The Tiltersmith -- Fantasy Middle Grades Novel

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Today I am going to share a book that I should have shared with you awhile ago. Unfortunately, I am still trying to find balance between teaching and life and finding time to read. The book I am sharing today is The Tiltersmith by Amy Herrick. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12. 

From the Publisher:

Myths and monsters collide with climate chaos in a thrilling fantasy adventure.

Spring has arrived in Brooklyn, New York, but winter refuses to let go. Sleet, snow, and even a tornado batter the city. Mr. Ross, the science teacher, believes climate change is the cause, but classmates Edward, Feenix, Danton, and Brigit suspect older, magical forces are at work. When a peculiar character calling himself Superintendent Tiltersmith appears with a keen interest in the foursome, their suspicions are confirmed, and they’re swept up in a battle of wits and courage.

The friends must protect a set of mysterious tools belonging to the Lady of Spring. If they can free her from her underground prison, winter will end. But if the Tiltersmith steals the tools, he will keep the Lady in his power and upset the balance of nature forever.

From Me:

I am going to begin by saying I am only halfway through the book. School, family, Covid and other things keep pulling me away from this wonderful book. Every time I begin reading it, I am engrossed and do not want to put it down, but then I have to for some reason or another stop reading and like the main characters I forget about it for a bit. Throughout the story they forget about some of the special tools they have received. This book is full of mystery and adventure. It reminds me briefly of the picture book we loved when Hazel was young, How Robin Saved Spring by Debbie Ouellet. The winter is never ending, and four middle school friends try to figure out. The four of them seem to be the only ones bothered by the Tiltersmith. Their school principal gives him a tour without checking his story that he is from the central office of the superintendent. The other students seem to be excited to talk to him. The four friends see his strangeness and know something weird is going on. Each has their own peek at the magic as they slowly get drawn into the battle. 

I love that the four main characters are very diverse. There are two boys and two girls. There are different races and different personalities. There is the nerd and the athlete. The shy girl and the outspoken loud girl. Together they have become friends and help each other survive middle school. Each has a different story of how they got to the place they are. One has lost a sibling. One lives with his aunt. They are each different in their own way but together are strong.[

This is the perfect book for a winter read. After all, how many winters have many of us in the snowy parts of the country wondered when spring will come? Imagine having no flowers in April. With the cold weather outside why not read a book about a battle for spring. Personally, I love the idea and suggest this book as a winter gift for the middle grade reader in your life. I hope you will check it out!