The Adventure is Now

Jess Redman

Ages 8 to 11
27 April 2023
9781035027774
336 pages

Synopsis

Milton is swept up in a quest for friends and excitement in Jess Redman’s thrilling middle grade novel, The Adventure is Now.

Sometimes it's hard to be Milton P. Greene. He says all the wrong things, his family is falling apart, and everyone at school avoids him because of the very embarrassing Bird Brain Incident. But when Milton plays his video game Isle of Wild, he becomes someone else – Sea Hawk, the brave and brilliant naturalist explorer who conquers danger at every turn.

Then Milton’s parents ship him off to the remote Lone Island for the summer. The island is chock-full of spectaculous species, and Milton realizes this is his chance to become the brave and brilliant naturalist he’s always wanted to be – and even meet some fellow explorers!

But as it turns out, the future of the Lone Island is in some pretty serious peril, and the only thing that can save it is a field guide full of cryptic clues. So Milton and his unexpected new friends embark on a wild and wondrous adventure all of their own.

An emphasis on honesty and emotional directness that makes for an affirming adventure.
The opportunities for the children to work through mutual suspicion and personal issues lead to an understanding of the importance of true friendship.
The magical realism of this wild adventure will especially appeal to ecologically minded middle grade readers.