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From Ant to Eagle

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( 820 ratings, 159 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
From Ant to Eagle by Alex Lyttle is a poignant children's novel that explores the bond between two brothers, Calvin and Sammy. Calvin, the older brother, creates challenges and games to entertain Sammy, but a tragic event tests their relationship. Through this emotional tale, themes of family, loyalty, and love unfold, offering young readers an introspective look at the complexities of sibling dynamics and dealing with loss.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this touching story if you're drawn to children's books that explore themes of family, brotherly bonds, and facing life's challenges. The narrative provides a heartfelt look into the lives of two brothers, weaving together elements of adventure, emotional depth, and resilience. It's perfect for readers who appreciate stories that balance humour with poignant, life-affirming moments.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

My name is Calvin Sinclair, I'm eleven years old and I have a confession...Β I killed my brother.
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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

My name is Calvin Sinclair, I'm eleven years old and I have a confession... I killed my brother.

It's the summer before grade six and Calvin Sinclair is bored to tears. He's recently moved from a big city to a small town and there's nothing to do. It's hot, he has no friends and the only kid around is his six-year-old brother, Sammy, who can barely throw a basketball as high as the hoop.

Cal occupies his time by getting his brother to do almost anything: from collecting ants to doing Calvin's chores. And Sammy is all too eager - as long as it means getting a "Level" and moving one step closer to his brother's Eagle status.

When Calvin meets Aleta Alvarado, a new girl who shares his love for Goosebumps books and adventure, Sammy is pushed aside. Cal feels guilty but not enough to change. At least not until a diagnosis makes things at home start spinning out of control and he's left wondering whether Sammy will ever complete his own journey...

"Tender, direct, and honest." β€” Kirkus Reviews

"An honest portrayal of love, loss, and friendship." β€” School Library Journal

"A moving and ultimately hopeful book." β€” Booklist

"This book is heart-breaking, gut-wrenching, and awe-inspiring... highly recommend this book to fans of the book Wonder by R. J. Palacio, but I think that any reader will enjoy this excellent debut novel from Alex Lyttle." β€” JacobtheBookworm, Goodreads

"This is a touching, moving, beautiful story and I can't recommend it enough. Even though its target audience is upper middle grade, everyone should read this. Did you watch that television show Red Band Society? My teenage daughter and I loved that show and this book had that same feel but from the perspective of the non-ill sibling. Nicola Yoon's Everything, Everything was released in September of 2015 and the hype that followed was out of control. The hype for this book needs to surpass that." β€” Candace, Goodreads

Check out Alex Lyttle's other book: The Rise of Winter

The Critics Agree: From Ant to Eagle, like The Bridge to Terabithia and Out of My Mind, shouldn't be missed. Read this award-winning book today!

Winner, Red Cedar Award 2019

Winner, Silver Birch Fiction Award 2018

Winner, Rocky Mountain Book Award 2019

Finalist, Alberta Writers Guild 2019

Finalist, Foreword Indies Book of the Year 2017

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

From Ant to Eagle by Alex Lyttle is praised for its honest depiction of emotions such as love, loss, and friendship. Reviews highlight the book's tender and direct narrative, describing it as a moving and hopeful story. It draws comparisons to popular works like "Wonder" and "Everything, Everything," and is recommended for readers even beyond its upper middle-grade target audience for its touching storytelling.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781771681117

Publisher: Central Avenue Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 April 2017

Country: Canada

Imprint: Central Avenue Publishing

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 133.0mm

Height: 191.0mm

Weight: 249g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Alex Lyttle is a pediatrician living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his wife and four children. He was raised in London, Ontario - the setting of his first novel,Β From Ant to Eagle, a multi-award winning story which he wrote based on his experiences working in the Pediatric Oncology unit. Readers have described it asΒ "relatable, pragmatic, touching, moving,"Β and perhaps most importantly,"a reminder that adults are not always the wisest people in the room."Β Many readers point to one quote that lingers in their hearts in particular:Β "The only thing worse than dying is living without hope."

The Rise of Winter, Alex's second novel, steps away from the medical world and enters that of fantasy – a world created during bedtime stories for his eldest daughter that readers compared toΒ Red Queen, The Dark Crowns,Β andΒ Cinder. Fans call Alex's writing "entertaining", "moving" and "dynamic". When he is not working, writing or playing basketball, he enjoys learning new magic tricks to perform for his young patients. Watch for Alex's newest novel The Pain Book, set to launch in the Spring of 2022.

You can follow Alex at his website: alexlyttle.com or in social media: on Twitter: @alex_lyttle or on facebook @AlexLyttleAuthor.
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