From School Library Journal

Gr 4–7—Two best friends build a fort in the woods and defend it from bullies in this fun, old-fashioned story that manages to be fresh and familiar. Wyatt is enjoying the freedom of a summer with his dad in upstate New York. His friend Augie lives there year-round and has many useful skills that include killing squirrels with a slingshot and cooking them over a fire. There are the expected bullies, two older boys named J.R. and Morrie, and an unexpected friend named Gerard, a socially isolated teenager with developmental disabilities. The two friends spend rapturous days building their fort, looking at a car company's girlie calendar, and other country-boy activities unimpeded by smartphones or YouTube, since Wyatt's father doesn't want him plugged into a screen all day. In a low-stakes climax, the two bullies try to destroy the boys' fort but are foiled by an ingenious series of booby-traps. The moral center of the novel revolves around Wyatt and Augie discovering how J.R. and Morrie are mistreating Gerard and how after some hesitation, they find in him a valuable ally. There is a touch of burgeoning sexuality, mostly as Wyatt notices and appreciates Augie's aunt's figure, but otherwise the tone of the novel is remarkably innocent without being cloying or unrealistic. There is a good balance of action and description and well-developed characters, though the bullies are a tad two-dimensional. VERDICT A boy-centered adventure with heart, appealing to a variety of readers.—Kyle Lukoff, Corlears School, New York City

Review

“Classic summer adventure . . . DeFelice doesn't shy away from the gritty realities of outdoor life, and that's what sets the book apart . . . Readers will appreciate the reminder that fun like this is still possible.” ―The New York Times Book Review

“What preteen . . . wouldn't love to build a fort in the woods? DeFelice makes that dream come true . . . [and] leads to a glorious, feel-good climax in which all the right things work out and the bad guys get their richly deserved comeuppance . . . Upbeat, engaging and satisfying; altogether . . . a bit of believable, achievable adventure.” ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“DeFelice smoothly advances the plot to a satisfying climax and conclusion . . . for this adventuresome, good-hearted, but never goody-goody pair. Wyatt is a sympathetic narrator with a realistic blend of thoughtfulness and daring.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Stuffed full of clever pranks and summertime nostalgia, this is a story of kindness and adventure . . . A boisterous and poignant coming-of-age tale.” ―Booklist

“A boy-centered adventure with heart, appealing to a variety of readers.” ―School Library Journal

“Thoroughly enjoyable.” ―VOYA

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