Summer vacation offers wonderful opportunities for friendships that break the routine kids often fall into during the school year. A new book from Montclair author and parent Adriana Brad Schanen takes advantage of school break dynamics to follow an unlikely pair of friends through an adventurous and joyful summer for two new friends, Quinny & Hopper.
Aimed at children ages 8-12, Quinny & Hopper will entertain both boys and girls with its silliness, “killer” chicken adventures, and familiar playground politics. The alternating points of view, between Quinny, a fast-talking and unwilling city transplant and Hopper, an introspective and cautious younger brother to twins, tell the story in an effortless way. Young readers will appreciate the authentic voices that don’t try too hard to be kid-like; they really do seem like the kid next door.
One aspect of this chapter book that parents of elementary school children will especially appreciate is the realistic depiction of the social navigating grade school requires. Without condescending to the very real concerns children have, Quinny & Hopper presents a relationship that confronts, navigates, and survives the “rules” of growing up.
Both of the main characters, Quinny and Hopper, are likable and full of personality. Kids will recognize different parts of themselves in both children as they follow their summer activities. Wonderful, quirky illustrations from Greg Swearingen appear in each chapter, and they add to the story with humor and personality.
Quinny & Hopper‘s structure will help reluctant readers tackle the story, and the variety of adventures and characters will entertain more agile readers. This book is highly recommended for ages 8-12 and grades 3-8. The perfect start to summer reading, Quinny & Hopper is available Tuesday, June 10th. And don’t miss Adriana Brad Schanen reading at Watchung Booksellers on Saturday, June 14th.