by Andy Huller is the story of Cal, a boy with fire red hair that has grown up in an orphanage that is located on the sunny side of an island located in the center of the earth. The book tells a few interrelated and interesting stories. The story of the discovery of a giant screw that is found at both poles, how the screw is found and how it is unscrewed creating the hole in the earth that Cal's orphanage is located inside. The story of Cal's father and most importantly the story of Cal. The orphanage that Cal lives in is a strange place. They have fire poles instead of stairs and the food is horrible. Cal sneaks out every morning to watch a man skip stones in the great artic lake.This is a very interesting middle grade book. It has an outlandish setting and background that kids will love. The orphanage has a creepy but interesting vibe to it and the idea of there being a screw at the north and south pole is really interesting. The characters are all distinct and interesting with the secondary characters having distinct and interesting personalities. This is a book full of quirky and original characters. There isn't much action in the book but the unfolding landscape keeps the reader interested.
Appropriateness: There isn't anything in this book that would upset parents. There is absolutely no romance and although the orphanage is creepy and horrible there isn't any violence. The almost exclusively male cast makes this a book that young boys will enjoy. I would recommend this book to kids 10-14.
