Reading Metrics
Description
Ziggy believes a secret cave may hold the key to finding his mother, a Native woman who went missing ten years earlier. Book contains violence and themes of racism and bullying.
Quick Summary
If you're looking for a middle-grade read that mixes adventure with some really important themes, "The Storyteller" by Brandon Hobson is a solid choice. Ziggy is trying to find his missing mom, and the search takes him on a journey that's part mystery, part myth with a secret cave thrown in for good measure. It's a quick read at around 48,000 words, which makes it accessible even for reluctant readers. The book tackles some heavy stuff like racism and bullying, so it's not light and fluffy, but it handles these themes in a way that feels real for middle schoolers without being preachy about it. Kids who love stories with a touch of the supernatural, or who are into folklore and mythology, will probably connect with this one. Parents should know there's some violence and tense moments, so it might be better suited for older elementary and middle school readers rather than the younger end of that range. If your kid enjoyed "The Girl Who Drank the Moon" or books that blend Native American storytelling with modern adventure, this feels like a kindred spirit.