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The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S.
1 They looked everywhere. The woods behind our backyard. The school. The woods behind the school. The basement. The attic. The pond, even though the pond was a long walk away. They called the parents of every kid in Aidan’s class, even the ones who’d moved away. We opened every door to every room in our house, every door to every closet. We searched every crawl space, checked under every bed. We pulled back each of the shower curtains and looked for footprints in all of the rugs. It was a game of hide and seek that got old after five minutes, alarming after an hour, and the scariest thing that had ever happened to any of us after that. Aidan couldn’t be found. They asked me the same questions over and over again. When did you last see him? I was falling asleep. It was his turn to shut off the lights. I saw him get out of his bed and go to the light switch. Then I heard him get back into bed, and I think we said goodnight. What time was this? Around ten? You’re not sure. That’s usually when we turn out the lights. I wasn’t paying attention. I just wanted to go to bed. Were you asleep when he left the room? I think so. I didn’t hear the door. How long does it take you to go to sleep? I don’t know. Does your brother usually get up in the middle of the night? I don’t think so. Have you ever caught him sleepwalking? No. Did he say anything to you about running away? No. Do you think he ran away? Only because he’s not here. But there’s no reason for him to run away. He’s twelve. And you’re eleven, Lucas? Yes. He didn’t say anything unusual to you. No. He wasn’t mad about anything? No. And if he was really running away . . . What? He would have taken his phone. He wouldn’t have left it behind. He loves his games too much. Is there any place your brother would have gone? Any friends he would have wanted to see? Late at night? No. No one. Glenn’s his best friend. But he sees Glenn all the time. I mean, during the day. I don’t think they would meet up at night in secret, if that’s what you’re asking. But I guess you’d have to ask Glenn. Is there any place your brother goes to hide? Like when you’re playing--where does he hide? The attic. Aidan always hides in the attic. They checked every inch of the attic. They moved every box, opened every old cupboard, chest, and dresser. There were traces of Aidan up there--footsteps and fingerprints left in the dust. But there were traces of Aidan everywhere. This was our house. We lived all over it. They looked for a note. They looked at the histories of every device Aidan used. They looked in a circle around our house, trying to find a trail. And they also looked for any sign that someone had broken in and stolen him away from us. So much looking. And they couldn’t find a thing. Did you get into a fight with Aidan? No. Did your parents get into a fight with Aidan? No. Did you yell at him? No. Did they yell at him? No. Was there any reason for him to leave? No. Are you sure? Yes. Neighbors and strangers banded together to search, walking at arm’s length through fields and forests, staring at the ground for clues. The pond--they kept coming back to the pond, even though I told them we never went near the pond, because it was on Mr. Magruder’s property, and Mr. Magruder had told us to stay away. Even Aidan, who was much braver than I was, or maybe much more reckless than I was, wouldn’t go near the pond. They listened to me, but not really. An alert was sent out. It was on the news. Reporters asked the people watching to call the number below if they had any information. Lots of people called, but nobody had any information. Were the two of you close? I thought we were. I’m not sure. We’d always shared a room. For as long as I could remember, sleep meant the two of us breathing the same air, our eyes adjusting to the same darkness. I’d grown used to just about any noise he could make, although there were definitely times I woke up to hear him talking to himself and was surprised by what he was saying. (One time I heard him say “Good job!” and assumed he was complimenting me on my own sleeping.) His snoring could be thunderous--but he said the same thing about my farting. I knew him. I knew his favorite foods. I knew his least-favorite baseball team. I knew which socks he’d choose to go with which shirt and exactly which grunt he’d make when he felt the game he was playing had cheated him out of a win. We were one year apart, and most of the time people thought I was the older one, even though I wasn’t. I paid attention to him, but I didn’t pay enough attention to know for sure whether he was paying any attention back. And, of course, when my attention was needed the most, I failed. I was asleep. Good job. Our town wasn’t very big, but it seemed much bigger when you were considering all the spaces a twelve-year-old could disappear into. Not just the pond, but the trees. Not just the trees, but the fields. Not just the fields, but the sewers. Not just the sewers, but the houses....
215 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2021
73 people are currently reading
6633 people want to read
About the author
David Levithan
119 books19.4k followersDavid Levithan (born 1972) is an American children's book editor and award-winning author. He published his first YA book, Boy Meets Boy, in 2003. Levithan is also the founding editor of PUSH, a Young Adult imprint of Scholastic Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 670 reviews
September 6, 2021
This is a Middle Grade book. I loved this book. The characters was so great, and I really loved the two brothers (Aidan and Lucas) characters. This book really shows the love brothers has for each other. It also shows how mean kids can be to other kids. I feel this book as a lot of important lessons for middle grade kids to learn into. This book was so well-written, and I think middle grade kids and adults will love this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Knopf Books for Young Readers) or author (David Levithan) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
January 22, 2021
This was a fun read, however it did fall a bit short. I was under the impression that we were going to get Aidan’s story from his time at Aveinieu (a Narnia-like portal world), but that was sadly not the case. The book dealt with the aftermath of Aidan’s disappearance and how Lucas and his family dealt with it.
Family was an important theme throughout the novel. I loved the sibling relationship between Aidan and Lucas. They were so supportive of each other and it was lovely seeing them bond over the course of the novel.
Levithan’s easy-going and fun writing style made for a quick read. I was fascinated with Aidan and Lucas’s story. However, I felt that the plot progression was rather slow. Nothing really happened and the plot did not go anywhere. I also wished we got to learn more about Aveinieu and why the portals appeared when they did. That wasn’t touched on.
Overall, this was a fun read! This was my first time reading Levithan’s works and it won’t be my last.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Family was an important theme throughout the novel. I loved the sibling relationship between Aidan and Lucas. They were so supportive of each other and it was lovely seeing them bond over the course of the novel.
Levithan’s easy-going and fun writing style made for a quick read. I was fascinated with Aidan and Lucas’s story. However, I felt that the plot progression was rather slow. Nothing really happened and the plot did not go anywhere. I also wished we got to learn more about Aveinieu and why the portals appeared when they did. That wasn’t touched on.
Overall, this was a fun read! This was my first time reading Levithan’s works and it won’t be my last.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2025
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
“And I, either my brother’s greatest ally or his worst betrayer, stepped over to the table and gently asked him the one question that nobody else had thought to ask.
“How did you get there, Aidan? How did you get to Aveinieu?”
The million dollar question, the unanswered predicament, the unexplained dilemma that sadly was never answered in The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as told to his brother) - boy, that was a mouthful! ✨ I think David Levithan is a talented writer, but I don't think this Middle Grade read was one of his strongest; maybe because I seemed to have missed the point of what exactly was the point to this? 🤷🏻♀️
“Did I believe him at that moment?
Yes. But the same way I’d believe the author of a fantasy novel I was reading. If the book is good enough, you feel like everything is true. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t also entirely made up.”
After disappearing for a week, Aidan returns a different person - a little more stoic, a little more humble, a little more reserved and clearly not feeling at all at home in the place he once called home. I really felt Lucas' frustrations at not knowing how to handle his older brother - not knowing what is the right thing to approach him with, carrying the guilt of not realizing he was missing. 'We were one year apart, and most of the time people thought I was the older one, even though I wasn’t. I paid attention to him, but I didn’t pay enough attention to know for sure whether he was paying any attention back.' I liked that even though they had grown apart before his disappearance, somehow, upon his return, because Lucas was the only one really willing to listen - to pose questions he cared to answer - they inadvertently became closer, instead. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
And also to see him have to shoulder not only the change in his behavior, but to endure the onslaught of questions from inquiring minds - seeking out the real truth behind his disappearance - was overwhelming and alarming to see how quickly people can change their tunes when the scope of the narrative changes. 🥺🥺 How people would be more willing to accept that something horrific could have happened, but if a child claims they went to a magical place it was as if the boy was crying wolf, or in this case THE BOY WHO CRIED UNICORN. That inkling of a doubt of whether or not he was telling the truth, the uncertainty of how he should treat him, how to respond - how people reacted to someone he cared for - not knowing that rather than happiness at having him return, it would bring about so much chaos and uproar, instead. 😟
“The mystery filled the room so much that it was hard to breathe.
Aidan was no longer missing, but now it was like the answers to his disappearance were missing instead.”
I was visibly frustrated by Aidan's unresponsive nature - even the parents and police force felt like caricatures. I mean, the child was missing for a week and then they don't really investigate into it. The plot lines were there, I just didn't feel that the writing grasped any of the threads - left them floating around in the air, without cohesive reasoning to it. We flounder through the narrative as Aidan's honesty is questioned, Lucas' family is targeted because the community demands an answer for the efforts they put into searching for their missing son, and nothing gets answered in the end - properly. 😒 Even the magical world wasn't explained coherently enough for me to believe that it could actually exist. I felt so annoyed with Aidan, how even when encouraged that 'the truth really does set you free, and allows you to go on with your life. Secrets, on the other hand, have a way of taking up all the space in the room—and you don’t want that' - he still had this stubborn stance that made him less than agreeable. 🙍🏻♀️
So, I think that's what I'm conflicted about - the biggest mystery is where the plot disappeared; nothing was touched upon, nothing was resolved, the entire story revolved around Lucas' family trying to determine the truth behind Aidan's disappearance and the aftermaths of it - without any constructive conclusion that left me more unsatisfied than not. 🙅🏻♀️ Is it right to assume that it was real or are we supposed to take it as a coming-of-age for Aidan - a rite of passage for him to determine his place in life? Or is it simply a case where we just need someone to hear what we have to say, regardless of what it may be? Someone who can take the doubts and the disbelief and still believe that there may be some truth to it. The delivery of said sentiments were so very flat that I couldn't even rouse myself to care, rather growing more and more irritated as we spun around in circles, till it was resolved with one poignant reveal and then never addressed again. 😮💨
True or not, every story has something it wants you to remember.
True or not, every story has something it wants you to believe.
The sad truth is that a lot of all that took place was more the feeling of just scratching the surface to satisfy an itch for a short period of time, and then hope it goes away. Even some things in passing seemed irrelevant that irked me further. For though, there was a rather bittersweet ending - that life goes on the way it is - I just didn't get the closure that I would have hoped.🙎🏻♀️Those types of readings, with an even less than satisfying ending leave me visibly perplexed at what I just read. I appreciated the idea, just the delivery cast such a dark cloud over me, that I stemmed in annoyance rather than enjoyment. 😞
“And I, either my brother’s greatest ally or his worst betrayer, stepped over to the table and gently asked him the one question that nobody else had thought to ask.
“How did you get there, Aidan? How did you get to Aveinieu?”
The million dollar question, the unanswered predicament, the unexplained dilemma that sadly was never answered in The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as told to his brother) - boy, that was a mouthful! ✨ I think David Levithan is a talented writer, but I don't think this Middle Grade read was one of his strongest; maybe because I seemed to have missed the point of what exactly was the point to this? 🤷🏻♀️
“Did I believe him at that moment?
Yes. But the same way I’d believe the author of a fantasy novel I was reading. If the book is good enough, you feel like everything is true. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t also entirely made up.”
After disappearing for a week, Aidan returns a different person - a little more stoic, a little more humble, a little more reserved and clearly not feeling at all at home in the place he once called home. I really felt Lucas' frustrations at not knowing how to handle his older brother - not knowing what is the right thing to approach him with, carrying the guilt of not realizing he was missing. 'We were one year apart, and most of the time people thought I was the older one, even though I wasn’t. I paid attention to him, but I didn’t pay enough attention to know for sure whether he was paying any attention back.' I liked that even though they had grown apart before his disappearance, somehow, upon his return, because Lucas was the only one really willing to listen - to pose questions he cared to answer - they inadvertently became closer, instead. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
And also to see him have to shoulder not only the change in his behavior, but to endure the onslaught of questions from inquiring minds - seeking out the real truth behind his disappearance - was overwhelming and alarming to see how quickly people can change their tunes when the scope of the narrative changes. 🥺🥺 How people would be more willing to accept that something horrific could have happened, but if a child claims they went to a magical place it was as if the boy was crying wolf, or in this case THE BOY WHO CRIED UNICORN. That inkling of a doubt of whether or not he was telling the truth, the uncertainty of how he should treat him, how to respond - how people reacted to someone he cared for - not knowing that rather than happiness at having him return, it would bring about so much chaos and uproar, instead. 😟
“The mystery filled the room so much that it was hard to breathe.
Aidan was no longer missing, but now it was like the answers to his disappearance were missing instead.”
I was visibly frustrated by Aidan's unresponsive nature - even the parents and police force felt like caricatures. I mean, the child was missing for a week and then they don't really investigate into it. The plot lines were there, I just didn't feel that the writing grasped any of the threads - left them floating around in the air, without cohesive reasoning to it. We flounder through the narrative as Aidan's honesty is questioned, Lucas' family is targeted because the community demands an answer for the efforts they put into searching for their missing son, and nothing gets answered in the end - properly. 😒 Even the magical world wasn't explained coherently enough for me to believe that it could actually exist. I felt so annoyed with Aidan, how even when encouraged that 'the truth really does set you free, and allows you to go on with your life. Secrets, on the other hand, have a way of taking up all the space in the room—and you don’t want that' - he still had this stubborn stance that made him less than agreeable. 🙍🏻♀️
So, I think that's what I'm conflicted about - the biggest mystery is where the plot disappeared; nothing was touched upon, nothing was resolved, the entire story revolved around Lucas' family trying to determine the truth behind Aidan's disappearance and the aftermaths of it - without any constructive conclusion that left me more unsatisfied than not. 🙅🏻♀️ Is it right to assume that it was real or are we supposed to take it as a coming-of-age for Aidan - a rite of passage for him to determine his place in life? Or is it simply a case where we just need someone to hear what we have to say, regardless of what it may be? Someone who can take the doubts and the disbelief and still believe that there may be some truth to it. The delivery of said sentiments were so very flat that I couldn't even rouse myself to care, rather growing more and more irritated as we spun around in circles, till it was resolved with one poignant reveal and then never addressed again. 😮💨
True or not, every story has something it wants you to remember.
True or not, every story has something it wants you to believe.
The sad truth is that a lot of all that took place was more the feeling of just scratching the surface to satisfy an itch for a short period of time, and then hope it goes away. Even some things in passing seemed irrelevant that irked me further. For though, there was a rather bittersweet ending - that life goes on the way it is - I just didn't get the closure that I would have hoped.🙎🏻♀️Those types of readings, with an even less than satisfying ending leave me visibly perplexed at what I just read. I appreciated the idea, just the delivery cast such a dark cloud over me, that I stemmed in annoyance rather than enjoyment. 😞
March 5, 2021
David Levithan's new book,
The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as told to his brother)
, is a sweet, moving, mysterious story about telling the truth and a special relationship between brothers.
One night, 12-year-old Aidan disappeared. He and his younger brother Lucas both went to bed (they share a room), and when Lucas woke up the next morning, Aidan was gone. Everyone in their town searched everywhere, and no stone was left unturned. What could’ve happened to him?
Six days later, Lucas found Aidan in their attic. He was disoriented and talked of a place no one had ever heard of. Of course, everyone is relieved that he has returned unharmed. But where did he go, really?
The story Aidan reluctantly tells can’t possibly be true, and he doesn’t want everyone to know, so their town is transfixed by Aidan's return, then slowly grows angry because of the lack of a story. And when there's no story, the only thing to do is make things up, right?
“Yeah, but the truth isn’t very helpful if people don’t believe it. Or at least that’s what it looks like now.”
Lucas wants to support his older brother. Could the story he is telling be true, or is it a defense mechanism to compensate for a more traumatic thing that might have happened? If the story is true, what does it mean?
I really enjoyed this middle-grade story about the effects of Aidan’s disappearance and his return on his family. Aidan and Lucas are a little more sophisticated than you would expect 12- and 11-year-olds to be, but it isn't too jarring. There are also some LGBTQ characters and situations (again, nothing too jarring) which may throw off some middle-grade readers.
The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. is poignant and sweet and mysterious. Once again, David Levithan proves why he’s one of my favorite writers.
I was pleased to be part of the blog tour for this book. Storygram Tours and Random House Kids provided a complimentary advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!
The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. publishes 2/2.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the last decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
One night, 12-year-old Aidan disappeared. He and his younger brother Lucas both went to bed (they share a room), and when Lucas woke up the next morning, Aidan was gone. Everyone in their town searched everywhere, and no stone was left unturned. What could’ve happened to him?
Six days later, Lucas found Aidan in their attic. He was disoriented and talked of a place no one had ever heard of. Of course, everyone is relieved that he has returned unharmed. But where did he go, really?
The story Aidan reluctantly tells can’t possibly be true, and he doesn’t want everyone to know, so their town is transfixed by Aidan's return, then slowly grows angry because of the lack of a story. And when there's no story, the only thing to do is make things up, right?
“Yeah, but the truth isn’t very helpful if people don’t believe it. Or at least that’s what it looks like now.”
Lucas wants to support his older brother. Could the story he is telling be true, or is it a defense mechanism to compensate for a more traumatic thing that might have happened? If the story is true, what does it mean?
I really enjoyed this middle-grade story about the effects of Aidan’s disappearance and his return on his family. Aidan and Lucas are a little more sophisticated than you would expect 12- and 11-year-olds to be, but it isn't too jarring. There are also some LGBTQ characters and situations (again, nothing too jarring) which may throw off some middle-grade readers.
The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. is poignant and sweet and mysterious. Once again, David Levithan proves why he’s one of my favorite writers.
I was pleased to be part of the blog tour for this book. Storygram Tours and Random House Kids provided a complimentary advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!
The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. publishes 2/2.
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the last decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
January 22, 2021
Lucas' brother Aiden goes missing and the whole town joins in in helping to find him. They search everywhere, including the attic in the house. A week later, Lucas finds his brother in the same attic they already searched before. Aiden claims he went through the dresser and into another world. Of course, no one believes him and the town spirals out of control in claiming that they deserve to know the truth. Lucas isn't sure what he believes but is there to support Aiden. Reminiscent of Narnia, I thought this was a sweet story between two brothers supporting each other through a hard time. I really liked the ending and thought it was bittersweet. Any age can read this and I do think there are lessons for the younger aged children. I've read Levithan in the past and have always been a fan so I'm glad to have read his newest book.
Thank you to much to Netgalley and to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.
Thank you to much to Netgalley and to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.
March 20, 2021
This sweet MG story is about 11 yo Lucas and his 12 yo brother Aidan who disappears for six days and tells his family he has been in another world: Aveinieu. His parents don’t believe him; Lucas wants to, though. But isn’t Aidan’s story implausible? And does it matter if Aidan’s story is possible or not? Because Aidan is back safe and isn’t hurt, although Lucas notices he changed. Since his return, Aidan is quiet and seems lost. He only is happy when he tells stories about Aveinieu. But then Aidan’s story gets out, and everyone has an opinion.
I don’t read middle grade often, but I do read a lot of YA books. Never read one of David Levithan, though. I found The mysterious disappearance of Aiden S on NetGalley, and because I could read it without requesting it, I just gave it a go. And I’m glad I did.
I loved the relationship between the two brothers, how Lucas tried to get Aidan talking about Aveinieu and wanted to defend him when other kids at school got nasty. It shows kids what happens when they are mean to each other. Next to kids being jerks and brotherhood, I liked the way queer characters were presented in the story; aunt Brandi was the best!!
Sometimes I found the pacing a little slow, but overall I liked this story a lot!
I received an ARC from Knopf Books for young readers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t read middle grade often, but I do read a lot of YA books. Never read one of David Levithan, though. I found The mysterious disappearance of Aiden S on NetGalley, and because I could read it without requesting it, I just gave it a go. And I’m glad I did.
I loved the relationship between the two brothers, how Lucas tried to get Aidan talking about Aveinieu and wanted to defend him when other kids at school got nasty. It shows kids what happens when they are mean to each other. Next to kids being jerks and brotherhood, I liked the way queer characters were presented in the story; aunt Brandi was the best!!
Sometimes I found the pacing a little slow, but overall I liked this story a lot!
I received an ARC from Knopf Books for young readers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2021
It was a game of hide and seek that got old after five minutes, alarming after an hour, and the scariest thing that had ever happened to any of us after that.Lucas’ older brother, Aidan, disappeared without a trace for six days. Now he’s returned home and the story he tells about the time he was missing seems too strange to be true.
Aidan couldn’t be found.
Where were you?I loved the interactions between the brothers as they navigated the suspicion surrounding Aidan’s story and the people who felt they deserved an explanation because they’d helped search for him. Lucas’ initial disbelief and his subsequent wavering between thinking Aidan’s story is impossible and wondering if it actually could be true was realistic, especially given Aidan’s propensity for telling his younger brother some far-fetched things in the past.
Nobody’s going to believe me.
I’ll believe you.
I don’t think you can.
I liked Lucas, especially appreciating how much he wanted to believe what his brother was telling him and doing his best to protect him. I thought it was particularly appropriate that Lucas was studying Roanoke at school during the time immediately after Aidan’s return.
My favourite character was Aunt Brandi, whose wisdom and compassion made me wish she was my Aunt. I definitely wanted to spend more time with her. She managed to snag the best lines. I loved this one:
“It stretches credibility - but life stretches credibility all the time, to the point that credibility doesn’t have much credibility left, you know?”I really wanted to learn more about the place Aidan spent his time while he was missing. Previous books I’ve read that feature portals spend a significant amount of time world building and oftentimes I’ve been able to travel to far flung worlds with the main character. But that’s not what this book is about; Aidan’s story is about the after.
Aidan was no longer missing, but now it was like the answers to his disappearance were missing instead.What happens when you return from a place that others find unbelievable? How will your family, friends and the wider community respond to you? How will you adapt once again to this world, knowing you can’t return to the one you’ve so recently lived in? How do you do this life after experiencing another?
The entire time I was reading I kept thinking this is the perfect gateway book to Seanan McGuire’s Wayward Children series. As Aidan attempted to reacclimate himself to his life at home, I found myself wanting to refer him to Eleanor West's School for Wayward Children, a place where his experience would be believed and the complicated feelings he had about his return validated.
I only had a couple of nitpicks, but none of them prevented me from loving this book. While Lucas and Aidan’s relationship was both endearing and believable, they tended to speak as though they were older than 11 and 12. There was never any explanation provided for why Aidan described the maddoxes differently throughout the book.
While I understood his reasons for doing so, I was disappointed when Lucas made a decision on Aidan’s behalf towards the end of the book. I’d love to say more, but spoilers. I wanted Aidan to make that decision for himself, though.
Food I craved while reading: cinnamon rolls.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Text Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. I’m rounding up from 4.5 stars.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
March 18, 2021
First of all, I just have to ask, Did no one else notice that on the jacket copy of the book it says his brother's name is Liam? But in the book it's Lucas? I just skimmed the other reviews, and I don't see this anywhere. I just think it's interesting. I'm wondering if the name was changed at the last minute, and they forgot about the jacket? And why was it changed? Such things interest me! I would tweet at Levithan to ask, but I hate it when people point out mistakes in my books, and I don't want to make him feel bad!
But on to the INSIDE of the book!
The premise of this was FASCINATING. Aidan disappears for six days. His family is frantic. The whole town is searching. The police begin preparing his family for finding his body. And then he returns. Where he's been, what he's seen, and who believes him is the bulk of the book. The press wanting information, reactions from friends, returning to school, returning to "normal" . . . how do you deal with those things? How does it affect your family?
I loved how this was written from Lucas' point of view. He only knows what HE'S seen, what Aidan chooses to tell him. How it feels to be the kid who didn't disappear. That really added to the mysteriousness of it all. You don't know what's real until the very end. I liked the shorter chapters, some of them less than a page long, which gives a real punch. Also, at the end, I looked at the cover art again, and I was like, DANG. That is PERFECT.
This is Levithan's first middle grade book, and I understand why Aidan needed to be 12. A child this age disappearing is much more terrifying than a teen. But I don't think that this age level was a natural fit for the author. At times Aidan seemed much older (even though the point is made early on that he seems younger than Lucas), and parents and friends treated him like a teen. Both brothers are in middle school (though their exact grade level isn't mentioned, so probably 6th and 7th grade). All the kids have phones, Aidan has his own laptop, and by the end of the book, there are two 12yo's in a serious romantic relationship, which everyone thinks is great and no one is like, They are AWFULLY YOUNG. I feel like the beginning was really solid, and it sadly got more and more uneven as Levithan's YA roots showed through.
I probably wouldn't have noticed this as much, but I have a 12yo/6th grader and a 16yo/10th grader. So I kept thinking, No, that's more like the 16yo, or My 12yo would never, etc. I think kids would really get into this, and wouldn't notice. As mom, however, my Mommy Sense was tingling. (Also, I'd like to sit their mom down and give her a little talk.)
But on to the INSIDE of the book!
The premise of this was FASCINATING. Aidan disappears for six days. His family is frantic. The whole town is searching. The police begin preparing his family for finding his body. And then he returns. Where he's been, what he's seen, and who believes him is the bulk of the book. The press wanting information, reactions from friends, returning to school, returning to "normal" . . . how do you deal with those things? How does it affect your family?
I loved how this was written from Lucas' point of view. He only knows what HE'S seen, what Aidan chooses to tell him. How it feels to be the kid who didn't disappear. That really added to the mysteriousness of it all. You don't know what's real until the very end. I liked the shorter chapters, some of them less than a page long, which gives a real punch. Also, at the end, I looked at the cover art again, and I was like, DANG. That is PERFECT.
This is Levithan's first middle grade book, and I understand why Aidan needed to be 12. A child this age disappearing is much more terrifying than a teen. But I don't think that this age level was a natural fit for the author. At times Aidan seemed much older (even though the point is made early on that he seems younger than Lucas), and parents and friends treated him like a teen. Both brothers are in middle school (though their exact grade level isn't mentioned, so probably 6th and 7th grade). All the kids have phones, Aidan has his own laptop, and by the end of the book, there are two 12yo's in a serious romantic relationship, which everyone thinks is great and no one is like, They are AWFULLY YOUNG. I feel like the beginning was really solid, and it sadly got more and more uneven as Levithan's YA roots showed through.
I probably wouldn't have noticed this as much, but I have a 12yo/6th grader and a 16yo/10th grader. So I kept thinking, No, that's more like the 16yo, or My 12yo would never, etc. I think kids would really get into this, and wouldn't notice. As mom, however, my Mommy Sense was tingling. (Also, I'd like to sit their mom down and give her a little talk.)
September 6, 2021
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*
This was a fantastically written book and an interesting read. Just shy of touching, the whimsy was kept to a minimum which went well with the almost solemn tone of the book. The question in my mind throughout was not “is the protagonist’s reason for his disappearance true?” rather it was “how will everyone move on from this?”.
It was extremely interesting to see how the protagonist’s relationships were affected by the story behind his disappearance. I would say that it did seem as though everyone reacted a little too cordially to it, only acting in a quietly curious manner or persisting with questions for a bit and then respectfully giving space. More intense confrontations could’ve occurred to really take the book to another level.
The ending was not really what I expected and there was one moment I would love to change. I guess the moment where emphasises even more that this book is less about where Aidan went and more about how he moved on from it. That moment seemed to eclipse the whole book and even though overall the book was good, it could’ve been so much better if that moment was changed in really any way.
This was a fantastically written book and an interesting read. Just shy of touching, the whimsy was kept to a minimum which went well with the almost solemn tone of the book. The question in my mind throughout was not “is the protagonist’s reason for his disappearance true?” rather it was “how will everyone move on from this?”.
It was extremely interesting to see how the protagonist’s relationships were affected by the story behind his disappearance. I would say that it did seem as though everyone reacted a little too cordially to it, only acting in a quietly curious manner or persisting with questions for a bit and then respectfully giving space. More intense confrontations could’ve occurred to really take the book to another level.
The ending was not really what I expected and there was one moment I would love to change. I guess the moment where emphasises even more that this book is less about where Aidan went and more about how he moved on from it. That moment seemed to eclipse the whole book and even though overall the book was good, it could’ve been so much better if that moment was changed in really any way.
July 5, 2021
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: Aidan (mc) is Achillean; Brandi (aunt) is a trans woman.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • Twitter • Instagram
▷ Representation: Aidan (mc) is Achillean; Brandi (aunt) is a trans woman.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • Twitter • Instagram
July 23, 2021
3.5 stars, rounded up
This is a meaningful middle grade novel with themes of family, the bond between two brothers, and acceptance. The overall premise is that twelve-year-old Aidan disappears for six days and his parents and eleven-year-old brother Lucas are both puzzled and frantic about where he has gone. When he mysteriously reappears, he claims to have visited a different world, and not surprisingly, no one believes him. Lucas wants to though, so he works to be supportive of his brother despite what everyone else thinks.
I loved the brother relationship in this book. This is more of a story about the aftermath of Aidan's disappearance, not really about the disappearance and what happened to him while he was gone. Details do get relayed to Lucas, but that's not really the point of the book. It's more about the repercussions from everyone around them: the expectations of some sort of explanation for the people who searched for him, the skepticism of people you think are friends, the need to close ranks around your family for protection.
The one thing I didn't care for (but expected because hey, this is a Levithan novel) was the thrown in relationship at the end for Aiden. I thought it was completely unnecessary and not what this book was even about overall. It changed the feel of the novel. I think if the author is going to return to his roots and write more middle grade books, he should just stick with the plot and leave the love relationships to the young adult books. I'd say this with ANY relationship in a MG novel, kids grow up way too quickly these days, why must we push them to pair up so early, even in a book?
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
This is a meaningful middle grade novel with themes of family, the bond between two brothers, and acceptance. The overall premise is that twelve-year-old Aidan disappears for six days and his parents and eleven-year-old brother Lucas are both puzzled and frantic about where he has gone. When he mysteriously reappears, he claims to have visited a different world, and not surprisingly, no one believes him. Lucas wants to though, so he works to be supportive of his brother despite what everyone else thinks.
I loved the brother relationship in this book. This is more of a story about the aftermath of Aidan's disappearance, not really about the disappearance and what happened to him while he was gone. Details do get relayed to Lucas, but that's not really the point of the book. It's more about the repercussions from everyone around them: the expectations of some sort of explanation for the people who searched for him, the skepticism of people you think are friends, the need to close ranks around your family for protection.
The one thing I didn't care for (but expected because hey, this is a Levithan novel) was the thrown in relationship at the end for Aiden. I thought it was completely unnecessary and not what this book was even about overall. It changed the feel of the novel. I think if the author is going to return to his roots and write more middle grade books, he should just stick with the plot and leave the love relationships to the young adult books. I'd say this with ANY relationship in a MG novel, kids grow up way too quickly these days, why must we push them to pair up so early, even in a book?
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
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February 4, 2022David Levithan, well known for his teen fiction, brings us his first book for middle-grade readers The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as told to his brother). A community is devastated and leaps into action to help search for 12-year-old Aidan when he mysteriously disappears from his home. Things change rather quickly once his younger brother, Lucas, hears Aidan reappear with a thud in their attic six days later. Now everyone is wondering where Aidan disappeared to, and they all feel entitled to the answer. Unfortunately, Aiden's answer is not at all based in reality. Claiming to have traveled through the attic dresser to another world known as Aveinieu, Aidan struggles to come up with an alternative story to share with the increasingly frustrated police, his family, and the community. While trying to fill the role of the supportive brother, Lucas attempts to set aside his speculation to learn more about Aveinieu and Aidan's adventure which seems utterly impossible. Levithan's story throws down some serious Narnia vibes, but primarily focuses on his reappearance and society's response, making this book perfect for a read along or book discussion. - Christina B.
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September 24, 2021
If the book is good enough, you feel like everything is true.
I honestly, truly enjoyed this. It's a very good twist on kid goes off to fantasy world. This story focuses on the family he leaves behind, the brother who wants to know the truth of where he went. My heart broke for Aidan throughout this story and I do wish it had a slightly different ending, but overall I thought the take was interesting and Aidan and Lucas had a great brotherhood. It kind of reminds me of Last Bus to Everland.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC
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I honestly, truly enjoyed this. It's a very good twist on kid goes off to fantasy world. This story focuses on the family he leaves behind, the brother who wants to know the truth of where he went. My heart broke for Aidan throughout this story and I do wish it had a slightly different ending, but overall I thought the take was interesting and Aidan and Lucas had a great brotherhood. It kind of reminds me of Last Bus to Everland.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC
☆ Blog | Twitter ☆
May 10, 2021
I'm a big fan of portal fantasy books so when I saw that David Levithan had written a portal fantasy, I was like, sign me up! But this was a really interesting take on it because it's actually not a portal fantasy, it's just the aftermath of a portal fantasy. Like Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire but for tweens. But with the extra twist of the "as told to his brother" so the reader isn't even 100% sure if there is a portal fantasy or if Aidan is lying/had some kind of psychotic break.
So I saw some reviews being disappointed about that but I thought it was really interesting, and I think for some young readers who grew up with Narnia etc they will also find this concept interesting--the details of having to talk to the police after you come back, of the town reaction to this missing boy suddenly returning, the way that Aidan is depressed because he misses his fantasy world but can't really explain it...I really loved that, and I think more thoughtful tweens will too. Readers looking for a Narnia-style adventure will be disappointed tho. Also lovely to see that the family has a casually beloved trans aunt, and that
So I saw some reviews being disappointed about that but I thought it was really interesting, and I think for some young readers who grew up with Narnia etc they will also find this concept interesting--the details of having to talk to the police after you come back, of the town reaction to this missing boy suddenly returning, the way that Aidan is depressed because he misses his fantasy world but can't really explain it...I really loved that, and I think more thoughtful tweens will too. Readers looking for a Narnia-style adventure will be disappointed tho. Also lovely to see that the family has a casually beloved trans aunt, and that
February 4, 2021
I thought this was a great book about family and brothers. It shows the aftermath of Aidan disappearing in a way that is hard for his brother to believe. Although the story didn't get into where Aidan went too much, I can see another story coming along and giving us the rest of the info.
As it was, it was well written and I really liked the story between the family and the brothers.
As it was, it was well written and I really liked the story between the family and the brothers.
March 25, 2021
David Levithan’s books have been a source of hope and happiness for me for years. Again and again he’s dazzled me with his words. You’ve probably heard me gush and shout my love around the halls of goodreads at some point. But this time I don’t know how I feel or what to say.
**Warning** This review is going to be messy. **
I haven’t done a stream of consciousness review in a long time, but I just need to get all of these feelings out on the page somehow. My apologies in advance though—this might not make a lick of sense. And there will be mistakes and contradictions galore! Plus I don’t want to spoil anything for you, so it might be a bit vague. Haha…You’ve been warned.
The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as told to his brother) is the story of when Lucas’ older brother, Aidan, disappeared for 6 whole days. No word. No trace. Just fear and dwindling hope. Young Lucas tells the story of the disappearance and its aftermath. And that’s the key word here—story. When you hear the word story, do you think true or make believe? Aidan has a story, but no one believes him. Is he telling the truth or not?
“If the book is good enough, you feel like everything is true. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t also entirely made up.”
Aidan is found. The police, his family, friends, and neighbors searched high and low for him. You’ll hear that fact over and over again like they expect something in return for their searching. Where was Aidan? I can’t say. And Aidan doesn’t want to say, but the story comes out little by little anyway. Stories always find a way.
Readers get a wonderful Narnia-like set up and mystery of a hidden world very different from our own. A world where Aidan felt special and needed. A strong “you’ll never understand” feeling is definitely blocking Aidan from talking. And we have to remember that Lucas is the one telling the story to us. I adore that fact actually. An untrustworthy or unreliable narrator is one of my favorite voices in fiction. Should I trust Lucas? The potential for magic and wonder here is huge! In the way it’s told and the story itself. The spark of magic isn’t given a chance to grow into something special though. In fact, disappointment settles in instead.
I closed the book and said--“That was disappointing.”--right out loud. And then stared at the ceiling for another hour or so asking why. It felt like Levithan opened up this fantastic possibility for magic and then slammed the door shut on it. Why would he do that? As far as I know, this is Levithan’s first middle grade book. Wouldn’t he want to infuse the pages with hope and inspiration? Encourage young readers to dream? But the ending was brutal. It all seemed to shift into this don’t run away from home lesson. Words like “Stay here” and “I don’t want anything to change” appear. Don’t change? Don’t run toward something new and different? Stay where you are? Where did the magic go? Aidan found a sense of purpose. So don’t move toward that feeling? What the hell? It actually felt like Levithan was stomping all over the magic he created. Or...was he trying to say something else and I just didn’t see it? At times, I did feel like the words were pointing me to something bigger.
But here is the BIG problem for me.
Now…all that said. There is magic in these pages. I found it in the bond between brothers. THAT is here. I love these two. In their bedroom under the cover of darkness, Aidan talks to Lucas about where he went and how he felt about that place. Levithan captures the sibling energy on the page perfectly in those late night conversations and silences. You’ll see the love and trust for sure. I cried when it shined the brightest. Btw…I would love to know if Levithan is the kind of brother to say the tooth fairy is a retired dentist or if he’s the type of brother to believe it. :)
And BOOM! Maybe that’s it. The power and magic is in believing. Believing a story. And believing in someone.
“It’s weird how much that helps. To have one other person know the truth. To have that reflecting back at me. I don’t actually need the world to know. Just one or two people.”
Okay, okay. I’ll shut up now. I just needed to get that big ball of emotion out. And there’s another wave of the wonder wand…I didn’t plan or force myself to sit down and write this. I HAD to sit down and write. I NEEDED to write this. And that right there is a reason to love this book. It inspired me to think, feel, and write, write, and write. So even though this story is more like a 3 star read for me, it’s getting one more, because any book that makes me rant and rave with passion deserves all the stars in the sky.
Thank you for listening. I would love to talk about this book. Please reach out and share your thoughts. Let’s gossip!
p.s. Why does the inside flap of the cover list Aidan’s brother as Liam? A mistake? Or another unexplained inconsistency in the story.
September 9, 2025
Dnfed due to content I didn't agree with at the 43% mark.
Comment or message for details.
Comment or message for details.
January 30, 2021
I had to stew on this one for a bit before rating it. Because I'm so back and forth on it, I think 3 stars is a fair rating. I'm between 2 and 3 so I guess it's a 2.5 rounded up.
This book follows two brothers: Aidan and Lucas. Aidan disappeared and was missing for 6 days before he resurfaced again in his family's attic. His family, the police, and the neighborhood that were searching him clearly had questions about where he was so Aidan told them. The problem is that his story was so fantastical that no one believed him.
To me, this story isn't so much about where Aidan was, but more so about how we treat other people who say things that are impossible to believe. I consider myself a very honest person. I demand the truth from other people and I easily write off people that exaggerate. It's like nails on a chalkboard for me. Therefore, I can completely understand Aidan's parents' reactions. They want to be there for their kid, but they're frustrated that they're not getting what they believe to be the real story. Very realistic and it's nice to read a middle grade that paints parents in a realistic light.
The most interesting reaction is Lucas - he doesn't believe Aidan but he begins to see the value in just listening and being supportive. This is where I feel the lesson in the story lies. Sometimes it doesn't matter what someone says. Sometimes they just need someone to hear them, regardless of how outlandish it may sound. I completely admit that this is not my forte and probably never will be. But I think that's exactly why I took something away from this book.
So why only 2.5 stars? This story left something to be desired. It was a fast-paced, easy read, but there just wasn't enough development here in any aspect. Not enough development with the aftermath of Aidan's disappearance with his family, his friendships, even the neighborhood's feelings regarding Aidan. I felt like each thing in here barely scratched the surface before jumping to another scene. When I finished, I was left feeling disappointed because I felt like this really had some potential and it completely dropped the ball.
However, even though I was really disappointed with the execution, I still think it was a compelling enough story. Yeah, I think 3 stars is fair.
This book follows two brothers: Aidan and Lucas. Aidan disappeared and was missing for 6 days before he resurfaced again in his family's attic. His family, the police, and the neighborhood that were searching him clearly had questions about where he was so Aidan told them. The problem is that his story was so fantastical that no one believed him.
To me, this story isn't so much about where Aidan was, but more so about how we treat other people who say things that are impossible to believe. I consider myself a very honest person. I demand the truth from other people and I easily write off people that exaggerate. It's like nails on a chalkboard for me. Therefore, I can completely understand Aidan's parents' reactions. They want to be there for their kid, but they're frustrated that they're not getting what they believe to be the real story. Very realistic and it's nice to read a middle grade that paints parents in a realistic light.
The most interesting reaction is Lucas - he doesn't believe Aidan but he begins to see the value in just listening and being supportive. This is where I feel the lesson in the story lies. Sometimes it doesn't matter what someone says. Sometimes they just need someone to hear them, regardless of how outlandish it may sound. I completely admit that this is not my forte and probably never will be. But I think that's exactly why I took something away from this book.
So why only 2.5 stars? This story left something to be desired. It was a fast-paced, easy read, but there just wasn't enough development here in any aspect. Not enough development with the aftermath of Aidan's disappearance with his family, his friendships, even the neighborhood's feelings regarding Aidan. I felt like each thing in here barely scratched the surface before jumping to another scene. When I finished, I was left feeling disappointed because I felt like this really had some potential and it completely dropped the ball.
However, even though I was really disappointed with the execution, I still think it was a compelling enough story. Yeah, I think 3 stars is fair.
January 30, 2021
It was very interesting and well written read. The book focus on the aftermath of Aidan's disappearance and to be honest I would also like to read story what happen to him when he was gone. Aiden claims he went through the dresser and into another world - it obviously remind me of Narnia. I really enjoyed siblings relationship showed in this book - Aidan and Lucas have a amazing brotherhood. Unfortunately the ending wasn't so great for me - it was very bittersweet and I wish it would end other way.
Rating overall 3,5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me copy of book in exchange for review. All opinions are my own.
Rating overall 3,5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me copy of book in exchange for review. All opinions are my own.
November 20, 2020
This gave me such nostalgia for the books from my childhood. It’s beautifully, effortlessly written and honest. It has that timeless quality that all middle grade literature possesses.
January 30, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
It was such an unexpectedly exceptional read! The novel is a gem balancing realism with fantasy woven throughout masterfully, blending in themes of family bonding, love, and even moral quandaries such as distrust and honesty. The plot is simple and as the blurb suggests: Twelve-year-old Aidan vanishes in the middle of the night, only to reappear six days later in his own attic. His family and the entire townspeople want answers to where he has been, but his explanation satisfies no one, as Aiden claims he went through the dresser and into another world called Aveinieu through a portal.
The story is told through the perspective of his younger brother, eleven-year-old Lucas, who is not sure what to believe but is there to support his brother. I loved this unique storytelling perspective by Levithan, as well as his easy-going fun conversational writing style, as it suited the voice of these kids.
Aidan has a hard time fitting into the "real" world again and he copes with it by telling stories of Aveinieu, and as the stories get out, well kids at school are mean to people with a knack for story-telling or imagination. I can vouch for that. I categorized this story as a fantasy but is it really? The novel has a bit of everything, yet does it really? Did Aidan really go to Aveinieu, or is he making it up like most kids his age as a source of escapism? Where did Aidan, then, disappear to?
It was so well-executed and beautifully presented that I had tears when reading because it was relatable and hard-hitting. The fact that it was told through Lucas' perspective rather than Aidan's is what stood out to me, because I was, as a reader, as lost as Lucas. What was real, and what was made up? Do we believe Aidan, or does he seem like he needs medical attention? The parents are supportive, but understandably unsure about how to handle the situation. I imagine this could be good for parents to read with their kids and start discussions of identity, isolation, and related difficulties mostly pre-teens face. The progression of the book was slow and the conclusion was rather inconclusive, but it makes up for the heavier topics being discussed here.
The portal to a different world might have been done before (like Narnia and the Wayward Children books), but what makes The Mysterious Disappearance Of Aidan S. unique is the outsider perspective. Because Lucas is the narrator and he never went to the other world, we never get too much information on Aveinieu, but the glimpses we get through Aidan's stories about the world is fascinating and enchanting and makes you crave you for more.
Also, I want to say I love the LGBTQ+ inclusion the book had, especially for middle-grade fiction. Making that subject not an important part of some of the characters, rather it was just, there. Aunt Brandi is the best!
4.5 stars. Highly recommend!
It was such an unexpectedly exceptional read! The novel is a gem balancing realism with fantasy woven throughout masterfully, blending in themes of family bonding, love, and even moral quandaries such as distrust and honesty. The plot is simple and as the blurb suggests: Twelve-year-old Aidan vanishes in the middle of the night, only to reappear six days later in his own attic. His family and the entire townspeople want answers to where he has been, but his explanation satisfies no one, as Aiden claims he went through the dresser and into another world called Aveinieu through a portal.
The story is told through the perspective of his younger brother, eleven-year-old Lucas, who is not sure what to believe but is there to support his brother. I loved this unique storytelling perspective by Levithan, as well as his easy-going fun conversational writing style, as it suited the voice of these kids.
Aidan has a hard time fitting into the "real" world again and he copes with it by telling stories of Aveinieu, and as the stories get out, well kids at school are mean to people with a knack for story-telling or imagination. I can vouch for that. I categorized this story as a fantasy but is it really? The novel has a bit of everything, yet does it really? Did Aidan really go to Aveinieu, or is he making it up like most kids his age as a source of escapism? Where did Aidan, then, disappear to?
It was so well-executed and beautifully presented that I had tears when reading because it was relatable and hard-hitting. The fact that it was told through Lucas' perspective rather than Aidan's is what stood out to me, because I was, as a reader, as lost as Lucas. What was real, and what was made up? Do we believe Aidan, or does he seem like he needs medical attention? The parents are supportive, but understandably unsure about how to handle the situation. I imagine this could be good for parents to read with their kids and start discussions of identity, isolation, and related difficulties mostly pre-teens face. The progression of the book was slow and the conclusion was rather inconclusive, but it makes up for the heavier topics being discussed here.
The portal to a different world might have been done before (like Narnia and the Wayward Children books), but what makes The Mysterious Disappearance Of Aidan S. unique is the outsider perspective. Because Lucas is the narrator and he never went to the other world, we never get too much information on Aveinieu, but the glimpses we get through Aidan's stories about the world is fascinating and enchanting and makes you crave you for more.
Also, I want to say I love the LGBTQ+ inclusion the book had, especially for middle-grade fiction. Making that subject not an important part of some of the characters, rather it was just, there. Aunt Brandi is the best!
4.5 stars. Highly recommend!
December 8, 2020
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a DRC of this title for review. All opinions are my own.
I have not read any Levithan (that I can remember at least) so I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this one. I liked the premise (a boy goes missing for 6 days, shows up unexpectedly, and no one believes the story he tells about where he was/why he as gone) and I had high hopes.
I was not disappointed. :)
This was one of those magical, unexpected middle grade books that just WORKS. Balancing fantasy, realism, and a look at the bonds of family, this was a gem of a story. Aidan goes missing and for six days his family and entire community look for him. They search everywhere, eventually even thinking they are looking for a body and not him. But then, suddenly, he shows back up. His brother finds him in the attic, a place they had searched multiple times. Aidan says he was in another place entirely, a magical world found beyond the doors of the dresser that is stored up there, but now, he has been banished back to our world. Distraught, and without time to make up any other story, Lucas yells out that Aidan is back. And now they have to deal with the fallout: did he make up this story? Was he pulling a joke on everyone? Is he delusional? And if not, then why is the portal shut off now?
The entire book has this tension of wondering if it is true, does this other land exist? And, more importantly, does it matter?
Highly recommend.
I have not read any Levithan (that I can remember at least) so I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this one. I liked the premise (a boy goes missing for 6 days, shows up unexpectedly, and no one believes the story he tells about where he was/why he as gone) and I had high hopes.
I was not disappointed. :)
This was one of those magical, unexpected middle grade books that just WORKS. Balancing fantasy, realism, and a look at the bonds of family, this was a gem of a story. Aidan goes missing and for six days his family and entire community look for him. They search everywhere, eventually even thinking they are looking for a body and not him. But then, suddenly, he shows back up. His brother finds him in the attic, a place they had searched multiple times. Aidan says he was in another place entirely, a magical world found beyond the doors of the dresser that is stored up there, but now, he has been banished back to our world. Distraught, and without time to make up any other story, Lucas yells out that Aidan is back. And now they have to deal with the fallout: did he make up this story? Was he pulling a joke on everyone? Is he delusional? And if not, then why is the portal shut off now?
The entire book has this tension of wondering if it is true, does this other land exist? And, more importantly, does it matter?
Highly recommend.
October 11, 2021
This was just what I needed after a really heavy historical fiction novel! It was a very fast read, but a cute and powerful one too. The idea that we should dismiss children's account just because we think it is imaginary or implausible is, to me, extremely relevant. Who are we to tell children that? And why would it be wrong? The characters of Aidan and Lucas shine through this book and their relationship makes me warm inside! A really enjoyable children's book!
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January 15, 2024The highlight of this short book that sticks to me is Lucas' love, support, and loyalty to his brother and family. And that ending summarized it all.
Unexpected events did happen, and they will always test everyone. Thus, one must pass it despite not everyone believing you.
And there's a part of me that wishes there was more fantasy in this book. 🔮
Unexpected events did happen, and they will always test everyone. Thus, one must pass it despite not everyone believing you.
And there's a part of me that wishes there was more fantasy in this book. 🔮
February 11, 2021
I always enjoy David Levithan’s writing. It’s easy to read, fast-paced, and makes it hard for me to want to put a book down. The case was the same for this one.
I really enjoyed seeing a “Narnia story” from a different perspective. We didn’t get to see Aidan in his other world. We got to see how his brother, family, friends, and community reacted upon his return. I thought this was a unique take on a common storyline.
I struggle to figure out what the point of this book was, which is why I didn’t give it 5 stars. I still have questions such as, Why did the door open to Aidan? And why does it open at all? What happened when Aidan was in the other world? And why did Levithan choose the ending he did?
I think it would be great to see a second book exploring Aidan in the world he visited and explaining more of how these worlds come about and why they beckon people in.
I think I was waiting for a twist, like that Aidan did experience trauma and was actually making things up... like how he misspoke and told his brother that a Maddox was a cross between a bear and an ox when he told his parents that it was a cross between a wolf and an ox. I thought that might have been a clue. But clearly this place was real. I just think I was looking for a little more explanation.
Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and think it’s well worth a read!
I really enjoyed seeing a “Narnia story” from a different perspective. We didn’t get to see Aidan in his other world. We got to see how his brother, family, friends, and community reacted upon his return. I thought this was a unique take on a common storyline.
I struggle to figure out what the point of this book was, which is why I didn’t give it 5 stars. I still have questions such as, Why did the door open to Aidan? And why does it open at all? What happened when Aidan was in the other world? And why did Levithan choose the ending he did?
I think it would be great to see a second book exploring Aidan in the world he visited and explaining more of how these worlds come about and why they beckon people in.
I think I was waiting for a twist, like that Aidan did experience trauma and was actually making things up... like how he misspoke and told his brother that a Maddox was a cross between a bear and an ox when he told his parents that it was a cross between a wolf and an ox. I thought that might have been a clue. But clearly this place was real. I just think I was looking for a little more explanation.
Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and think it’s well worth a read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2021
This is an arc I received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review is honest and spoiler free.
I was really excited to read it when I read the title and the blurb of the book. And there is a very exciting line added to the title “as told to his brother” which was more than enough for me to request this book on NetGalley. I had high expectations from the book because it was described in such way.
But when I read it I was so much disappointed. The starting was good. It was all as the title suggested and then after 4-5 chapters we got to know the secret. After that it was just Aidan trying to convince others that the story that he I telling about his disappearance is true. No fun twists and nothing mysterious happened later. The “as told to his brother” part was so unnecessary.
I felt like DNFing it but I didn’t. I had some hope that it would give me some mystery at some point but it was written and executed in such a way that every line was known. There was no surprise factor, just dialogues of shouting and convincing and nothing else. I didn’t DNF it but did not enjoy it either. I feel sad to give it a 2-star rating because I really wanted to be a favourite.
I was really excited to read it when I read the title and the blurb of the book. And there is a very exciting line added to the title “as told to his brother” which was more than enough for me to request this book on NetGalley. I had high expectations from the book because it was described in such way.
But when I read it I was so much disappointed. The starting was good. It was all as the title suggested and then after 4-5 chapters we got to know the secret. After that it was just Aidan trying to convince others that the story that he I telling about his disappearance is true. No fun twists and nothing mysterious happened later. The “as told to his brother” part was so unnecessary.
I felt like DNFing it but I didn’t. I had some hope that it would give me some mystery at some point but it was written and executed in such a way that every line was known. There was no surprise factor, just dialogues of shouting and convincing and nothing else. I didn’t DNF it but did not enjoy it either. I feel sad to give it a 2-star rating because I really wanted to be a favourite.
January 26, 2021
3.5
I really enjoyed this fun mystery story which I think is perfect for fans of Malamander by Thomas Taylor! This book follows our main character Lucas who when his brother goes missing for 6 days tries to find out what happened. I really loved the brotherly relationships in this story as well as the complicated family relationships. I also loved the atmosphere and creativity that was woven into this novel. The only issue I had with it was I was never completely gripped or connected to the story.
I really enjoyed this fun mystery story which I think is perfect for fans of Malamander by Thomas Taylor! This book follows our main character Lucas who when his brother goes missing for 6 days tries to find out what happened. I really loved the brotherly relationships in this story as well as the complicated family relationships. I also loved the atmosphere and creativity that was woven into this novel. The only issue I had with it was I was never completely gripped or connected to the story.
March 22, 2021
For me, this book... this story... the slow unraveling... the gradual crescendo... was a hook tugging at my heart strings and butterflies in my stomach. A lovely, quiet, slow-paced middle grade novel with refreshingly matter-of-fact inclusion of LGBTQIA characters, plenty of imagination, a subtle nod to the fantastical, and family as well as community at its core.
November 26, 2020
#TheMysteriousDisappearanceofAidanSastoldtohisbrother #NetGalley
Thanks to Net Galley for the advance reading copy of The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as told to his brother) by David Levithan.
2.5 stars
In a letter to readers Levithan says that this novel, his first for middle grade readers, is an amalgamation of many books and authors that have influenced his literary life. “That’s what I hope I’ve done here, taking a lot of stories I love, mixing them into a mystery, and giving them back in a new way.”
Twelve year old Aidan disappears one evening. When his eleven year old brother Lucas awakes the next morning, he’s immediately alarmed to find that his brother is not in his bed. A household search is conducted, the police are called, and searches are organized. Detectives question Lucas. But no trace, no clue, is left behind. Lucas feels lost too. How could his brother disappear and he not know anything at all? They’re close. They share the same room. They’re only a year apart. But Lucas is as perplexed and mystified as his parents and the police. Six days later, just as things are beginning to feel more frantic and less hopeful, Aidan reappears as mysteriously as he disappeared. Lucas hears a noise from the attic and rushes up to find a dazed and disoriented Aidan face down on the attic floor, looking disheveled. Aidan is dazed and confused. And his explanation for where he’s been? It’s not what anyone expects. Lucas alone gets the whole story. The Aidan who returns is different than the Aidan from before. What ensues is Aidan’s reluctant re-entry into the world as he navigates the demands of his family, friends, paparazzi, and schoolmates all of whom demand to know what really happened.
The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. is a sweet homage to brotherly bonds. In some ways, it is like The Body by Stephen King. It’s more novella than novel. It has a nostalgic sense of time and place and features a seminal moment coming of age that indelibly marks the protagonists. There’s not much action but it is a tender story of two brothers seeing one another more clearly.
As a middle grade novel, this novel does not hit its target. Aidan and Lucas are young, middle schoolers, but they don’t sound like middle schoolers. The dialogue is clunky and outdated. Their vocabulary is much too sophisticated and, perhaps, not contemporary. It’s entirely possible that adult Lucas is the narrator, reminiscing about the past, but if so, I’d like for that to be more firmly suggested in establishing the setting. Some incongruous details like home phones and pay phones could be better explained if the story is set back a couple of decades but I found them very distracting. The adults in the story are very chill and super helpful, as if they were scripted right out of a self help guide. I found their prosaic lectures and platitudes oftentimes more patronizing than comforting. And not 100% authentic. I also found Aidan’s post disappearance transformation not entirely convincing. It’s like he went in as Cartman and came out as Gandhi. My rating reflects my belief that my middle school readers will not readily gravitate to this one.
Thanks to Net Galley for the advance reading copy of The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as told to his brother) by David Levithan.
2.5 stars
In a letter to readers Levithan says that this novel, his first for middle grade readers, is an amalgamation of many books and authors that have influenced his literary life. “That’s what I hope I’ve done here, taking a lot of stories I love, mixing them into a mystery, and giving them back in a new way.”
Twelve year old Aidan disappears one evening. When his eleven year old brother Lucas awakes the next morning, he’s immediately alarmed to find that his brother is not in his bed. A household search is conducted, the police are called, and searches are organized. Detectives question Lucas. But no trace, no clue, is left behind. Lucas feels lost too. How could his brother disappear and he not know anything at all? They’re close. They share the same room. They’re only a year apart. But Lucas is as perplexed and mystified as his parents and the police. Six days later, just as things are beginning to feel more frantic and less hopeful, Aidan reappears as mysteriously as he disappeared. Lucas hears a noise from the attic and rushes up to find a dazed and disoriented Aidan face down on the attic floor, looking disheveled. Aidan is dazed and confused. And his explanation for where he’s been? It’s not what anyone expects. Lucas alone gets the whole story. The Aidan who returns is different than the Aidan from before. What ensues is Aidan’s reluctant re-entry into the world as he navigates the demands of his family, friends, paparazzi, and schoolmates all of whom demand to know what really happened.
The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. is a sweet homage to brotherly bonds. In some ways, it is like The Body by Stephen King. It’s more novella than novel. It has a nostalgic sense of time and place and features a seminal moment coming of age that indelibly marks the protagonists. There’s not much action but it is a tender story of two brothers seeing one another more clearly.
As a middle grade novel, this novel does not hit its target. Aidan and Lucas are young, middle schoolers, but they don’t sound like middle schoolers. The dialogue is clunky and outdated. Their vocabulary is much too sophisticated and, perhaps, not contemporary. It’s entirely possible that adult Lucas is the narrator, reminiscing about the past, but if so, I’d like for that to be more firmly suggested in establishing the setting. Some incongruous details like home phones and pay phones could be better explained if the story is set back a couple of decades but I found them very distracting. The adults in the story are very chill and super helpful, as if they were scripted right out of a self help guide. I found their prosaic lectures and platitudes oftentimes more patronizing than comforting. And not 100% authentic. I also found Aidan’s post disappearance transformation not entirely convincing. It’s like he went in as Cartman and came out as Gandhi. My rating reflects my belief that my middle school readers will not readily gravitate to this one.
June 15, 2021
impulse grab from the newly opened local city library new books display
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But like Jordan Heinrichs, I'm not overly enthralled by "Big Metaphor" books. Read their terrific review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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On the third hand, Levithan knows how to write. So I'm trying it. And deep in already, captivated. Having read several other reviews, I have a better idea of what to expect, what to look for. And I already have possible clues. Why do ppl tend to think that Lucas is the older brother, though he's a year younger? Why do the boys, with Aidan's friend Glenn, like to play a videogame in which they "doused Nazis with a flamethrower?" Why, when Lucas examines the dresser, does he find "nothing there... Not even dust" - ?
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Ok done. Rewards careful reading. But still. Something to think about. The only thing that's relatively easy is what is given in the last lines: "True or not, every story has something it wants you to remember. True or not, every story has something it wants you to believe."
Good book for discussion. I wish my kid was 12, not 25, so we could talk about it. ;)
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But like Jordan Heinrichs, I'm not overly enthralled by "Big Metaphor" books. Read their terrific review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
---
On the third hand, Levithan knows how to write. So I'm trying it. And deep in already, captivated. Having read several other reviews, I have a better idea of what to expect, what to look for. And I already have possible clues. Why do ppl tend to think that Lucas is the older brother, though he's a year younger? Why do the boys, with Aidan's friend Glenn, like to play a videogame in which they "doused Nazis with a flamethrower?" Why, when Lucas examines the dresser, does he find "nothing there... Not even dust" - ?
---
Ok done. Rewards careful reading. But still. Something to think about. The only thing that's relatively easy is what is given in the last lines: "True or not, every story has something it wants you to remember. True or not, every story has something it wants you to believe."
Good book for discussion. I wish my kid was 12, not 25, so we could talk about it. ;)
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