Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr, Guy Puzey
Published by Candlewick Press (MA) on November 13th 2018
ISBN: 1536200174
Pages: 320
Goodreads

This book has a couple of themes. One theme is friendships come in different ages. Another is when families separate it’s never the children’s fault. People can love one another from far away and over time.

The first is Astrid is growing up in the Norwegian mountains. She is the only child in her village. Her best friend is her godfather and he is in his 60/70s. He is a grumpy old man who plays the violin. Astrid keeps him in line.

There is a retreat run by Mr. Hagen who hates children (They are not allowed at his campground). His place is located between Astrid’s farm at the top of the mountain and Gunnvald’s farm. Getting to her godfather’s is more of an adventure on some days than others.

Gunnvald falls and breaks his leg in 2 places. He is laid up in the hospital and rehab for weeks.  This is when Astrid learns that the whole town had lied to her. Gunnvald has a daughter who plays the violin for the world, and she has been gone for 30 years! Now she is back and plans to sell the farm. Gunnvald and his daughter have not spoken in all that time. Astrid’s own mother is away for months at a time because she works in Iceland tracking the disappearance of the ocean. What if her mother had asked her to leave the mountain, would she leave her dad behind?

Reviewed by Jeri Fitzpatrick, GNG Middle School, Gray