John Theo Jr.

My favorite way to read Middle Grade fiction is to go into as if I was a young reader. I love to take the story at face value, get lost in it, look at it as both a young and an older reader. To me, the best kind of MG fiction is that which can peak the interest of any reader, no matter what the age! All of that being said, I thought that The Grotto Under the Tree had a lot of potential. Charming and fun, this is an easy romp in a new world.

It did take me a bit to get fully immersed in this story. Being a shorter read, things move very quickly for our young heroes. I found Sara and Sebastian to be very brave and fun to follow. Each a bit impulsive, and yet courageous, watching them navigate this magical land was intriguing. I loved how they played off one another. When one was scared, the other compensated. They were great at coming up with ideas to get out of sticky situations and, when it counted, they were always there for one another. I see a lot young readers will love in these two.

The thing that took me a while to get used to was how juvenile the dialogue between these two was. I don't mean this as a jab. What I mean is that the children come at problems exactly how a young reader might. Their solutions are simple, the fights are minimal, and things move effortlessly from one event to the next. As an older reader, I missed some of the action. I missed having even that minimal amount of tension that keeps me turning pages. Still, to the age group that this is aimed at, I'm sure it will be more than enough.

Overall, The Grotto Under the Tree was a quick and fantasy filled read. Young readers who love mermaids, talking animals, and any number of other fantasy elements, will likely fall in step with Sara and Sebastian very easily. If you have a reader at home who is looking for their next read, give The Grotto Under the Tree a shot.… (mehr)

The Grotto Under the Tree is a very sweet middle grade read about two friends who find themselves wrapped up in a fantasy. The plot has the feel of Narnia and Tolkien wrapped together with a world of magic, elves, and adventure for these two children. Sara and Sebastian are a funny pair, Sara is sporty and Sebastian is more intellectual so they make for a good friendship. One is always getting up to something and in this case leads to an adventure.

The story begins with some background about the old Oak tree that stands in from of their school, when a few days later the tree is damaged the kids find a secret place underneath of it and with it magical creatures like elves and mermaids, but they also find evil. This evil affects Sebastian and they must go with an elf to save him.

I found the plot fun and exciting and very easy to read. The story was paced well and the chapters were short and make for some good breaks in the plotline. I very much enjoyed the adventure and think that this will be a wonderful book for young readers. It will keep their attention, make them ask questions, and is a magical journey.… (mehr)