Halfway to Harmony

A boy grieves the death of his revered older brother in O’Connor’s (Wonderland) tender story. Ten-year-old Walter Tipple loves living in Harmony, Ga., which is why he can’t understand why his older brother, Tank, was so eager to enlist in the Army and fight in the overseas war in which he was killed. Now, all Walter has to remember Tank by is his prized truck—which Walter runs faithfully for a few minutes daily—an unopened letter, and a strange recurring dream. With his birthday approaching, Walter welcomes the distraction of his loquacious and bossy new neighbor, Posey. When the two of them venture to a nearby creek to catch minnows, they find a stranger named Banjo, injured from a hot air balloon fall, who enlists Walter and Posey to help him recover the damaged balloon, resulting in an unexpected but much-needed adventure for Walter as well as a chance to strengthen his friendship with Posey. O’Connor’s characters are vividly portrayed, especially Walter, whose insight illustrates his grief, which is by turns confusing, overwhelming, and infuriating. Banjo and Posey’s antics provide levity, and the quest to save Banjo’s balloon propels the plot forward, resulting in a feel-good novel reminiscent of Moon Over Manifest. Ages 8–12. Agent: Barbara Markowitz, Barbara Markowitz Literary. (Jan.)