Book Info:
Down to Earth by Betty Culley
Genre: Middle Grade
Publishing Date: August 24, 2021
Synopsis:
Counting by 7s meets See You in the Cosmos in this heartwarming coming-of-age story perfect for the budding geologists and those fascinated by the mysteries of the universe.
Henry has always been fascinated by rocks. As a homeschooler, he pours through the R volume of the encyclopedia to help him identify the rocks he finds. So, when a meteorite falls in his family’s field, who better to investigate than this rock enthusiast–with his best friend, James, and his little sister, Birdie, in tow, of course.
But soon after the meteorite’s arrival, the water in Henry’s small Maine town starts drying up. It’s not long before news spreads that the space rock and Henry’s family might be to blame. Henry is determined to defend his newest discovery, but his knowledge of geology could not have prepared him for how much this stone from the sky would change his community, his family, and even himself.
Science and wonder abound in this middle-grade debut about an inquisitive boy and the massive rock that came down to Earth to reshape his life.
Book Links:
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/down-to-earth-betty-culley/1137943277;jsessionid=D77502417EC7730CDF6F46D87E7AB90C.prodny_store02-atgap15?ean=9780593175736
Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Down-Earth-Betty-Culley/9780593175736?ref=grid-view&qid=1625143577249&sr=1-1
About the Author:
Betty Culley’s debut novel in verse Three Things I Know I True, was a Kids’ Indie Next List Top Ten Pick, an ALA-YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Nominee, an ALA-YALSA Quick Pick, and a Junior Library Guild selection. Her first middle-grade novel Down to Earth, is inspired by her fascination with meteorites, voyagers from another place and time. She’s an RN who worked as an obstetrics nurse and as a pediatric home hospice nurse. She lives in central Maine, where the rivers run through the small towns.
Author Links:
Website: http://www.bettyculley.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Betty_Culley
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettyculley/
Tour Schedule:
First off a big thank you to TBR & Beyond Tours, Betty Culley and the publishers for allowing me to review Down To Earth. When I first saw this tour pop up I was immediately taken in by the wonderful cover which I don't normally do but when I read the synopsis I knew that this book would be quite a book and I was right.
Down To Earth is Betty's debut Middle Grade Novel which astounded me as her writing is so amazing and all encompassing. Henry Bower is an adorable home-schooler who is science mad and want's to follow in the footsteps of his family. I also get a hint of maybe Henry may be on the ND spectrum but this is not mentioned in the book and really doesn't spoil the book at all. This is the story of how one major event which no one has control over and how it effects not only Henry, his family, friends and the surrounding community and how Henry copes.
I loved the relationship Henry had with his little sister Bridie who maybe only two she and yet she is such a huge character who knows what she wants and and when she wants it. Then there is James who is Henry's only friend and is such a very optimistic young man. In fact all the characters in this book were well written so kudos to Betty for that. But for me the best thing about this book was how Betty wove Science throughout the book and made it very very interesting I especially loved the synopsis of books at the start of every chapter.
For all these reasons I have to give this stunning book 5 massive stars. I can't wait to see what Betty does next.