Reading Metrics
Description
Ann Stavely watches people disappear through the gate at Hexwood Farm and later encounters a tormented sorcerer who seems to have arisen from a centuries-long sleep, while in the woods nearby, time keeps shifting and a young boy encounters a robot and a dragon. The story follows several characters whose lives intersect as they uncover the mystery of Hexwood and discover that an ancient machine there manipulates reality. The setting is Hexwood Farm and the surrounding woods, where the boundaries between different times and realities blur.
Quick Summary
Hexwood twists reality itself into a clever puzzle that readers must solve alongside the characters, revealing that an ancient machine buried in the woods has been quietly rewriting history for centuries. Kids will love how Diana Wynne Jones weaves together multiple timelines and storylines into one satisfying "aha" moment, with witty dialogue that pops up in the strangest moments and a cast of characters who turn out to be far more than they first appear. If your kid enjoys mind-bending mysteries like The Westing Game or fantasies with hidden layers like A Wrinkle in Time, they'll be absolutely hooked from the first chapter. Perfect for readers in grades 4 through 6 who love puzzles, fantasy, and stories that reward paying attention.