Seasoned YA author, Betty Culley brings us her first middle-grade novel in Down to Earth. It’s such a fun book that had a similar feel to Robin Yardi’s Owl’s Outstanding Donuts. Several elements of the story, mainly the simplistic life of the main character and his family, made it feel as if it was a story from many years ago but you later find out it is a modern-day story. Due to the fact that a major part of the plot was about finding where one can drill for a (water) well, we get the bonus of learning about dowsing. Several chapters begin with a quote from a book about this unusual skill that adds interest to the story. In addition to the story having educational value, the relationship between the main character and those close to him are beautiful. It’s also great to read about a child who loves to learn. Down to Earth is a feel-good story that will be engaging for anyone who enjoys an every-day story with a side of extraordinary.
Review of a Digital Advance Reading Copy
This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Random House Children’s Books
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: 1 mild obscenity.
Violence/Gore: Few (5) brief incidents including reference to a mother dying and her children nearly drowning; second-hand report of adult dying; reference to house getting hit by lightning; child hit in head, becoming unconscious; house destroyed in flood.
Sex/Nudity: None
Mature Subject Matter:
Poverty; family losing their house.
Alcohol / Drug Use:
None
