That Just Happened!

Newberry, Linda. At The Firefly Gate.  Orion Children’s Books. (2004).

Henry has never been confident.  When he and his parents leave London for a Suffolk Village, he doubts that he’ll ever make friends, especially with grouchy Grace from two doors down.  But the first real friend he makes is an unlikely one: Dottie, Grace’s great-aunt.  As soon as he hears her laugh, Henry feels he must have known Dottie all his life – and she seems to recognise him too.

Puzzle after puzzle absorbs Henry’s thoughts – especially when he sees a shadowy figure waiting at the orchard gate. Who is he waiting for? Why do so many planes fly over by night, and why does Henry seem to be the only person who hears? How can a promise, broken year ago, ever be kept? What’s the message the Scrabble board seems to be spelling out – and what must Henry do when he finds an answer?

A haunting story of friendships that stretch across the years.

From the Jacket

From the very beginning I was intrigued. All of these questions just waiting to be answered as Henry discovers a story that happened long ago, but has yet to find its ending.  Henry is a very relatable character. He helps his Mom and Dad, makes friends in his new neighbourhood, but he doesn’t like everyone. Dottie was also a very quirky character.  Although not in a lot of the story, she seems to be the one who will help Henry discover the identity of the mysterious man at the gate of his backyard.

The story was very sweet.  I liked the ending and I think you will too! I would Put it On Your TBR List.