The Glimpsing Book

by Steve Loe

Twelve-year-old Sebastian is struck by the eerie similarity of photos separated by half a century and half the globe. The photos are of Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but to the side in all of them is a mysterious boy holding a book to his chest, the same book in every photo. It is too strange to be a coincidence-- but what else could it possibly be?

Back home in Virginia, seventh graders Henrietta and TP discover a novel that changes each time Henrietta reads it. When Sebastian learns that a girl his age has the book, he needs to find her.

Figuring out the powerful mystery of Unus Operor-- the magical book that seems to have the answers to all their questions-- involves saving Henrietta and TP's school library, tracking down a famous author, creating beautiful graffiti in the school bathroom, and forming a meaningful new friendship.

235 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 2015

About the author

Steve Loe was born in Kansas City in 1969 and is a life-long Jayhawk. He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from the University of Kansas in Lawrence and for over the past 20 years has worked as an English teacher, associate principal, and principal in our public schools. He and his wife, Tracey, live just outside Kansas City with their four children, Maddie, Kenzie, Mitch, and Macie.

Reviews

[Kristen]

This was a pretty cute book about how important it is for us to do, not just sit back and observe. Through the story of a book that changes with its owner's actions, Loe asks us to imagine what our lives could be if we started doing one thing different now. Sebastian finds his way to Henrietta and TP, who are busy trying to save their school library - only they haven't figured out how until a strange woman comes into their lives and shares the book Unus Operer with Henrietta. Each of these children is trying to find a way to connect - with each other and with the world - and examining critical truths they had believed. It's really a lovely little story.

[Stacy]

I enjoyed the magic of the book. I think the transitions between narrators was smooth. The descriptions were easy to visualize in my head. It definitely built anticipation to see what becomes of the "mystery."
My only objection would be that a few of the characters spelled things out too much. However, I think based on the fact that this is aimed at a youth audience that might be good and necessary.
I LOVED the message and think it will appeal to kids. It tried to draw in all types of students, not just the readers of the world.
Kudos on a great first novel. I look forward to reading another by Steve Loe.

[Joe]

I really enjoyed this book. The best thing about it is the optimism- so many YA and adult books take place in dystopias anymore, and those books typically have life or death consequences. I'm not saying this is bad, but when everything is like that, it can get a little old.
This book is about optimism, and how it can affect our lives and the way that our lives can turn out. The main characters learn about doing and how doing can make things better - whether it is improving our own lives or the lives of others. The central mystery of the book kept me engrossed throughout the entire read, and I enjoyed the message about imagination and it's importance. I definitely recommend it!

[Chris]

Creativity is more important than knowledge.
~ Albert Einstein

This book is an ode to the power of stories. Of the power of the stories we tell to define us, and also of their power to inspire us--to define the future us we want to live into.

It has just enough mystery to compel, just enough magic to enchant. Characters readers care about. Short chapters that keep the pace brisk. It has a plot that's hard to describe in a sentence, but not hard to engage or digest.

I was quickly drawn in and set aside the other book I was reading until I finished this one. Most relevant and enjoyable.

[Judy Desetti]

A little difficult at first to switch between the characters and figure out what is happening and when. But I did enjoy the story which hints of mystery and intrigue. I am wondering if kids will find this as interesting as I did. The part where one character is heavily involved with trying to save libraries may not "hook" kids as much as it does me.

I read this because it is a featured title for a literature festival Fall 2016. Nothing in it that was too mature for 5th graders.

[Melinda]

Even though I'm not the target audience (middle school students), I enjoyed this novel and hope that there will be more about these characters in the future. The world created in this book is both realistic and magical. I would definitely recommend this novel.