FICTION

The Natural Genius of Ants

by Betty Culley
Listening Library. May 2022. 508p. $45. ISBN 9780593584309.
COPY ISBN
Gr 3-7–Harvard and Roger’s father sat in their city apartment for five months after “the mistake”—which caused the death of an infant in his care. Dad’s now decided to take the boys to his hometown of Kettle Hole, ME, where he’s just “the Corson boy there, not Dr. Corson.” Mom can’t leave her research, but she needs Dad to “use this summer to figure out a way to forgive [him]self.” They’re renting Dad’s childhood friend Vern’s house—without internet or TV—but Vern’s daughter Nevaeh (“heaven spelled backwards”) turns out to be a wonderfully welcoming friend. Alejandro Ruiz deftly distinguishes the sizable cast: he’s especially empathic to clever, funny, kind Harvard, and just as affecting as adorable Roger, wise-beyond-her-years Nevaeh, slowly improving Dad, and Dominican American Mom.
VERDICT With notable versatility, Ruiz magnifies the gentle goodness of Culley’s affecting story, enabling younger readers to face difficult issues.
Reviewed by Terry Hong , Oct 01, 2022

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Noisy Christmas: My First Touch and Feel Sound Book
by Cox, Hettie
BOOKS

Five Sparkling Snowmen: A Rhyming Count Down Christmas Board Book
by Edwards, Nicola
BOOKS

A Magical Christmas: A Padded Christmas Story Book
by Freedman, Claire
BOOKS

Night Night, Sleepy Elves: A Lift-the-Flap Bedtime Christmas Book
by Wood, Selina
BOOKS

Love Is My Favorite Color
by Laden, Nina
BOOKS

Harriet’s Reflections
by Kadi, Marion
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?