A special thanks to TBR and Beyond tours!
There are billions of galaxies. Did the stone come from a watery galaxy, full of colors, and is it bringing the water to make itself feel at home, the way I brought my pillow with me to Nana’s house? If that’s true, how much water will it take for the rock to feel at home here on Bower Hill Road?
Synopsis
Counting by 7s meets See You in the Cosmos in this heartwarming coming-of-age story perfect for the budding geologists and those fascinated by the mysteries of the universe.
Henry has always been fascinated by rocks. As a homeschooler, he pours through the R volume of the encyclopedia to help him identify the rocks he finds. So, when a meteorite falls in his family’s field, who better to investigate than this rock enthusiast–with his best friend, James, and his little sister, Birdie, in tow, of course.
But soon after the meteorite’s arrival, the water in Henry’s small Maine town starts drying up. It’s not long before news spreads that the space rock and Henry’s family might be to blame. Henry is determined to defend his newest discovery, but his knowledge of geology could not have prepared him for how much this stone from the sky would change his community, his family, and even himself.
Science and wonder abound in this middle-grade debut about an inquisitive boy and the massive rock that came down to Earth to reshape his life.
My Thoughts
Down to Earth is a heartwarming middle grade read. Readers of all ages will enjoy Henry’s journey.
Henry comes from a family of water witchers. One of the my favorite things was the mention of water dowsing and the whimsy surrounding it. Water dowsing is using a stuck to find water underground. It added an element of magic that I truly enjoyed.
Henry learned about himself, family, and space while keeping me interested. Down to Earth is a special middle grade I can’t compare to anything else. I loved Henry’s sense of curiosity, question list in his notebooks, and the use of his encyclopedia set. Henry and the other character are believable and fun to read about.
While Down to Earth is aimed for children, older readers can find something within its pages as well. I often overlook middle grade reads, but you will find Down to Earth is written in such away that you can’t help but fall in love with what Culley has created.
About the Author
Betty Culley’s debut novel in verse Three Things I Know I True, was a Kids’ Indie Next List Top Ten Pick, an ALA-YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Nominee, an ALA-YALSA Quick Pick, and a Junior Library Guild selection. Her first middle-grade novel Down to Earth, is inspired by her fascination with meteorites, voyagers from another place and time. She’s an RN who worked as an obstetrics nurse and as a pediatric home hospice nurse. She lives in central Maine, where the rivers run through the small towns.
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Book Links
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My thoughts are mine and mine alone, thanks for reading!
Lit Lemon Books 