#BookReview: Halfway to Harmony by Barbara O'Connor

Synopsis: A heartfelt middle-grade novel from New York Timesbestselling author Barbara O'Connor about a boy whose life is upended after the loss of his older brother--timeless, classic, and whimsical.



Walter Tipple is looking for adventure. He keeps having a dream that his big brother, Tank, appears before him and says, "Let's you and me go see my world, little man." But Tank went to the army and never came home, and Walter doesn't know how to see the world without him.

Then he meets Posey, the brash new girl from next door, and an eccentric man named Banjo, who's off on a bodacious adventure of his own. What follows is a summer of taking chances, becoming braver, and making friends--and maybe Walter can learn who he wants to be without the brother he always wanted to be like.

Halfway to Harmony is an utterly charming story about change and growing up.

Don't miss Barbara O'Connor's other middle-grade work--like Wish; Wonderland; How to Steal a Dog; Greetings from Nowhere; Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia; The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester; and more! 



Goodreads | Amazon

Rating: 3 Stars
My Review: This was a fast paced middle grade story that I sadly didn't enjoy.  I felt that it was very boring and I just didn't care about the characters.  I don't know if its just because I am getting older and middle grade stories just aren't enough for me. I did like the things about the hot-air balloon.  Because I have always wanted to go in one.  So that was pretty interesting. 

Review

“The two children balance fear with bravery. . .Heartfelt and accessible.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“This friendship story is sweet and savory, with memorable main characters in Walter, Posey, and Banjo and a story elegant in its simplicity.” ―Booklist

“The technical details of retrieving, repairing, launching, and piloting a hot-air balloon add flavor and expand the audience for this feel-good friendship story, and Walter’s balloon ride satisfyingly fulfills Tank’s dream-given promise of a new perspective on his familiar world.” ―The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

“O’Connor’s characters are vividly portrayed, especially Walter, whose insight illustrates his grief. . .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.” ―Publishers Weekly

“With its fast pace, liberal use of Southern idioms, one bodacious adventure, and memorable characters, this book has read-aloud written all over it.” ―The Horn Book

About the Author

Barbara O’Connor was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. She has written many award-winning books for children, including the New York Times–bestselling Wish, Wonderland, How to Steal a Dog, Greetings from Nowhere, and Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia.

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Posted in: 3 Stars, Farrar Straus and Giroux, Middle Grade, Review