From Ant to Eagle

Gr 5–8—Calvin Sinclair spends the summer before sixth grade challenging his six-year-old brother Sammy to earn "levels" by completing tasks such as collecting a jar of ants or sinking 100 baskets. Each level, named for an animal (such as Snail for mowing the lawn and Fox for showing bravery), is documented in a journal as Sammy strives to move closer to Calvin's Eagle status. When a new girl, Aleta Alvarado, moves to town, Sammy is pushed aside as Calvin and Aleta bond over their shared love of "Goosebumps" books and adventures to their "Secret Spot," an area in the fields between their houses that offers a view of Lake Huron. During this time, Sammy has been feeling tired and sick, leading to a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia. Calvin feels guilty and wants to protect his younger brother from the cancer as his parents struggle to deal with the crisis in their own ways.