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A World Below
A class field trips turns into an underground quest for survival.
Mr. Baker’s eighth grade class thought they were in for a normal field trip to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. But when an earthquake hits, their field trip takes a terrifying turn. The students are plunged into an underground lake…and their teacher goes missing.
They have no choice but to try and make their way back above ground, even though no one can agree on the best course of action. The darkness brings out everyone’s true self. Supplies dwindle and tensions mount. Pretty and popular Silvia does everything she can to hide her panic attacks, even as she tries to step up and be a leader. But the longer she’s underground, the more frequent and debilitating they become. Meanwhile, Eric has always been a social no one, preferring to sit at the back of the class and spend evenings alone. Now, he finds himself separated from his class, totally by himself underground. That is, until he meets an unexpected stranger.
Told from three different points of view, this fast-paced adventure novel explores how group dynamics change under dire circumstances. Do the students of Mr. Baker’s class really know each other at all? Or do they just think they do? It turns out, it’s hard to hide in the dark.
Mr. Baker’s eighth grade class thought they were in for a normal field trip to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. But when an earthquake hits, their field trip takes a terrifying turn. The students are plunged into an underground lake…and their teacher goes missing.
They have no choice but to try and make their way back above ground, even though no one can agree on the best course of action. The darkness brings out everyone’s true self. Supplies dwindle and tensions mount. Pretty and popular Silvia does everything she can to hide her panic attacks, even as she tries to step up and be a leader. But the longer she’s underground, the more frequent and debilitating they become. Meanwhile, Eric has always been a social no one, preferring to sit at the back of the class and spend evenings alone. Now, he finds himself separated from his class, totally by himself underground. That is, until he meets an unexpected stranger.
Told from three different points of view, this fast-paced adventure novel explores how group dynamics change under dire circumstances. Do the students of Mr. Baker’s class really know each other at all? Or do they just think they do? It turns out, it’s hard to hide in the dark.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published March 6, 2018
67 people are currently reading
1175 people want to read
About the author
Wesley King
21 books392 followersThe author of fourteen novels and counting, Wesley King has received over twenty literary awards and seen his books published worldwide, optioned for film and television, and translated into numerous languages. King is best known for his collaboration with Kobe Bryant on the #1 New York Times Bestselling Wizenard Series, as well as the Edgar Award-winning OCDaniel, which was also a Bank Street Best Book of the Year and Silver Birch winner. The follow-up, Sara and the Search for Normal, won both the Violet Downey and Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Awards. He also co-authored the YA romantic fiction novel Hello (from here) with New York Times bestselling author Chandler Baker. His next novel, Benny on the Case, will be released in April 2025. It is a JLG Gold Selection, has a Starred Review from PW and will be released simultaneously with an audiobook from Dreamscape. His adult debut novel is going to be announced soon.
He lives on a windy seaside bluff in Western Newfoundland, Canada.
He lives on a windy seaside bluff in Western Newfoundland, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
July 10, 2021
7/9/21 Update - 3.5 stars.
12/28/20 When an earthquake hits Carlsbad Caverns, a group of school kids on a field trip are stranded below ground. Can they survive and escape on their own? After reading this, you'll never see caves in the same way again.
7/9/21 Update - Give this one to kids who enjoy adventure stories like My Side of the Mountain or you picture being future fans of the survival aspects in Lord of the Flies someday.
12/28/20 When an earthquake hits Carlsbad Caverns, a group of school kids on a field trip are stranded below ground. Can they survive and escape on their own? After reading this, you'll never see caves in the same way again.
7/9/21 Update - Give this one to kids who enjoy adventure stories like My Side of the Mountain or you picture being future fans of the survival aspects in Lord of the Flies someday.
June 2, 2018
Pretty good but a bit heavy-handed on the "everyone has issues to work out and you should not be too hard on yourself" message. On the other hand, not bad stealth therapy if you need it.
February 15, 2021
I liked it. It was entertaining and a quick read
October 12, 2020
It's field trip time for Mr. Baker's honors 8th graders. He's taking them to Carlsbad Caverns, which they've learned about extensively for weeks. The excitement level about the trip varies greatly among the students. Eric likes adventure stuff and spending time with his mom, but she might embarrass him to death as the parent chaperone. Not that he has much social life to kill. He's been a bit of a loner ever since his dad left, and he likes it that way. Ashley has made it known from the start that she would much rather have gone to Albuquerque like last year's 8th graders did. The guys on the ice hockey team seem excited for the adventure. Silvia wasn't thrilled with the idea of coming. She really hopes the caves don't trigger an anxiety attack, an issue she feels makes her a freak and has so far successfully hidden from most people outside her family.
Under the caves lives the King and his people. They've been residents of the caves for over a hundred years. The King is fairly new to the throne and is struggling to live up to his father's rules and legacy. His father was a hard man, but the new King wonders if mercy wouldn't be better.
When an earthquake hits, the field trip is suddenly interrupted, the King's first act of mercy is interpreted as warranting judgement by the Mother, and their lives are set on a collision course as the class is hurled into a crack in the earth and swept down an underground river.
As a child I had a little obsession with imagining adventures in underground worlds. I still enjoy books that explore imaginary caves and kingdoms, so I absolutely loved diving into the world King has created here. His world stands out from most in that there's at least an element of plausibility to the secret kingdom under Carlsbad. So little of those caves have been explored, who is to say what future explorers will find? The origin of the settlement in the caves is plausible, and actually ties into the real history of the caves. I liked how King told the story from the perspectives of the King, Eric, and Silvia. Each of them is dealing with some hard things that their emergency situation forces them to grapple with head on and start moving to a more positive place. There was fantastic growth in each of them. The King is wrestling with tradition versus his convictions of what is right. Eric is wrestling with abandonment issues that have led him to withdraw from just about all relationships except with his mom. And Silvia is wrestling with some serious anxiety issues and feeling like she's a crazy person for having panic attacks. The author handles all of these issues with compassion, tact, and puts them in situations in the plot where they have to face them head on. I really liked how he incorporated all of those seamlessly. If you know a reader who likes imaginative survival stories and personal growth stories, hand this book to them.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Some of the characters have injuries from the earthquake or other things they face in the caves, but nothing super gory or that isn't easily addressed by medical attention eventually. There's a war between two groups that live in the caves that has resulted in lives lost in the past, but that sees great progress toward a peaceful resolution and no new deaths in these pages.
Under the caves lives the King and his people. They've been residents of the caves for over a hundred years. The King is fairly new to the throne and is struggling to live up to his father's rules and legacy. His father was a hard man, but the new King wonders if mercy wouldn't be better.
When an earthquake hits, the field trip is suddenly interrupted, the King's first act of mercy is interpreted as warranting judgement by the Mother, and their lives are set on a collision course as the class is hurled into a crack in the earth and swept down an underground river.
As a child I had a little obsession with imagining adventures in underground worlds. I still enjoy books that explore imaginary caves and kingdoms, so I absolutely loved diving into the world King has created here. His world stands out from most in that there's at least an element of plausibility to the secret kingdom under Carlsbad. So little of those caves have been explored, who is to say what future explorers will find? The origin of the settlement in the caves is plausible, and actually ties into the real history of the caves. I liked how King told the story from the perspectives of the King, Eric, and Silvia. Each of them is dealing with some hard things that their emergency situation forces them to grapple with head on and start moving to a more positive place. There was fantastic growth in each of them. The King is wrestling with tradition versus his convictions of what is right. Eric is wrestling with abandonment issues that have led him to withdraw from just about all relationships except with his mom. And Silvia is wrestling with some serious anxiety issues and feeling like she's a crazy person for having panic attacks. The author handles all of these issues with compassion, tact, and puts them in situations in the plot where they have to face them head on. I really liked how he incorporated all of those seamlessly. If you know a reader who likes imaginative survival stories and personal growth stories, hand this book to them.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Some of the characters have injuries from the earthquake or other things they face in the caves, but nothing super gory or that isn't easily addressed by medical attention eventually. There's a war between two groups that live in the caves that has resulted in lives lost in the past, but that sees great progress toward a peaceful resolution and no new deaths in these pages.
June 2, 2019
This was a delightful little book. I saw a blurb about this book in one of my vendor's trade magazines, and then realized we had purchased it with our initial order for our school library. I hadn't had a chance to pick it up until just now (what's up summer break?!?) and read it in a day. It is a GREAT mix of adventure (survival), science fiction (is it possible for life to evolve in such ways in the Carlsbad Caverns?), and fantasy (there is a MIDNIGHT KING). Awesome. I am already planning on putting it on my recommendation list for teachers and students in the fall when we get back to school and also think I will recommend it to my oldest son (heading into 4th grade).
Mr. Baker's advanced 8th grade students are taking a class trip to the Carlsbad Caverns. What should be a fun and educational outing turns dangerous after an earthquake separates the groups, and the students have to try to find their way out of the caves. Along the way they discover that they aren't alone down there, and inhabitants have their own things to worry about besides demons from the surface.
Recommended for grades 5-9.
Mr. Baker's advanced 8th grade students are taking a class trip to the Carlsbad Caverns. What should be a fun and educational outing turns dangerous after an earthquake separates the groups, and the students have to try to find their way out of the caves. Along the way they discover that they aren't alone down there, and inhabitants have their own things to worry about besides demons from the surface.
Recommended for grades 5-9.
April 24, 2023
This book was amazing. Each chapter ends with a cliffhanger and I LOVE it. It makes me want to read more. I couldn’t put it down. It was very interesting. It was about a class going into a cave for a field trip and there was a earthquake and they get lost. Their teacher Mr. Baker goes missing and they lose Eric.
May 9, 2018
This was not what I expected. I was looking forward to a straight survival story, so when this had elements of fantasy I was not prepared for that. I finished the book so it was still somewhat engaging but had too many types of plots running at once.
January 24, 2018
A great adventure/survival story with lots of cliff hangers at the end of chapters.
April 23, 2025
I actually loved this book! It exceeded my expectations by far. Every chapter made me want to keep reading, most of which ended in cliffhangers that were both frustrating and amazing. The dialogue was very amusing at times, and the book was full of delightful analogies and similes that sparked my imagination. I love the author's writing style. A beautiful blend of adventure and surreal cave discoveries, this story pulled me into its world. Unfortunately, only figuratively.
However, there were a couple things I didn't really like. One of these things was the slight superstition that the cave people seemed to have that bad things would happen to them if they didn't obey a certain law that their ancestors created. Thankfully, this seemed to get cleared up in the end, and the people came to their senses (or at least, the most important characters did). So that wasn't a big issue. But then there was the unsettling word they used to refer to the surface humans, and how they kept referring to the "Mother" (who I'm assuming was a modified version of Mother Earth). These I would've preferred not to be included in the book, but nonetheless, I loved the book, and the rest of the book outshined them by far.
I also loved the character Mr. Baker! I was sad he didn't show up in the book more often, but oh well. I liked the other characters a lot too, and I could really relate to Eric, as well as Sylvia when she had hesitation of being the leader.
There also seemed to be a message in the book that you didn't have to follow your parent's example, and I think this message could've been spared from the book, because not all parents are bad. Yet still, I am so very glad I bought this book!! (Even if it was only 50 cents.)
However, there were a couple things I didn't really like. One of these things was the slight superstition that the cave people seemed to have that bad things would happen to them if they didn't obey a certain law that their ancestors created. Thankfully, this seemed to get cleared up in the end, and the people came to their senses (or at least, the most important characters did). So that wasn't a big issue. But then there was the unsettling word they used to refer to the surface humans, and how they kept referring to the "Mother" (who I'm assuming was a modified version of Mother Earth). These I would've preferred not to be included in the book, but nonetheless, I loved the book, and the rest of the book outshined them by far.
I also loved the character Mr. Baker! I was sad he didn't show up in the book more often, but oh well. I liked the other characters a lot too, and I could really relate to Eric, as well as Sylvia when she had hesitation of being the leader.
There also seemed to be a message in the book that you didn't have to follow your parent's example, and I think this message could've been spared from the book, because not all parents are bad. Yet still, I am so very glad I bought this book!! (Even if it was only 50 cents.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2019
Whilst on a field trip exploring some caverns in New Mexico, an 8 Grade class is stuck in an earthquake and ends up trapped below the surface. The class finds themselves in an underground world with some friendly and not-so-friendly inhabitants. Can they survive and make it back to the surface?
I came across this in my library's ebook selection and that cover grabbed my attention. It's a beautiful cover and when I read the synopsis which boasted that this book was a mix of Lord of the Flies and Journey to the Centre of the Earth, I was in.
However, I feel like this book just wasn't for me. I expected more Lord of the Flies-inspired elements and it didn't deliver enough for me. Also, I didn't care enough about most of the characters. Just blah.
One thing I did like was Silvia's struggle with anxiety and how she managed to overcome it to help lead the group through the underground world. It was a nice juxtaposition and as this is a middle grade book, I like that it sends the message that just because you have anxiety and panic attacks, doesn't mean you can't be brave and strong.
I came across this in my library's ebook selection and that cover grabbed my attention. It's a beautiful cover and when I read the synopsis which boasted that this book was a mix of Lord of the Flies and Journey to the Centre of the Earth, I was in.
However, I feel like this book just wasn't for me. I expected more Lord of the Flies-inspired elements and it didn't deliver enough for me. Also, I didn't care enough about most of the characters. Just blah.
One thing I did like was Silvia's struggle with anxiety and how she managed to overcome it to help lead the group through the underground world. It was a nice juxtaposition and as this is a middle grade book, I like that it sends the message that just because you have anxiety and panic attacks, doesn't mean you can't be brave and strong.
February 14, 2018
I entered the Goodreads giveaway for this book because I LOVED OCDaniel. Unfortunately, A World Below is not my kind of book. I like adventure but not fantasy and I found the story line about the underground colony far fetched. (The blurb makes the book sound contemporary - it's not.) Because there were so many characters, none are very well developed. And because there were so many cliff hanger chapter endings, where you think they are going to be attacked by some horrible creature and never survive, I stopped being surprised when they survive yet another unbelievable obstacle. The ending implies a sequel but I hope King does another book more like OCDaniel.
February 11, 2018
This tale is a fast-paced adventure story that will encourage reluctant readers to turn the pages to find out what happens. As I reached the end of each chapter, I could not put the book down. The writing is simple and easy to read, yet the content will cause you to flip the pages quickly.I recommend this read for any middle school child who enjoys reading adventure stories. It will enthrall, the dynamics between the children will be believable, and the outcome will be greeted with satisfaction.
March 31, 2022
A great story ..sequel?
January 11, 2019
This is a great young adult adventure story. It is fantastical enough for fantasy fans but doesn't ever to far into that world for fans of real life adventure.
April 21, 2021
I read this book in 2 hours it was so good. Fun, interesting plot and super easy to read. Target audience is definitely like middle school kids but it was good regardless.
September 17, 2018
After a group of teens fall into a cavernous world with all sorts of deadly creatures, their definitions of strength, leadership, and weakness will change. They learn to work together to get back to the surface and make alliances with "others" they never dreamed existed. Imaginative and fun.
January 27, 2018
Sooooo good!
July 29, 2023
5 STARS, NO DOUBT! This book is amazing, I literally almost cried reading about the transformations mentioned in the middle-to-end of this book!
Sexual Content: Eric's dad leaves Eric and his mother bringing two suitcases and lying to Eric when he says that he'll come back in "a few weeks or so" and "for work, you know?" and Eric mentions to Carlos and to himself a few times that his dad started a new family apart from Eric's one, Eric's parents fight verbally and Eric's mom grips his dad's shoulder tightly trying to stop him from leaving (which doesn't work, and leaves Eric hurt after he hears his father call him "weird"), Ashley is mentioned talking to Silvia about how she likes Tom and another time Silvia explains how she's so exhausted after listening to Ashley talk about "boys" the whole bus trip, Eva and Carlos' grandmother is mentioned nudging Eva and explaining "is that the one you said was cute?" about Eric (Eva hissed at her grandmother in embarrassment), Eric and Silvia start forming somewhat of a friendship at the end of the Carlsbad Caverns-field trip and are mentioned spending more time together, Eric is (at first) mad that his mom is going to go on a date with a guy called Frank (and he thinks that nobody likes him) but after the journey he insists on his mother to take a date with the guy and the book ends with the mention of them being on their third date so far
Bad Words: A few "stupids," about one or two "fools," (PROBABLY a few "dumbs" or "idiots"), but there are not curse words :)
Spiritual Content: There is almost no spiritual content mentioned in this book, and basically no spiritual/Christian/Biblical parallels of any sort.
Thanks guys for listening!
*Hope to see you soon with a few more book recommendations/reports, including: "The Night Diary," "Wait Till Helen Comes," "Every Missing Piece," "The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise" and many more!
* "Between Two Kingdoms" is a book that you guys will not get a report from soon, since it is more of a "grown-up" book and may be too intense for children! *
Sexual Content: Eric's dad leaves Eric and his mother bringing two suitcases and lying to Eric when he says that he'll come back in "a few weeks or so" and "for work, you know?" and Eric mentions to Carlos and to himself a few times that his dad started a new family apart from Eric's one, Eric's parents fight verbally and Eric's mom grips his dad's shoulder tightly trying to stop him from leaving (which doesn't work, and leaves Eric hurt after he hears his father call him "weird"), Ashley is mentioned talking to Silvia about how she likes Tom and another time Silvia explains how she's so exhausted after listening to Ashley talk about "boys" the whole bus trip, Eva and Carlos' grandmother is mentioned nudging Eva and explaining "is that the one you said was cute?" about Eric (Eva hissed at her grandmother in embarrassment), Eric and Silvia start forming somewhat of a friendship at the end of the Carlsbad Caverns-field trip and are mentioned spending more time together, Eric is (at first) mad that his mom is going to go on a date with a guy called Frank (and he thinks that nobody likes him) but after the journey he insists on his mother to take a date with the guy and the book ends with the mention of them being on their third date so far
Bad Words: A few "stupids," about one or two "fools," (PROBABLY a few "dumbs" or "idiots"), but there are not curse words :)
Spiritual Content: There is almost no spiritual content mentioned in this book, and basically no spiritual/Christian/Biblical parallels of any sort.
Thanks guys for listening!
*Hope to see you soon with a few more book recommendations/reports, including: "The Night Diary," "Wait Till Helen Comes," "Every Missing Piece," "The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise" and many more!
* "Between Two Kingdoms" is a book that you guys will not get a report from soon, since it is more of a "grown-up" book and may be too intense for children! *
April 17, 2018
I really enjoyed this adventure into the caves below and all of the challenges and creatures that the students encounter. It's fast paced and almost leaves you breathless. The two main characters have emotional problems. Self-worth and panick attacks. And of course none of their classmates know anything about their personal struggles. Both of these characters grow through the challenges they meet and become the unlikely leaders. A perfect classroom read aloud (Gr 6 to 8) to have an adventure, but to also open the doors of discussion to emotional and mental health problems.
November 18, 2019
I give this book a 4 out of 5. In this book there is an eighth grade class that thinks that they are going on a normal field trip but all of a sudden an earthquake hits and they are plunged into a whole new world below. I liked how the author wrote this book in multiple perspectives, Eric, Silvia and the king. the things I really did not like are that the chapters just said how many hours they have been down under ground and then you have to figure out what persons perspective it is. I would definitely recommend this book to people that really like a mix of none fiction and fiction.
Read
June 4, 2019I've got to set this one aside. I'm not sure if it is my headspace right now, but it wasn't doing it for me. (I kept choosing to do other things rather than read, which for me is a sure sign it isn't working for me right now.)
58/258
Update: A World Below has been shortlisted for the 2020 MYRCA Northern Lights.
58/258
Update: A World Below has been shortlisted for the 2020 MYRCA Northern Lights.
November 3, 2019
This book is one of those that I classify as a book that combines the real world with fantasy. In this book, we have the real world combines with, what I would say, the medieval times! Kind of, I don't know really...
September 14, 2020
Ack, now I can't pick between whether I should vote for fourth dimension, or this book...
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August 22, 2022
SOO good it is such a page turner and I definitely recommend for kids under the age of 13
February 4, 2023
incredibly boring.
August 12, 2024
I remember complaining so much about a specific perspective *cough cough* *cough cough* at the beginning, but the book ended up being so good!
December 19, 2019
Warning: this review does contain a little spoilers.
A World Below is basically a book about a class going on a field trip to the deepest cave in the world and getting caught up in an earthquake. After that, the class gets seperated into numerous groups, but it seems like they are not alone in there. It takes the perspectives of Eric, who gets separated from that class needs to get out on his own. Sylvia who leads the class ́s survivors, and Carlos, who lives in the cave.
A World Below is one of my favourite books from Wesly King, but at the same time I think that I have a few problems with the book, so here’s why I decided to rate it a ⅘.
The book “A World Below” is a book where the story is clear enough for you to follow along but vague enough to give you that feeling when the pieces fall into place or in other words, it also slowly reveals secrets and mysteries to give you a sense of progression. I love those sort of things about my book since I don’t have the patience to wait out parts but I also have problems with parts of books being rushed. One more thing that stood out to me was that the book went in 3 different perspectives at points, the 3 protagonists Carlos, Sylvia, and Eric. The changing of character ́s perspectives really made the secrets unravel in some of the best ways, since we learn information that is new for us as a viewer, but one character in the book might never know.
The reason I do not like the book is because it lacks important things like basic science. One basic example would be the fact that they do not have resources like ink to write, but they do have generations of water down there to live on, that makes no sense since all that water should have evaporated and became mist, another thing about the water thing that got me mad was that it was never addressed. One more thing that I had a problem with was the fact that Carlos ́s eyes were adjusted to being able to see in the darkness of the cave but eyes need light to work, these were all things that I wish were addressed to help clear up confusion.
If I were to get past all that lack of logic then the book would be really good and definitely worth a read, I would recommend it to grade five students and up. I say grade 5 only because I think it won´t be interesting to any of the lower grades.
A World Below is basically a book about a class going on a field trip to the deepest cave in the world and getting caught up in an earthquake. After that, the class gets seperated into numerous groups, but it seems like they are not alone in there. It takes the perspectives of Eric, who gets separated from that class needs to get out on his own. Sylvia who leads the class ́s survivors, and Carlos, who lives in the cave.
A World Below is one of my favourite books from Wesly King, but at the same time I think that I have a few problems with the book, so here’s why I decided to rate it a ⅘.
The book “A World Below” is a book where the story is clear enough for you to follow along but vague enough to give you that feeling when the pieces fall into place or in other words, it also slowly reveals secrets and mysteries to give you a sense of progression. I love those sort of things about my book since I don’t have the patience to wait out parts but I also have problems with parts of books being rushed. One more thing that stood out to me was that the book went in 3 different perspectives at points, the 3 protagonists Carlos, Sylvia, and Eric. The changing of character ́s perspectives really made the secrets unravel in some of the best ways, since we learn information that is new for us as a viewer, but one character in the book might never know.
The reason I do not like the book is because it lacks important things like basic science. One basic example would be the fact that they do not have resources like ink to write, but they do have generations of water down there to live on, that makes no sense since all that water should have evaporated and became mist, another thing about the water thing that got me mad was that it was never addressed. One more thing that I had a problem with was the fact that Carlos ́s eyes were adjusted to being able to see in the darkness of the cave but eyes need light to work, these were all things that I wish were addressed to help clear up confusion.
If I were to get past all that lack of logic then the book would be really good and definitely worth a read, I would recommend it to grade five students and up. I say grade 5 only because I think it won´t be interesting to any of the lower grades.
April 19, 2018
3.5
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for this ARC!
I have heard a great deal from children I've talked to regarding how much they love Wesley King's books. I can totally see why, too! A World Below was my first introduction to King's works, and while I wasn't in love with this book, I like it and I see the appeal as to why kids would enjoy it as well.
A World Below focuses on a teacher who takes his class to the Carlsbad Caverns. Our main protagonists, Eric and Silvia, are not entirely keen on this trip, and they worry Mr. Baker's enthusiasm is not entirely warranted. They soon learn that their is a world below the caverns, after an earthquake separates the kids from their teacher. Shenanigans ensue, and we are given a story that is fast paced and full of adventure.
I want to stress that this is a very plot heavy middle grade novel, which sometimes I find a bit difficult because I am very drawn to more character driven stories. This book is not that, as it's larger focus is definitely on the adventure regarding the kids trying to navigate their way through Carlsbad Caverns. If anything, reading this book reminded me a lot of the 80's classic, The Goonies, which I don't know if that was intentional or not, but that was what I was envisioning as I read the novel.
The kids felt a little too interchangeable for me, and I think that was where my struggle came with the novel. I wanted a bit more distinction in terms of personality, and I didn't entirely feel that way. However, I think the maps and exploration aspects of the story were fabulous, and I think I would have adored this book growing up given it plays to a readers sense of wonder and desire to have answers regarding a situation. There's also a playfulness in the writing that is utterly delightful as well!
I enjoyed my time with A World Below, but perhaps it wasn't the best starting point for me regarding Wesley King's works. I think this is going to be a novel that younger readers will absolutely gobble up and heighten their sense of exploration. Definitely worth checking out if you're a fan of The Goonies, though!
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for this ARC!
I have heard a great deal from children I've talked to regarding how much they love Wesley King's books. I can totally see why, too! A World Below was my first introduction to King's works, and while I wasn't in love with this book, I like it and I see the appeal as to why kids would enjoy it as well.
A World Below focuses on a teacher who takes his class to the Carlsbad Caverns. Our main protagonists, Eric and Silvia, are not entirely keen on this trip, and they worry Mr. Baker's enthusiasm is not entirely warranted. They soon learn that their is a world below the caverns, after an earthquake separates the kids from their teacher. Shenanigans ensue, and we are given a story that is fast paced and full of adventure.
I want to stress that this is a very plot heavy middle grade novel, which sometimes I find a bit difficult because I am very drawn to more character driven stories. This book is not that, as it's larger focus is definitely on the adventure regarding the kids trying to navigate their way through Carlsbad Caverns. If anything, reading this book reminded me a lot of the 80's classic, The Goonies, which I don't know if that was intentional or not, but that was what I was envisioning as I read the novel.
The kids felt a little too interchangeable for me, and I think that was where my struggle came with the novel. I wanted a bit more distinction in terms of personality, and I didn't entirely feel that way. However, I think the maps and exploration aspects of the story were fabulous, and I think I would have adored this book growing up given it plays to a readers sense of wonder and desire to have answers regarding a situation. There's also a playfulness in the writing that is utterly delightful as well!
I enjoyed my time with A World Below, but perhaps it wasn't the best starting point for me regarding Wesley King's works. I think this is going to be a novel that younger readers will absolutely gobble up and heighten their sense of exploration. Definitely worth checking out if you're a fan of The Goonies, though!
September 22, 2018
Mr. Baker's 8th grade class is headed to Carlsbad Caverns for a field trip. Some of the students are more enthusiastic than others about the trip. Eric isn't thrilled that his mom is the chaperone. Silvia has panic attacks and is worried about one coming on when they are underground. They are exploring deep in the cave system when an earthquake hits. Mr. Baker is swept away and the rest of the class falls into an underground river. Eric is able to get to shore, but the rest end up at a huge lake. As they try to find each other and the way out, they discover they are not alone.
Carlos is the young king of Medianoche and his struggling to live up to his father's teachings. The people of Medianoche have lived underground for four generations. Their enemies, the Worms, led by Jana, have increased their attacks and tensions are high. The arrival of surface dwellers has thrown everyone into a tizzy. When Carlos meets up with the survivors he has to make a choice.
This was an excellent adventure. It was fast-paced and exciting and I didn't want to put it down. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the Medianoche storyline, but it worked. Eric was wonderfully resourceful and I enjoyed the fact that he learned the difference between being alone and being lonely. Silvia's story was perhaps my favorite. She was the true hero of this story. In fact she saved the lives of two of her classmates. She became the leader of the group even though she was terrified.
Carlos is the young king of Medianoche and his struggling to live up to his father's teachings. The people of Medianoche have lived underground for four generations. Their enemies, the Worms, led by Jana, have increased their attacks and tensions are high. The arrival of surface dwellers has thrown everyone into a tizzy. When Carlos meets up with the survivors he has to make a choice.
This was an excellent adventure. It was fast-paced and exciting and I didn't want to put it down. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the Medianoche storyline, but it worked. Eric was wonderfully resourceful and I enjoyed the fact that he learned the difference between being alone and being lonely. Silvia's story was perhaps my favorite. She was the true hero of this story. In fact she saved the lives of two of her classmates. She became the leader of the group even though she was terrified.
June 25, 2018
Wesley King, the author of the Edgar award-winning OCDaniel (great title!) has written an intriguing story that blends adventure with elements of historical fiction, fantasy and social issues. Mr. Baker is a middle school teacher who plans a field trip with his class to the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. Some students are excited, others not so much. But they mostly come prepared with snacks and walking shoes. This class group includes Eric and Silvia, two students who don't exactly stand out, but don't really fit in, either. The suspense begins when an earthquake hits, and the cavern collapses, separating Mr. Baker, Eric and the rest of the group. Eric begins to search for a way out and things get really interesting when he discovers a colony of humans living in this bizarre underground ecosystem. Meanwhile, anxiety-ridden Silvia is trying to lead the other students as they forage through giant mushroom forests searching for the others. All of the trapped parties need to find out if the cave-dwellers are friends or foes and if they'll help them find a way to escape the caverns. A large variety of readers should enjoy this captivating story. For another "below the earth" adventure story, try the Newbery award-winning Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly.
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