almost gave up on this one, but kept going because it was an easy read. And then, about halfway in, the flow of the story picked up speed and substance in a way that the first half lacked; and suddenly it morphed into a slapstick dark comedy, with actual laugh-out-loud moments, and it all worked out somehow to save this book for me—though the meaningless declarations about souls did continue right up to the end, unfortunately. So… two stars for the first half of the book, four stars for the second half. In the end, a solid okay book.
I also found so many instances in which I had to suspend my disbelief—for example…
-Why would an otherwise “wonderful” mother repeatedly and casually send her sensitive 12yo child to deliver his father’s lunch to the slaughterhouse where his father works?
-Why does Gemeinhart write the Hunter character like he’s a sociopathic, supremely creepy, neat-freak serial killer, when actually the Hunter is just kinda a mediocre bounty hunter who’s tracking down a bunch of sweet kids?
I also hated the way the omniscient narrator constantly interrupted the flow of the story with declarations about souls, e.g., “Sometimes a soul, when it sees the chance to have what it’s always wanted, doesn’t have the courage to seize it” and “Sometimes, when two souls leap, they catch each other.” This kind of throat-clearing is sprinkled throughout the book ad nauseam.
Anyway, because of all of these things, I almost gave up on this one, but kept going because it was an easy read. And then, about halfway in, the flow of the story picked up speed and substance in a way that the first half lacked; and suddenly it morphed into a slapstick dark comedy, with actual laugh-out-loud moments, and it all worked out somehow to save this book for me—though the meaningless declarations about souls did continue right up to the end, unfortunately. So… two stars for the first half of the book, four stars for the second half. In the end, a solid okay book.
September 20, 2022
There are a few other comments that address the slaughterhouse and overly descriptive scenes about the killing floor. While I was a bit turned off by that as well and wondered why it was even necessary to have a slaughterhouse as part of the setting, it made perfect sense by the end. Unless you are overly queasy and sensitive to the nature of things such as this, please don’t give up on this book!
Now that that is out of the way. I came across this book by way of a TikTok review (thanks Colby Sharp), and his praise was so enthralling that I went out to buy it basically the next day. I have been struggling lately to find books that take me by surprise and bring me back to how I felt when I was reading in elementary through high school such as Roll of Thunder Hear my Cry, The Giver, Walk Two Moons… I wanted a book that was going to “live rent free in my head,” as they say.
It’s so rare to come across a book that actually lives up to its hype, but I honestly feel like Colby’s review of the book was an accurate depiction of the book. It warmed my heart, put tears in my eye, and surprised me in some ways. I will absolutely recommend this book, and perhaps in the future, I’ll spend more time in the children’s section looking for my next five star read!
Now that that is out of the way. I came across this book by way of a TikTok review (thanks Colby Sharp), and his praise was so enthralling that I went out to buy it basically the next day. I have been struggling lately to find books that take me by surprise and bring me back to how I felt when I was reading in elementary through high school such as Roll of Thunder Hear my Cry, The Giver, Walk Two Moons… I wanted a book that was going to “live rent free in my head,” as they say.
It’s so rare to come across a book that actually lives up to its hype, but I honestly feel like Colby’s review of the book was an accurate depiction of the book. It warmed my heart, put tears in my eye, and surprised me in some ways. I will absolutely recommend this book, and perhaps in the future, I’ll spend more time in the children’s section looking for my next five star read!
March 31, 2022
Get ready to stay up all night wanting to find out what happens next with The Midnight Children! A strong narrating voice leads us into the lives of young Ravani and the mysterious children who move in across the street from him. With high stakes and a unique situation, the plot steps right along, and the developing friendship bonds make the book feel emotionally significant as well as entertaining.
October 16, 2024
**Don’t read this if you’re vegetarian.**I almost gave up on this book after the first chapters because of the details of the slaughter house. I’m glad that I stuck with it, because it ended up being heartwarming.
July 25, 2025
noelle was right…
August 22, 2022
4.5 stars. I have read reviews, and promotional material suggesting this would be great for fans of DiCamillo or Applegate and I can see that. This is a warm hearted friendship story that takes place in a bizzare, colourful town. It's a hopeful story. Things can change, they can get better, even things that have been one way for a long time or seem inevitable. It also has one of the best exchanges between a father and a son, particular given that this relationship is not the focus on the story.
January 24, 2024
I loved, Love, LOVE this book and hope everyone 10-119 reads this book! The chapter tiles keep you intrigued and the sentence structure fills your soul. If this book was a food, I’d call it a pizza because everyone can enjoy it for their very own reason. This refreshing take on being an outsider is a stormy we all need to read to remember how amazing we are! Don’t hesitate, pick up this book today!
Read
January 9, 2023I thoroughly enjoyed this charming, delightful, captivating story. Anyone who picks us this book will surely be drawn in by the mysterious beginning, will immediately fall in love with the characters, and won’t stop turning the pages of this perfectly paced novel. A funny and unexpectedly moving tale about friendship, home, family and courage. Told in a riveting voice, this is Dan Gemeinhart’s best yet and that’s saying something.
August 17, 2022
Did not finish. Promoting vegetarianism? Saw no benefit for the slaughterhouse slant and stock animal cruelty behavior of the bully.
October 26, 2022
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One night Ravani Foster witnesses seven children step out of a vehicle on dead end street and enter an old abandon house.
The book is loaded with witty jokes and full of wonder, mystery, and friendship .
The Midnight Children explores the meaning of "home," what makes a family, and what it takes to find the courage to believe in yourself.
It is so suspenseful and so good , Dan Gemeinhart has done it again .
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#themidnightchildren #dangemeinhart #henryholtbooks #macmillankids #ireadmg #middlegradegroupies #kidlit #spookyseason #readmore #bookrecs #readmorebooks #mgbooks #middlegradebooks #shereadsalot #bookstagram
One night Ravani Foster witnesses seven children step out of a vehicle on dead end street and enter an old abandon house.
The book is loaded with witty jokes and full of wonder, mystery, and friendship .
The Midnight Children explores the meaning of "home," what makes a family, and what it takes to find the courage to believe in yourself.
It is so suspenseful and so good , Dan Gemeinhart has done it again .
.
.
.
.
.
#themidnightchildren #dangemeinhart #henryholtbooks #macmillankids #ireadmg #middlegradegroupies #kidlit #spookyseason #readmore #bookrecs #readmorebooks #mgbooks #middlegradebooks #shereadsalot #bookstagram
July 10, 2023
FINALLY- a sweet middle grades book that centers around good v. evil, family, friendship, mystery, and unlikely heroes. It’s a story that most people will identify with and feel their hearts warmed.
ALTHOUGH- did not like that the setting was a town called “Slaughterville.” I get why that was important to the plot, but super creepy for young readers!
ALTHOUGH- did not like that the setting was a town called “Slaughterville.” I get why that was important to the plot, but super creepy for young readers!
January 17, 2023
Finishing this as my first book of 2023 sets the bar high. I’ve loved every book by Dan Gemeinhart and The Midnight Children is one of his very best. I tabbed so many pages with beautiful lines and life lessons. Highly recommend to all of my kid lit friends! It’s a must read!! I’m looking forward to sharing it with my fifth graders.
March 16, 2023
I enjoyed this. Books with a theme of "Found Family" are always intriguing to read.
September 20, 2022
I loved his Coyote Sunrise book. I’m not sure about this one. The first part was hard to stomach with the slaughterhouse descriptions. The second half was so good. Overall I liked the book just not sure if this will appeal to children 8-13. He’s an amazing storyteller though.
December 5, 2022
4.5 stars: “There is a powerful difference between feeling apart and feeling a part. There is a world in that space.”
This book was recommended to me by one of my students and I am so glad they told me about it. This story was so fantastic. I really enjoyed exploring the themes of found family, friendship and a little touch of magic. This book took me a little time to get used to the writing style, but I ended up really liking it. I loved all the characters so much. I thought the author did a great job of unraveling the story. It was very intriguing and beautiful. I think a lot of students will really enjoy this book. My only complaint is the setting. It’s a hard sell and I wish the book could have taken place somewhere else. I think I understand why the author went the direction he did, but I can see some people not wanting to read it because the of the setting. This was a great book and I am really glad I read it.
This book was recommended to me by one of my students and I am so glad they told me about it. This story was so fantastic. I really enjoyed exploring the themes of found family, friendship and a little touch of magic. This book took me a little time to get used to the writing style, but I ended up really liking it. I loved all the characters so much. I thought the author did a great job of unraveling the story. It was very intriguing and beautiful. I think a lot of students will really enjoy this book. My only complaint is the setting. It’s a hard sell and I wish the book could have taken place somewhere else. I think I understand why the author went the direction he did, but I can see some people not wanting to read it because the of the setting. This was a great book and I am really glad I read it.
January 16, 2023
Such an interesting story with beautiful writing!
August 14, 2023
What a wonderful story.
Rav is a boy who is bullied, friendless, and who’s life is a daily, depressing struggle. He lives in Slaughterville, a town known for its meat works, where his dad works. Rav’s parents are good solid citizens, but his dad has difficulty communicating with his son, which reinforces Rav’s feelings of otherness.
Rav’s only pleasure is birds, and building birdhouses for the local bird life, which fills his lonely days. Life changes when a family of seven children mysteriously arrive at night and move into the abandoned house across the road from Rav’s home.
Rav is fascinated with the family, and becomes part of their secretive lives, and especially close to Virginia, who is around his age. He finds out that these children have no parents, and are on the run, desperate to stay together.
A mysterious, suspenseful adventure with beautiful messages of friendship, loyalty and believing in yourself.
However, there are dark, possibly frightening elements to the story, with quite graphic detail of the slaughterhouse and its processes, and a man (The Hunter), who is searching for, and intent on capturing the children. This could be disturbing for sensitive young readers.
Suitable for mature upper primary and year 7 and 8s.
Rav is a boy who is bullied, friendless, and who’s life is a daily, depressing struggle. He lives in Slaughterville, a town known for its meat works, where his dad works. Rav’s parents are good solid citizens, but his dad has difficulty communicating with his son, which reinforces Rav’s feelings of otherness.
Rav’s only pleasure is birds, and building birdhouses for the local bird life, which fills his lonely days. Life changes when a family of seven children mysteriously arrive at night and move into the abandoned house across the road from Rav’s home.
Rav is fascinated with the family, and becomes part of their secretive lives, and especially close to Virginia, who is around his age. He finds out that these children have no parents, and are on the run, desperate to stay together.
A mysterious, suspenseful adventure with beautiful messages of friendship, loyalty and believing in yourself.
However, there are dark, possibly frightening elements to the story, with quite graphic detail of the slaughterhouse and its processes, and a man (The Hunter), who is searching for, and intent on capturing the children. This could be disturbing for sensitive young readers.
Suitable for mature upper primary and year 7 and 8s.
October 11, 2022
I feel like I can't do this story justice Ravani is another fantastic character that you end up cheering for along with the midnights children Gemeinhart once again gives us wonderfully flawed characters that you cheer for and want to succeed. I also love his writing of the bad guy and loved the ending!!
I was lucky enough to meet the author right after finishing this one and he is a delight so if you do author visits he was fab!
André Santana's narration was great everyone had a voice and he truly brought the emotions to everyone!!
Highly recommend this one!
4 stars
I was lucky enough to meet the author right after finishing this one and he is a delight so if you do author visits he was fab!
André Santana's narration was great everyone had a voice and he truly brought the emotions to everyone!!
Highly recommend this one!
4 stars
October 22, 2022
Dan Gemeinhart gets to me every time I read a book from him. I can't help but adore his characters. This one's a story about friendship and belonging. It's quirky, bizarre and full of sweetness with a hint of magical realism thrown in.
I started and finished it in one sitting.
Ravani Foster is a lonely boy who one night sees a group of children move into the house across the street from in. He is befriended by Virginia, one of the girls. That friendship is the catalyst that changes all of their lives.
I especially appreciated the tone of the omniscient narrator. It is reminiscent of an old time story teller, every once in a while dropping in hints of what disasters might be coming next.
I started and finished it in one sitting.
Ravani Foster is a lonely boy who one night sees a group of children move into the house across the street from in. He is befriended by Virginia, one of the girls. That friendship is the catalyst that changes all of their lives.
I especially appreciated the tone of the omniscient narrator. It is reminiscent of an old time story teller, every once in a while dropping in hints of what disasters might be coming next.
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