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Going Where It's Dark
From the Newbery Award–winning author of Shiloh comes a middle-grade novel that combines adrenaline-fueled adventure with a poignant coming-of-age story about a boy who loves the challenges he faces when caving but finds daily life dealing with his stuttering problem a most difficult challenge.
Buck Anderson’s life seems to be changing completely. His best friend, David, has moved away; his overprotective parents are hounding him more than ever; he has reluctantly agreed to fill in for his uncle and do odd jobs for a grumpy old veteran in town; and his twin sister has a new boyfriend and is never around anymore. To top it all off, Buck is bullied by a group of boys at school—simply because he stutters.
There is one thing that frees Buck from his anxieties. It is the heart-pounding exhilaration he feels when exploring underground caves in and around his hometown. He used to go caving with David, but he is determined to continue on his own now. What he doesn’t know is that more changes are headed his way—changes that just might make him rethink his view of the world and his place in it.
Buck Anderson’s life seems to be changing completely. His best friend, David, has moved away; his overprotective parents are hounding him more than ever; he has reluctantly agreed to fill in for his uncle and do odd jobs for a grumpy old veteran in town; and his twin sister has a new boyfriend and is never around anymore. To top it all off, Buck is bullied by a group of boys at school—simply because he stutters.
There is one thing that frees Buck from his anxieties. It is the heart-pounding exhilaration he feels when exploring underground caves in and around his hometown. He used to go caving with David, but he is determined to continue on his own now. What he doesn’t know is that more changes are headed his way—changes that just might make him rethink his view of the world and his place in it.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2016
7 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
209 books1,040 followersPhyllis Reynolds Naylor was born in Anderson, Indiana, US on January 4, 1933.
Her family were strongly religious with conservative, midwestern values and most of her childhood was spent moving a lot due to her father's occupation as a salesman.
Though she grew up during the Depression and her family did not have a lot of money, Naylor stated that she never felt poor because her family owned good books. Her parents enjoyed reading stories to the children--her father would imitate the characters in Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer--and her mother read to them every evening, "almost until we were old enough to go out on dates, though we never would have admitted this to anyone."
By the time Phyllis reached fifth grade, writing books was her favorite hobby and she would rush home from school each day to write down whatever plot had been forming in her head - at sixteen her first story was published in a local church magazine.
Phyllis has written over 80 books for children and young people. One of these books, "Shiloh," was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1992, was named a Notable Children's Book by the American Library Association and was also Young Adult Choice by the International Reading Association.
Naylor gets her ideas from things that happen to her or from things she has read. "Shiloh" was inspired by a little abused dog she and her husband found. The little dog haunted her so much that she had to write a story about him to get it out of her mind.
Her family were strongly religious with conservative, midwestern values and most of her childhood was spent moving a lot due to her father's occupation as a salesman.
Though she grew up during the Depression and her family did not have a lot of money, Naylor stated that she never felt poor because her family owned good books. Her parents enjoyed reading stories to the children--her father would imitate the characters in Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer--and her mother read to them every evening, "almost until we were old enough to go out on dates, though we never would have admitted this to anyone."
By the time Phyllis reached fifth grade, writing books was her favorite hobby and she would rush home from school each day to write down whatever plot had been forming in her head - at sixteen her first story was published in a local church magazine.
Phyllis has written over 80 books for children and young people. One of these books, "Shiloh," was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1992, was named a Notable Children's Book by the American Library Association and was also Young Adult Choice by the International Reading Association.
Naylor gets her ideas from things that happen to her or from things she has read. "Shiloh" was inspired by a little abused dog she and her husband found. The little dog haunted her so much that she had to write a story about him to get it out of her mind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 5, 2017
I had to keep reading to see how this one came out!
Buck is a boy with some problems. First of all, he stutters: painfully, almost constantly. He dreads any type of public speaking, including giving answers in class. He's picked on by some other boys for it. Secondly, his best friend moved away and now he has no-one to go caving with.
He lives for the thrill of discovering something new underground. After all, how much land above-ground has been explored? All of it. At least around his town. Inside a cave, though, you could be the first person to ever see what's down there. The last frontier!
The thing is, he's found a new cave--one that looks like it could be incredible on the inside. He's not stupid. He's never gone past where he can still see the entrance. Yet it calls to him. He's just got to get in there and explore more! He's going to need better equipment though, (which takes money), and a whole day off. It's going to take some planning.
Over the course of several months, many issues come to a head for Buck and somehow twine around each other in unexpected ways, leading up to a dramatic conclusion.
* * * * *
Characters with depth, including many of the minor characters. I could sympathize with Buck through so many of his experiences. He was a person to root for--trying to do the right thing, persevering even when it was hard. His stuttering therapy was fascinating to me and added another layer of interest to the story.
As for the caving, I have really only had one experience "wild caving," which I did not enjoy. Even so, I could begin to see some of the allure from Buck's point of view. Bonus: reading the descriptions in this book made me feel like I had almost been there, so I got to experience it again--without actually slithering around in the smelly mud, banging my head on rocks! (Yup. Proud to be an armchair spelunker.)
After I had read this one, my son and I talked at various times about caving, bullying, and stuttering. So that was a win. Lots of good discussion points.
I blog at: www.ofbooksandblooms.com
Buck is a boy with some problems. First of all, he stutters: painfully, almost constantly. He dreads any type of public speaking, including giving answers in class. He's picked on by some other boys for it. Secondly, his best friend moved away and now he has no-one to go caving with.
He lives for the thrill of discovering something new underground. After all, how much land above-ground has been explored? All of it. At least around his town. Inside a cave, though, you could be the first person to ever see what's down there. The last frontier!
The thing is, he's found a new cave--one that looks like it could be incredible on the inside. He's not stupid. He's never gone past where he can still see the entrance. Yet it calls to him. He's just got to get in there and explore more! He's going to need better equipment though, (which takes money), and a whole day off. It's going to take some planning.
Over the course of several months, many issues come to a head for Buck and somehow twine around each other in unexpected ways, leading up to a dramatic conclusion.
* * * * *
Characters with depth, including many of the minor characters. I could sympathize with Buck through so many of his experiences. He was a person to root for--trying to do the right thing, persevering even when it was hard. His stuttering therapy was fascinating to me and added another layer of interest to the story.
As for the caving, I have really only had one experience "wild caving," which I did not enjoy. Even so, I could begin to see some of the allure from Buck's point of view. Bonus: reading the descriptions in this book made me feel like I had almost been there, so I got to experience it again--without actually slithering around in the smelly mud, banging my head on rocks! (Yup. Proud to be an armchair spelunker.)
After I had read this one, my son and I talked at various times about caving, bullying, and stuttering. So that was a win. Lots of good discussion points.
I blog at: www.ofbooksandblooms.com
August 2, 2016
There are a lot of things to like about this middle-years adventure novel. The details about Buck's family, friends, and the difficulties he faces because he stutters provides a level of depth which is fantastic to see in a novel for this age group.
I particularly appreciated how Buck keeps secrets - about being bullied, his caving exploits, even his attempts to work on solving his stuttering. So many great conversations can arise from a literature circle with this novel.
I do have a couple of reasons why I just don't love the novel. The plot can be plodding - not always but enough that I kept putting the book down. I also wish that there was a reason - more than curiosity - that pushed Buck into the cave during the last cave sequence. He was put into the "Pit" by his school bullies but he chose to climb into the cave and keep going even though he knew his family would be worried. He chose to explore - it wasn't a necessity and this made the resulting action his fault. This lack of judgement is address fleetingly but he is made out as a hero for surviving. Again, I'd love to use this for discussion in the classroom ... maybe for the wrong reasons.
I particularly appreciated how Buck keeps secrets - about being bullied, his caving exploits, even his attempts to work on solving his stuttering. So many great conversations can arise from a literature circle with this novel.
I do have a couple of reasons why I just don't love the novel. The plot can be plodding - not always but enough that I kept putting the book down. I also wish that there was a reason - more than curiosity - that pushed Buck into the cave during the last cave sequence. He was put into the "Pit" by his school bullies but he chose to climb into the cave and keep going even though he knew his family would be worried. He chose to explore - it wasn't a necessity and this made the resulting action his fault. This lack of judgement is address fleetingly but he is made out as a hero for surviving. Again, I'd love to use this for discussion in the classroom ... maybe for the wrong reasons.
September 21, 2017
This book was about a boy, named Buck Anderson, who loved to go into caves. However, during his everyday life he was made fun of because he stuttered. Being bullied by others, led Buck to be desperate on how to deal with his stuttering through thrilling incidents.
I believe someone would like to read this book because it has a good ending, that has you on the edge of your seat. Although it started off slow, it is worth reading.
As far as the characters in the book, Buck had good relationship with his friend, David who would give him advice on how to deal with mean kids. David was away for the summer, but still managed to text Buck and offer support when he needed it most.
The book moved fairly slow, but was action packed at the end. The plot was based on a boy who was timid, when dealing with bullies and his way to overcome his problems.
I would recommend this book to another teen, who may be dealing with social problems, because it will show that there is another way to deal with issues.
I did not like the book because it was moved too slowly. I prefer books that get my attention at the very beginning and keep a good pace.
I believe someone would like to read this book because it has a good ending, that has you on the edge of your seat. Although it started off slow, it is worth reading.
As far as the characters in the book, Buck had good relationship with his friend, David who would give him advice on how to deal with mean kids. David was away for the summer, but still managed to text Buck and offer support when he needed it most.
The book moved fairly slow, but was action packed at the end. The plot was based on a boy who was timid, when dealing with bullies and his way to overcome his problems.
I would recommend this book to another teen, who may be dealing with social problems, because it will show that there is another way to deal with issues.
I did not like the book because it was moved too slowly. I prefer books that get my attention at the very beginning and keep a good pace.
September 18, 2016
Boy who stutters, lost his best friend b/c moved away, loves to cave, family matters
I like the themes of this book but it's very long and detailed for the target audience. (E.g., two pages about skittles towards the end.) Uncle Mel is a great role model on how to address conflict.
I like the themes of this book but it's very long and detailed for the target audience. (E.g., two pages about skittles towards the end.) Uncle Mel is a great role model on how to address conflict.
January 17, 2016
Buck Anderson feels even more isolated now that his best friend David has moved away and his twin sister is busy with her own friends and a boyfriend. His small size and stuttering make him the object of ridicule for some older boys and some of his classmates. During the summer before his eighth grade year, Buck faces a lot of changes, some welcome and some not so welcome. When his uncle arranges for him to help out Jacob Wall, an elderly hermit, he does so reluctantly because the man's gruff manner frightens him. As it turns out, Wall was once a speech pathologist in the military, and he offers to teach Buck how to deal with his stuttering. Although Buck doesn't particularly want the help, he also hates being teased by others. The only place he finds solace is when he's underground, exploring possible caves in the area. But caving alone is a risky venture. Readers will be fascinated by how courageous and determined Buck is when he is kidnapped and put into a pit as a prank and then makes his way to safety. It's interesting to note how someone who has avoided conflict and steered clear of bullies for much of his life can possess such bravery and will to live underground. Although there are some small distractions from the main story such as the funny scenes at the diner with his uncle, his siblings' plans to leave the area someday, and the lumber theft, all of these are part of building the suspense and adding layering to the family dynamics of which he is a part. What scared me the most was how much of a risk he took by exploring the cave, especially since no one knew exactly where he was. There were moments when I could literally feel the cave walls pressing in on me due to the author's detailed descriptions. Then, too, it is clear that this hard-working family loves one another even when they don't always understand each other's ambitions.
July 8, 2016
Summary: Buck Anderson is a thirteen year old boy living in Virginia who enjoys exploring caves and struggles with a speech impediment. The story follows him throughout his summer as he dreams of exploring a small cave he found called “the hole.” Throughout the summer, he encounters issues with a group of bullies, an old man named Jacob bent on speech training with Buck, finding out who is stealing from the family lumber yard, and his mother’s attempts at fixing his stuttering problem. This coming of age story shows how Buck goes from a frightened, quiet kid who stutters to a kid who overcomes obstacles and discovers more than just a cave.
Review: This book was not a quick read at first. Some chapters seem to read quicker than others, but overall it contained parts that it could have done without. The chapter about the religious healer would not be missed and the few chapters where it appears that Buck is texting David could have been shortened. I think it is a really great book for kids struggling with bullying or with being different. The characters are well developed for this age range and Buck is very relatable. I found myself rooting for his choices even when they weren’t smart choices. This book would be appropriate for grades 5-8 and I think teens and adults would enjoy this book as well.
Review: This book was not a quick read at first. Some chapters seem to read quicker than others, but overall it contained parts that it could have done without. The chapter about the religious healer would not be missed and the few chapters where it appears that Buck is texting David could have been shortened. I think it is a really great book for kids struggling with bullying or with being different. The characters are well developed for this age range and Buck is very relatable. I found myself rooting for his choices even when they weren’t smart choices. This book would be appropriate for grades 5-8 and I think teens and adults would enjoy this book as well.
June 9, 2016
Interesting adventure story for kids, giving insight on an usual hobby: caving! I visited a few local caves when I was 12/13/14 years old, and even though they were well-lit, those tight spaces did not make me want to go any further!
Not so for young Buck Anderson. In the beginning, he explored local caves very cautiously and always with his best friend Dave. When Dave moves away, however, Buck can't resist the urge to continue exploring -- alone.
Early on, we also learn that Buck stutters -- a problem that most kids outgrow, but one that continues to plague Buck. It is hard enough for Buck, but when he begins overhearing conversations at home between his own family members, he feels worse for how it bothers even those who love him.
Of course, Buck is dealing with other issues common among boys his age: he is the victim of a group of unrelenting bullies, and his family's business has recently been suffering a rash of thefts.
The author brings all of these factors together in a nice, tight story. It's not that everyone lives happily ever after, but the ending is believable, and the general message is one of self-empowerment. Good middle school read, particularly for reluctant boys!
Not so for young Buck Anderson. In the beginning, he explored local caves very cautiously and always with his best friend Dave. When Dave moves away, however, Buck can't resist the urge to continue exploring -- alone.
Early on, we also learn that Buck stutters -- a problem that most kids outgrow, but one that continues to plague Buck. It is hard enough for Buck, but when he begins overhearing conversations at home between his own family members, he feels worse for how it bothers even those who love him.
Of course, Buck is dealing with other issues common among boys his age: he is the victim of a group of unrelenting bullies, and his family's business has recently been suffering a rash of thefts.
The author brings all of these factors together in a nice, tight story. It's not that everyone lives happily ever after, but the ending is believable, and the general message is one of self-empowerment. Good middle school read, particularly for reluctant boys!
May 9, 2019
I won an ARC of this in a YA Book Central giveaway. The book was provided by the publisher.
If you are looking for adventure, then this the book for you! Buck Anderson, a thirteen-year-old spelunker, always imagined exploring uncharted caves with his best friend David. Unfortunately, that dream is soon dashed when David moves miles away. Now friendless and bullied because of his stutter, Buck can only do one thing. Exploring caves. His parents, on the other hand, disapprove of his dangerous hobby, forcing Buck to keep his outings secret. Although Buck breaks the number one rule of caving numerous times, that does not deter him from exploring hidden worlds. Follow Buck as he tackles his problems head-on in this adventurous and unique book that is great for all ages!
I really enjoyed the descriptions and details that went into Buck’s adventures. I felt like I was in the story, scaling the walls and admiring the hollowed out rock. It was easy to follow the story from start to finish, captivated till the very end!
If you are looking for adventure, then this the book for you! Buck Anderson, a thirteen-year-old spelunker, always imagined exploring uncharted caves with his best friend David. Unfortunately, that dream is soon dashed when David moves miles away. Now friendless and bullied because of his stutter, Buck can only do one thing. Exploring caves. His parents, on the other hand, disapprove of his dangerous hobby, forcing Buck to keep his outings secret. Although Buck breaks the number one rule of caving numerous times, that does not deter him from exploring hidden worlds. Follow Buck as he tackles his problems head-on in this adventurous and unique book that is great for all ages!
I really enjoyed the descriptions and details that went into Buck’s adventures. I felt like I was in the story, scaling the walls and admiring the hollowed out rock. It was easy to follow the story from start to finish, captivated till the very end!
May 6, 2016
The story: Buck has made the find of a lifetime: the Hole, an underground tunnel leading to what promises to be an unexplored cave. But who's he going to tell? His best friend and caving pal has just moved away; his family would never let him explore it on his own, and outside his family? His stuttering keeps him from telling anyone anything. Things look up when his speech impediment gets help from an unexpected source, but take a turn for the worse when a group of bullies set on revenge chooses a path that could cost Buck his life.
June Cleaver's ratings: Language PG; Violence PG; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse PG; Magic & the occult G; GLBT content G; adult themes (bullying, lying to parents) PG-13; overall rating PG.
Liz's comments: Here's an adventure story, an anti-bullying story, and a book that shows if something's of value, you'd better be prepared to work hard for it. The only downside is that it gets off to a slow start, but patient readers will be well rewarded.
June Cleaver's ratings: Language PG; Violence PG; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse PG; Magic & the occult G; GLBT content G; adult themes (bullying, lying to parents) PG-13; overall rating PG.
Liz's comments: Here's an adventure story, an anti-bullying story, and a book that shows if something's of value, you'd better be prepared to work hard for it. The only downside is that it gets off to a slow start, but patient readers will be well rewarded.
November 11, 2016
Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds Going Where It’s Dark, 321 pgs. Delacorte Press, 2016. $16.99. Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence PG.
Buck Anderson is weeks away from finishing 7th grade and looking forward to a summer away from bullies and the discomfort of school where his stuttering makes him a target and self-conscious. Buck’s best friend, who seemed to understand his stuttering problem and shared his love of caving, has moved. Summer becomes less than ideal when Buck has to do odd jobs for a crabby old man and his grandfather’s lumberyard is being stolen from.
The title has several meanings and Naylor spins a great story. When Buck is squirming through a tight spot in a cave my claustrophobia kicked into high gear. Buck’s problems seem very real and not contrived and his stuttering problem shows that there are no easy answers and makes him a relatable character.
EL, MS - ESSENTIAL. Michelle in the Middle
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
Buck Anderson is weeks away from finishing 7th grade and looking forward to a summer away from bullies and the discomfort of school where his stuttering makes him a target and self-conscious. Buck’s best friend, who seemed to understand his stuttering problem and shared his love of caving, has moved. Summer becomes less than ideal when Buck has to do odd jobs for a crabby old man and his grandfather’s lumberyard is being stolen from.
The title has several meanings and Naylor spins a great story. When Buck is squirming through a tight spot in a cave my claustrophobia kicked into high gear. Buck’s problems seem very real and not contrived and his stuttering problem shows that there are no easy answers and makes him a relatable character.
EL, MS - ESSENTIAL. Michelle in the Middle
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
February 27, 2016
Thirteen-year-old Buck Anderson wants to continue secretly exploring the underground caves around his Blue Ridge Mountain home during his summer vacation, but he knows it won't be much fun without his best friend, David, who has moved away. But Buck'sfamily has found ways to fill his days with chores for the family and now for a grumpy old man named Jacob. Buck's days are also filled with bullies going into high school who bully Buck about his stuttering. So when Buck learns Jacob used to help military people with their stuttering and Jacob volunteers to help Buck, he secretly adds this to his summer agenda too.
Buck's secrets are as dark as the caves he wants to explore and he learns there are secrets all around him that he and others must explore too.
I appreciated learning about ways therapists help stutterers and vicariously experiencing what it is like to be in an underground cave.
Buck's secrets are as dark as the caves he wants to explore and he learns there are secrets all around him that he and others must explore too.
I appreciated learning about ways therapists help stutterers and vicariously experiencing what it is like to be in an underground cave.
June 16, 2016
Read this book with my 9 year old son. Buck Anderson is a thirteen year old boy who lives in a rural Virginia town. He has a stutter and feels awkward talking to people. Unfortunately, his stuttering and reserved personality make him the subject of bullying among other middle school students.
School ends, and Buck spends his summer with his family, attending to the large garden and occasionally at the saw mill/lumber yard which they support themselves. Neither the garden nor the mill provide much excitement for Buck. Instead, he is attracted to the thrill of cave exploration.
Over the course of the summer, Buck comes to terms with his stuttering, goes exploring and deals with the bullies by overcoming what could have been a great tragedy. While the book did get off to a slow start, it was a great coming of age story with a fantastic finish.
School ends, and Buck spends his summer with his family, attending to the large garden and occasionally at the saw mill/lumber yard which they support themselves. Neither the garden nor the mill provide much excitement for Buck. Instead, he is attracted to the thrill of cave exploration.
Over the course of the summer, Buck comes to terms with his stuttering, goes exploring and deals with the bullies by overcoming what could have been a great tragedy. While the book did get off to a slow start, it was a great coming of age story with a fantastic finish.
September 25, 2016
Finally, a middle grade novel portraying a loving, intact, hard-working family! This is a rich, beautifully constructed middle grade fiction novel. Buck is a pretty typical soon-to-be eighth grade boy living in rural Virginia who misses his best friend and struggles with a stuttering condition. A gang of bullies, help from a cantankerous old man, a mysterious theft, frightening forays into underground caves, all keep the reader engaged. Though Buck makes a few questionable decisions, he's an honest, brave, honorable young man. This book would make a good read-aloud for teachers or parents looking for a realistic story that teaches good values and will have listeners begging for one more page.
April 12, 2017
This is such a well written book and a great page turner. Perfect for middle school boys who do not like to read. Situations in this middle class, blue collar, rural Virginia family are realistic and handled well. Reader who suffer from claustrophobia, like myself, may become anxious in some scenes. Just proof of how good this author is! A few situations concerned me, with Buck going into a cave after telling no one where he was going as well as accepting a ride from a stranger. Buck is an awesome kid learning how to over come a stutter and facing all the problems that confront a boy going into middle school
February 25, 2016
A great middle school adventure story especially for boys! Buck is a stutterer. When his best friend David moves away, he becomes a target for the eighth grade bullies. He is most at home exploring the caves. Knowing this is dangerous by himself, he sneaks away to explore a hole he found in the cave. He also meets and helps a grumpy vet who may be the only one to help Buck. Naylor has delivered in this coming of age story where a boy must learn to confront his fears.
March 16, 2016
Issues of bullies, a friend moving away, and family expectations combine with intense frustration at stuttering for Buck, a 13-year-old Virginian, soon to finish seventh grade. He and his friend who had moved away were fascinated with caving. When Buck discovers a cave while he was on a bike ride, he almost gets trapped there. Can he find a way to explore the cave more safely, overcome his stuttering and escape the bullies?
March 31, 2016
Buck has been stuttering his entire life and would love to be able to stop, but limited school budgets have prevented him from getting the services he needs. The summer before eighth grade he is desperate enough to accept help from the curmudgeonly old man he has been doing odd jobs for who has some unusual treatment techniques. Buck's love of spelunking will also come in handy this summer when the town bullies drop him down an abandoned shaft.
April 29, 2016
The title of this one is befitting of the subject - Buck stutters, his only friend has moved away, he is being bullied and his family loves him, but can’t really understand him. He is passionate about caving and takes risks underground that he knows he probably shouldn’t. The combination of intense action and the well-drawn characters make this a powerful story - Buck is such a sympathetic character and the caving scenes are both terrifying and exciting.
August 22, 2017
Not surprisingly, a really well-written solid (in the good sense) middle grade novel in which a young boy faces his fears of stuttering and discovers his own strengths when abandonned in a series of caves. In doing so he learns to speak to the truth to his loving, but slightly rulebound family. Great caving scenes and well rounded characters we care about. A good accompaniment to the historical Paper Boy by Vince Vawter, which also deals with stuttering.
June 17, 2016
3.5...a story I'll never forget, yet almost didn't finish so many times because the pace felt too slow. Overall? Loved a few of the characters by the end & the cave exploration aspect makes this book unique. The setting felt a bit disjointed--both too modern & too old fashioned at times. Some kids will LOVE this book for its caving adventure.
July 7, 2016
This book was a bit of a surprise! Lots of detail about caving and what an amateur cave explorer might know, but also lots of detail about Buck's life at school and with his family. He's a 7th grader, a twin, and a stutterer, the last making him the frequent target of a group of bullies. Another good book from a skilled author.
Read
September 13, 2016Buck loves to explore caves but his best friend and partner has just moved away. He continues to look for underground caves and finds one that he explores by himself, against all the rules of caving. Some bullies throw him into a mine shaft and he finds his way out through what he has explored before.
May 1, 2018
This book caught my eye at a school book fair, because I am a cavern tour guide and have done some spelunking. Most of the book focus on Buck learning how to overcome his stutter, but he also does some spelunking in a hole he found on Virginia farmland. I enjoyed the story, but it wasn't something I couldn't put down.
January 26, 2016
Because there are so many different plotlines (stuttering, spelunking, and bullying, oh my!), this book starts out a little slow as things are carefully set up. It steadily picks up steam though as it builds to a frightening climax.
April 28, 2016
You will find yourself rooting for the main character Buck. There are so many separate yet intertwined stories. A little wordy but all comes together at the end. This will be a good suggestion for a book report.
January 2, 2017
Not for those with claustrophobia. While the main story is about Buck and his obsession with caves, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor includes so much more. Buck survives stuttering, his best friend moving away, and bullying. A nail biting ending that turns out well.
January 3, 2017
The many themes of this realistic fiction work make it appealing for a wide audience. The adventure of caving is featured in addition to a struggle with stuttering and a theme of bullying. Great for fans of Pricilla Cumming's work.
March 8, 2017
I had difficulty reading this book when the author got to the caving sequences. It really raised my anxiety level about being in closed tight places. I kept thinking what if he gets stuck. I think students will like the outcome and how Buck solves some of his own issues.
Want to read
December 30, 2015Juvenile - Grade 4-6 Age 9 - 11 Action & Adventure
January 24, 2016
I'm a speech pathologist and this story was so accurate and so important. Everyone should read this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews