No one turns for home. No one looks back. That is the pact Ben and his buddies make as they take off on their bikes to chase the lanterns down the river. Every year, to mark the Autumn Equinox, Ben’s community launches hundreds of lighted lanterns into the water. It’s a tradition, acting out a legend that claims the lanterns, once out of sight, fly into the sky, becoming glittering new stars in the Milky Way. Really? Where do the lanterns actually end up?
Ben is determined to find out and this year, he insists his group go as far from home as necessary to discover the answer. But Ben could never have predicted who will become his most loyal partner in this quest and what wonders they will encounter as their journey takes them beyond the known road and into uncharted territory - where bears can make compasses and giant crows can draw maps; where cliffs, and caves, and waves challenge their strength and bonds.
Where DO the lanterns go? This graphic novel provides gorgeous images of dark skies and bright magic that carry you along until you finally see it for yourself. A survival story (complete with lessons in compass-building, star navigation, how to creatively use a scarf, and the importance of Rice Krispies treats) and a fantastic tale, this book has broad appeal for readers of real-life adventures and unexplainable wonders.
Recommended by: Jean Boone, Children's Librarian, Maryland USA
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It's the night of the annual Autumn Equinox Festival, when the town gathers to float paper lanterns down the river. Legend has it that after drifting out of sight, they'll soar off to the Milky Way and turn into brilliant stars, but could that actually be true? This year, Ben and his classmates are determined to find out where those lanterns really go, and to ensure success in their mission, they've made a pact with two simple rules: No one turns for home. No one looks back.
The plan is to follow the river on their bikes for as long as it takes to learn the truth, but it isn't long before the pact is broken by all except for Ben, and (much to Ben's disappointment) Nathaniel, the one kid who just doesn't seem to fit in.
Together, Nathaniel and Ben will travel farther than anyone has ever gone, down a winding road full of magic, wonder, and unexpected friendship*.
*And a talking bear.---from the publisher
336 pages 978-1626720534 Ages 10-14
Keywords: graphic novel, journey, pact, friends, friendship, overcoming obstacles, magical realism, loyalty, perseverance, 10 year old, 11 year old, 12 year old, 13 year old, 14 year old
Keywords: friendship, action/adventure, bicycles, magic, wonder, journey, 10 year old, 11 year old, 12 year old, 13 year old, 14 year old
