The World From Up Here

by Cecilia Galante

Wren Baker has never felt brave a day in her life. She doesn't even know what she's afraid of, really. Only that if she raises her voice or leaves her mark or ventures too far from home, she'll risk falling flat on her face.

But that all changes when Wren's cousin, Silver, walks into her life. Silver is totally fearless. Maybe that's why she's the most popular girl in the sixth grade. She dares Wren to take risks, to live out loud, to finally spread her wings. And when Silver decides to undertake the journey of a lifetime, Wren is forced to make a decision: Is she in or is she out? There's only one way Wren will ever learn to fly. It's time for her to stand at the edge of the unknown...and jump.

Full of heartache and hope, The World From Up Here is a tender, moving story about old secrets, new friendships, and what it means to face the things that scare us most.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Friendship, Childrens, Fiction, Young Adult, Autistic Spectrum Disorder

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 28, 2016

About the author

Cecilia Galante is the author of several middle grade, young adult and adult novels. She also teaches 8th grade English at Wyoming Seminary Prep School, and teaches creative writing in the MFA program at Wilkes University.

Reviews

[Shoshana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5, I think.

"The World From Up Here" is a touching story, following Wren and her younger brother as they deal with being displaced to live with their aunt and cousin (who they barely know) while their mother and father are away, dealing with their mother's depressive breakdown.

Loved: While this wasn't THE trajectory of the story, I loved how timid Wren dealt with her autistic brother throughout the book. Watching her struggle with frustration, fear, and love while fielding her brother's outbursts, needs, and reactions felt so real and true.

Liked: I enjoyed the growing bonds between Silver and Wren. I liked how Silver prodded Wren out of her shell, without being obnoxious about it, and had reasons to admire Wren as well. Silver's mother, the aunt, was wonderful in being gentle and supportive of her niece and nephew. I liked how the Witch Weatherly issue resolved, and how overall Wren managed to be a strong character despite (or maybe including) her fearfulness.

Not a huge fan of: To me, Wren's fearful aspects seemed a little exaggerated. I'm also open to that just being my reaction. But I didn't love that all her fears boiled down to being "someone else's" and when she realized that, she could get over it very quickly. Especially that they were, by and large, all implanted there by her mother. I know it was meant to reflect her mother's depression and anxiety, but surely such an anxious child would develop some of these on her own? It felt like an easy-out fix.

And then there's the mother's depression: this is of course always a hot topic for me. I don't think it was handled BADLY here. I was very glad she didn't die - I thought that was coming. I'm not sure it was handled WELL either. Why was the nearest psych hospital in another state? Why did the dad leave his kids for the ENTIRETY of her treatment? Especially with a relative they barely knew. And why the fucking fuck was she so much better after only a few weeks? I hate insta-cured depression.

I realize these are things that happen in the real world. But I think when representing depression and mental illness in a parent to children in a book, I really believe it should be done in a way to help kids understand it. Not make it super vague, scary, and something that takes mom and dad far away and unreachable in another friggin state. It kind of seemed like the author needed a reason to remove them, and so went with that.

But, honestly, it was a good book. Just left me with a lot of opinions.

[tonsofbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a goodreads arc of this book from the publisher. Overall, I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to some of my students. My only irks with the story include the backstory of the main character's mother and father suddenly disappearing from the scene because of mother's mental health scare. Seems like that was just thrown in as the only valid excuse for throwing the two girls closer together. That began to seem a bit far fetched and abrupt. It also seemed to take quite a while for the main storyline to reach its fruition, to then oh so quickly wrap itself up in a tidy bow. Other than that, I like the main characters and the relationship that develops between two seemingly different girl cousin characters as they find each other's strengths and weaknesses and push each other forward.

[Michele Knott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, I really loved this book! The characters of Wren and Silver jumped into my heart. I loved seeing the character development in Wren.
Great story about being brave.

[South Country Library Children's Department · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot to love about this book. It has great characterization and writing and an interesting plot. Great read just for plot, but I think it would also help kids who are anxious or have a parent with mental health issues to see themselves mirrored. The element of a brother with Asperger's Syndrome does not overwhelm Wren's own story. It fits in as another piece of her life, as it must for other siblings. I loved her exploration of people's misconceptions and the harm of rumors. It is written on an age appropriate level, and leaves the reader uplifted and hopeful. However, the way Wren dealt with the snake seemed like a stretch and bothered me. In addition, as an adult reader, I feel like the treatment of treatment of anxiety and depression is a bit facile. It is implied that Wren's fears are just fears she's learned from her mom. But kids sometimes do experience anxiety; children of the mentally ill can experience PTSD symptoms. Thinking more positively or bravely may not be enough. Ditto with the mom. The book makes a point that receiving Witch Weatherly's letter was a "turning point in her [Wren's mother] recovery". I understand that it is written for kids, and that her healing took place at a hospital with doctor assistance (presumably with meds), but it's a shame this sends a small, probably unintentional message that it's all in the head and you just need to think differently or let go of guilt. Society already sends the message too often that medication isn't necessary, when sometimes it's essential. But, it is written for kids so they probably won't pick up it. I still had to give it 4 stars because it was enjoyable and a worthwhile read.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wren Baker, who is inclined to worry, finds herself reeling after her mom checks in to a psychiatric facility to cope with her depression and Wren moves in temporarily with her aunt and beautiful cousin Silver. Because Silver is so popular at school, Wren is suddenly inundated with questions about their relationship, and with her parents both at the hospital all the time, she is also left to worry about the behavior of her younger brother, who has autism. When Silver decides she wants to study local legend Witch Weatherly for a school project, Wren is nervous for her, but can't help but join in anyway. What she learns, in the end, is not just interesting, but emotionally healing for herself and her family.

This book has stuck with me very strongly. The subject matter is not the most uplifting, and the effects of Wren's mother's mental illness on Wren's own well-being are troubling and sad, but there is so much hope in the novel, it is impossible not to become invested in the characters early on. The friendship that grows between Wren and Silver is one of my favorite female friendships in contemporary children's literature, and it will resonate with many girls who have found a kindred spirit in an unlikely person. For any child whose family is going through a time where a parent is institutionalized, this book will be a lifeline, but even for those for whom the subject matter is not a concern, the novel will still be an emotionally compelling read and a valuable lesson in learning to stand on one's own and choose one's own path.

[Jeff Raymond · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like when books can surprise you. While The World From Up Here rightfully gets praise for its handling of a character with Asperger's, the impressive feat is how it dances with the stories we all tell and the way ideas and concepts spread regardless of evidence, both in our own families and in our town.

In the story, a girl has to stay with her cousin for a time when her mother is hospitalized. Her cousin is a little flighty and fearless, and the town has a big story about a witch who lives up on the hill. The cousin decides, for a class project, that she wants to interview the witch, and our protagonist is quickly forced to work outside of her comfort zone and get some things together.

It's a decent book, although I have a lot of reservations in play here. I found the cousin to be more than a little unrealistic in the context of this story - a Manic Pixie Dream Girl works in a John Green book, not a family story like this one. The benefit of how the story is structured is that the last act really keeps you guessing, especially about the witch. The ultimate problem, though, is that this tries to be a little heavier than it ends up being. It's a Rules-style story without the Rules-style weight, and that's why this stumbles a bit.

Overall, this book can and should find an audience, and I hope it does. I just wish it did a few things better.

[LeeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Likeable characters, a great sister-brother dynamic, and a mystery revolving around a witch. Perfect ingredients for a great middle grade read that touches on friendship, family, and even mental illness. Yet what stood out for me was its exploration of fear. Why are we afraid of the things we are afraid of? Can knowing why make it any easier to overcome a fear? And if your fears have come to govern every aspect of your life, how do you even begin to break that cycle?

Give this one to readers who like books like "Rules" by Cynthia Lord, "Umbrella Summer" by Lisa Graff, or "Nest" by Esther Ehrlich.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wholesome, easy read about a fearful young girl and three pivotal weeks in her young life. Wren Baker is a character I would have felt much akin to at that age. She is timid and self-conscious; her greatest desire is to become brave. When her depressed mother suffers a nervous breakdown Wren and her younger brother move in with their free-spirited cousin and aunt. A school history project and her cousin Silver's spunky attitude shake things up for Wren and force her to change in ways she never considered possible.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that Wren is anxious, which so many kids are. (Including me, although I didn't know it was a "thing" at the time ... I just had a lot of stomachaches and threw up from time to time.) I liked the plan to interview Witch Weatherly. I liked that Silver wasn't as confident as she seemed. But I didn't like that the dad just took off with the mother, and I didn't like the revelations about her past. Really, neither she nor Bedelia thought to look each other up, just in case? WHEN THEY LIVED IN THE SAME TOWN?

[Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, for starters, I didn't like the book ... I LOVED the book!

When Wren conquered her fears (riding horses, going on planes, climbing Creeper Mountain, thunder storms, and many more) I felt so ... fearless. Like I could conquer anything, too. I also felt ... proud of Wren, I guess. And it makes me feel happy when I feel fearless.

[Breana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi I am 10 and I really enjoyed this book please make more like this or make a part 2 of it please I loved this book I just finished reading and I feel like something's missing. You could also do more books with Silver, Mama, Daddy, wren, Russell, Aunt Marianne, and of course Jackson, Manchester, and Roo! Please consider this!
Much luck, breana

[Debbie Tanner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This middle grade fiction story about Wren and her family is complicated and sad. There are themes of depression, bullying, family dysfunction, starting over, Asperger's syndrome-it's a lot. But it's a nice story with characters I liked.

[Laura Kremer · Rating 3 out of 5]

my opinions on this book....it’s good but i don’t recommend. so, one thing i hated this book is how they would foreshadow and make a huge deal over these tiny events, it was like a 2 year old was writing this book. they was so much inticipation (however you spell) about creeper mountain and it’s so sad once you find out how big of a deal it was. while i was reading it, i thought it was good but now that i finished it and reflect on it, it wasn’t that good so that’s why i rated it 3 stars.

[Nora Geffre · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was awesome I loved it so much I mean yes there were review that said it will inspire you for your bravery but it didn't do that to me but it was still awesome really good and cool period

[American Mensa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rumor has it that in Sudbury, Pennsylvania, the depraved and belligerent Witch Weatherly resides on the peak of Creeper Mountain. What was once a majestic mountain with shimmering waterfalls is now bewitched and guarded by Witch Weatherly’s infamous red raven. If you asked a resident of Sudbury about Creeper Mountain, they would mention deadly bites from hornet-head snakes, mysterious pits where one could fall to their death, and many more horrid tales. Wren Baker is a shy and timorous sixth grader who isn’t really sure of what she is afraid of. Wren has heard enough to find it incredulous that her 12-year-old cousin, Silver Jones, wants to try interviewing Witch Weatherly for their upcoming history project.

Meanwhile, Wren has enough obstacles to overcome that are much closer to home. Wren’s brother, Russell, struggles with Asperger’s syndrome. Russell finds it hard to control his short and mercurial temper at times, making him different from the others. On top of that, Wren’s mom is suddenly admitted to the hospital due to the depression she has struggled with for years. When Wren’s father leaves to accompany his wife at the hospital, Wren and her brother must stay with their Aunt Marianne and their cousin Silver. On the contrary to Wren, Silver is plucky, pretty, and popular. Stuck with relatives she has only just met, Wren is desperate for answers, as her father tells her little about her mother’s recovery.

However, Wren’s perception of taking risks begins to change during her stay at Silver’s house. As Wren and Silver unravel some riveting and consternating mysteries about Wren’s mom and Aunt Marianne’s past, Wren realizes that journeying up to Creeper Mountain with Silver for their history project is the only way to learn the full truth about her mom. Is Wren ready to face Creeper Mountain’s malign reputation without the knowledge of her aunt?

I gave this book five stars because of the thrilling revelations in the plot of the book, which filled me with vast excitement and a desire to know more. Wren is also a very relatable character, so I could connect with the story on a personal level. Wren shows the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and not trusting anything at the surface, like how she stopped believing in her mother’s fear of horses and tried to ride a pony. I recommend The World From Up Here to anyone who likes reading thrilling middle-grade novels packed with mysteries and well-rounded characters at every twist and turn of the plot. I felt that this book should not be judged by its genre. It is way more than a realistic fiction book. Cecilia Galante has weaved elements of fantasy, adventure, and mystery, which makes The World From Up Here an enticing read.
Reviewed by Sonika M, 13, Metropolitan Washington Mensa

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a really great story for my daughter and I to enjoy. She really enjoyed learning about Wren and Silver. Finding a friendship like that is something every girl dreams of having.

[Anjanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book about friendship and fears. Throughout the book Wren and Silver have to overcome obstacles that most teens will face throughout their life. Wren's mom is sick and has to be hospitalized for an extended period of time. Through the book, Silver, who is Wren's cousin, helps Wren to open up to different possibilities and helps her to overcome some major fears in here life. Russell, who has autism, has to work through fears and differences as he approaches life. Wren and Russell have a secret code they use to help Russell calm down and be able to face life challenges. This book is appropriate for ages 10-14 and I believe is a great addition to a library. I would highly recommend this. The book has a great life story for us to look beyond what is known.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story a 12 year old girl might enjoy reading. The main character, Wren, is also 12 years old and very afraid of almost everything. She gets to know her cousin, Silver, when a family illness causes Wren and her brother to live with her aunt. Silver rises to life’s challenges and opportunities, and encourages Wren to get out of her comfort zone. It’s a fair portrayal of what is might be like to have a younger brother with Asperger’s Syndrome, and feel responsible for him all the time. Of course there is a horse (seems to be a must for tween reading) and a witch on Creeper Mountain. Galante use tension well to move the story along, and everything wraps up nice and neatly. For a younger teen reader, this can be a huge comfort.

[Michelle Mayfield]

I liked this story because it is a good reminder for all of us get out of our own heads and don't stress over everything. It was a story about a girl who is afraid of many things, and ends up having to live with a cousin she barely knows while her mom gets checked into a hospital. This is a good book for 10 year old girls.

[Bella M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book. When I first saw it, I wasn't sure if it would be very good. However once I got to around page 30, I couldn't put it down! I really think this book is good for all readers that like adventure books.

[Michelle Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

While getting to know one another after family circumstances pushed them together, Wren and Silver learn a great deal about each other and themselves. This book really portrays making the choice to be brave.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent portrayal of anxiety in children while still being a great mix of family story, friendship, and being brave.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upper elementary realistic fiction

Anxiety, depression, courage/bravery

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!!

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite being categorized as a YA novel there are ideas in this book even adults can learn from. Excellent plot and the characters were well developed.

[Ava Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book ever! Took me a low amount of time to read because it was so entertaining!

[Ava Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book ever. Totally recommended

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

When her mother is hospitalized for depression, Wren Baker and her younger brother Russell, must stay with her aunt, Marianne, and cousin, Silver, recently arrived in Pennsylvania from Florida. Wren isn't particularly fond of changes and hardly knows these relatives. She is particularly leery of Silver, who is attractive and popular and the object of all the boys' affections. Wren doesn't take many chances in life, partly because her mother has sheltered her but also because she fears what might happen. But as she and Russell, who is on the autism spectrum, settle into a new routine, Wren realizes that she has misjudged Silver and that she is nothing like she thought she was. Slowly, Silver urges Wren and Russell to step out of their comfort zones, and they even ride the family's horses. I liked all the characters in this book, but I would have been fine without the inclusion of Witch Weatherly and the back story of Wren's mother's early life or all the drama associated with the girls' trip up Creeper Mountain. While I can certainly understand that children and adults might spread rumors about someone reclusive who lives on a mountain, the connection between Wren's mother and the woman seemed too much to believe. Still, the story itself was engaging, reminding readers that some risks are necessary in order to embrace life fully while others may not be worth taking. My heart broke for Wren because of the way her friends treated her. Clearly, she needed to find some new ones. I also found it worth noting that it was easier for Wren to change than she thought it would be.

[Oak Lawn Public Library - Youth Services · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: The World from Up Here
Author: Cecilia Galante
Pages: 305
Lexile level: 660L
5 out of 5 stars

Recommendations and comments: There is so much going on in this book. We’ve got the main character Wren, dealing with her own personal anxiety issues. We’ve got Wren’s mom, who ends up being hospitalized for severe depression. And we have Wren’s eight-year-old brother who has Asperger’s. When Wren’s mother is hospitalized mental health reasons, Wren and her brother Russell end up staying with their Aunt Marianne and cousin, Silver, who is in the same grade as Wren. Aunt Marianne and Silver and new transplants to Pennsylvania from Florida. In Wren’s eyes Silver is fearless, takes risks, and is intimidating to Wren. When they’re assigned a school report, Silver decides to embark on a trip to a forbidden place for her assignment. Wren has to choose whether she can be fearless like her cousin or if her anxiety will ultimately continue to hold her back.
This is an excellent book, it realistically highlight the struggles that families experience with children and parents with mental health issues.

Reviewed by Amberleigh B.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first picked up this book, it took me awhile to really get into it... but I'm glad I stuck it out. Wren Baker, the main character, is a scaredy cat... and she knows it. When her mom needs to be hospitalized for a mental breakdown, Wren and her brother, Russell, must go to stay with their Aunt Marianne and cousin, Silver. Silver is everything Wren wants to be...popular, confident, beautiful. As the girls become closer and embark on a journey together to research a local legend, "Witch Weatherly", Wren learns that everyone has fears when she is asked to face some of hers in an emergency situation. Great job, Cecilia Galante. I enjoyed the rich characters, especially Wren's autistic brother, Russell, realistic plot development, and overall theme that everyone is facing some sort of fear in their life.