Release: January 12th, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux (By)
Source: Amazon
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N.
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A heartfelt middle-grade novel from New York Times bestselling author Barbara O’Connor about a boy whose life is upended after losing his older brother—timeless, classic, and whimsical.
Walter Tipple is looking for adventure. He keeps having a dream that his big brother, Tank, appears before him and says, “Let’s you and me go see my world, little man.” But Tank went to the army and never came home, and Walter doesn’t know how to see the world without him.
Then he meets Posey, the brash new girl from next door, and an eccentric man named Banjo, who’s off on a bodacious adventure of his own. What follows is a summer of taking chances, becoming braver, and making friends—and maybe Walter can learn who he wants to be without the brother he always wanted to be like.
Halfway to Harmony is an utterly charming story about change and growing up.
About the Author:
Barbara O’Connor is the author of award-winning novels for children, including Wonderland, How to Steal
a Dog, and the New York Times bestseller, Wish. Drawing on her South Carolina roots, Barbara’s books have strong Southern settings and quirky characters.
In addition to seven Parents Choice Awards, Barbara’s distinctions include School Library Journal Best Books, Kirkus Best Books, Bank Street College Best Books, American Booksellers Association Best Books, and ALA Notables. Her books received a nomination for children’s choice awards in 38 states and became the winner by children in ten states. Barbara is a popular visiting author at schools and a frequent speaker at conferences around the country.
Halfway to Harmony Review:
I loved “Halfway to Harmony” and thought it was the perfect middle-grade novel.
Everything about the book was just fantastic! It is whimsical, yet profound, cute, yet deep, with strange yet charming characters. Walter is a great character that makes you relate to him. He (and his family) are coping with the loss of his brother Tank. I loved the connection he has with Posey when she enters his life. She is a spark of high energy, and they complement each other very nicely. Similarly, I loved the angle of dream sequences with Tank and wondered where it was heading. At the same time, Banjo is fantastic, and I loved his storyline and his romance with Evalina. He lightened up this otherwise serious story with a sense of whimsy and humor. On a side note, I didn’t even know what a “key grab” contest was until I read this book. There were just so many moments that made the story memorable for me.
Moreover, I loved the author’s style of writing. The way she narrates the story makes you feel like you are in a beautiful dream. Although the tale targets a younger audience, I think a reader of any age would enjoy reading the story. There is a touch of mystery when they find the dead man; a touch of adventure when they search for the balloon; and many moments of love, friendship, and family. One of my favorite moments is when Walter lashes out to his family and how they deal with the situation. On a side note, I loved the cover’s colorful color, which made me want to read it immediately.
Overall, “Halfway to Harmony” is a beautiful, contemporary middle-grade novel that I highly recommend people to read.
