The Earthkeepers: I thought it might have survived a few passes of Down the TBR Hole, as I knew I had the cover in my system here. It turns out I uploaded it in 2014 for a blog tour. I thought I had it on my kindle, but I failed to find it, so bought it ‘again’, at which point Amazon informed me it might be in my archive. Who knew? I didn’t find it, so I bought it again. It was worth it!
So, after five years on my TBR list, it is a welcome addition to my Mount TBR Reading Challenge, and also gives me a U for my Alphabet Soup. Mr Underhill’s work is well worth adding to your tbr if you need authors beginning with U, too!
The Earthkeepers
by Shawn Underhill
For nine-year-old Ethan Dewfield, talking with his dog is an everyday occurrence. Add to this the fact that he lives not in a regular house but in a sprawling hilltop inn, and what you’ll find is a highly unusual boy with a unique tale to tell. In this personally narrated account he discovers the depths of his abilities, makes new friends, goes for a long walk in the snow, meets a special pack of wolves known as Earthkeepers, uncovers a nasty scheme devised by his even nastier uncle, eats a stack of pancakes, and does all he can to save his beautiful home from the greedy men plotting to destroy it.
*If you’re someone who likes a wide assortment of animals, with funny names and contrasting views of the world, and you like Christmas decorations and presents, blueberry pie, happy endings, and you’re open to the possibility of liking boys named Ethan, there’s a good chance you might enjoy this story.
*If you’re someone who admires deceitful, scheming, selfish people who manipulate others, who dislike animals, kids, beautiful buildings, and beautiful scenery, you might enjoy a long career in politics, but will probably not like this story in the least. [goodreads]
My Review
As Mr Underhill says in the blurb… Ethan goes for a walk in the snow, meets new friends, uncovers a nasty scheme, eats a stack of blueberry pancakes (my favourite) and more. I like everything in the blurb about the wide assortment of animals, and I don’t admire deceitful scheming people. So, yes, this book was an absolute delight. And it even exceeded expectations!
The Earthkeepers may not have the most original of middle grade plots, but the execution is magnificent. And anyway, mg readers don’t mind familiar plots dressed in different clothes. The problems Ethan has are those many young people will have sympathy with, and wish the reasons for their own troubles were as easily (or excitingly) explained. The journey Ethan undertakes, the difficulties he faces, and the magnificence of the snow-blanketed forest unfold in delicious prose. And I haven’t even mentioned the fantastic action sequences! As long as you appreciate the animal involvement, I’m sure that you’ll love it too. It is absolutely on-age for the target audience and certainly makes me want to read more of the author’s work.
The Earthkeepers is extremely enjoyable, funny, exciting and a well-written MG adventure. What took me so long to get around to it?
I think you have a real handle on MG readers. I especially liked it when you said, “…mg readers don’t mind familiar plots dressed in different clothes.” Remember the Hardy Boys series. My reluctant male readers ate them up like candy. I FOUGHT to keep them in my junior high back in the 80s when the “new” librararian said they were too formulaic. My boys liked knowing what to expect and the familiar. There were too many changes going on in their lives as it was!
Thanks for your endorsement! I used to wonder about cliched plots, but realised that as long as the setting and story were strong enough, it didn’t matter. And anyway, plots like this are ones many kids relate to and would do themselves, time and again, if they had the chance!
Thank you for sharing your review. I will look this book up
Another reader lured in!
And I’m another who’s going to have to add this to my TBR list! As for repetitive plots… when I think about it, all of my childhood favorites were basically the same story. So I think you’re right!
Thanks – who was it who said there are only five plots, anyway?