The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as told to his brother) by David Levithan
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers on February 2, 2021
ISBN: 1984848593
Pages: 224
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Aidan has been gone for 6 days. His family and the entire community is searching high and low for him, and he appears to have vanished without a trace. When Aidan’s brother, Liam, hears a noise in the attic, he goes up to find Aidan on the floor confused about where he is and how he got there. The story that Aidan tells about where he’s been is so fantastical and seemingly impossible that no one believes him. Liam wants more than anything to believe him and to get things back to the way they were before Aidan left. What is true? What is possible? Will they ever know what really happened?

This is a quick and engaging read. The story is mysterious with a hint of fantasy. The bigger theme, though, is believing in each other and believing something even though it seems impossible. There are challenging family dynamics, bullies and peer pressure, but all of that is secondary to the story of Liam and Aidan’s relationship and how it grows and changes over time. Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME