Halfway to Harmony

Description

Walter Tipple is looking for adventure. His big brother, Tank, always used to say, "Let's you and me go see the world, Little Man"-but Tank went to the army and never came home, and Walter doesn't know how to see the world without him. But then he meets the brash, brave new girl next door named Posey, as well as an eccentric man named Banjo who's off on a bodacious adventure of his own. What follows is a summer of mishaps, mayhem, strange quests, and strong friendships-and maybe, Walter can learn who he's supposed to be without the brother he always wanted to be like. This is a wild, adventurous, and utterly heartfelt story from the acclaimed and bestselling author Barbara O'Connor.

Barbara O'Connor was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. She has written many award-winning books for children, including Wonderland, Wish, How to Steal a Dog and The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester. barbaraoconnor.com

"The two children balance fear with bravery. . .Heartfelt and accessible." --Kirkus Reviews "This friendship story is sweet and savory, with memorable main characters in Walter, Posey, and Banjo and a story elegant in its simplicity." --Booklist "The technical details of retrieving, repairing, launching, and piloting a hot-air balloon add flavor and expand the audience for this feel-good friendship story, and Walter's balloon ride satisfyingly fulfills Tank's dream-given promise of a new perspective on his familiar world." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "O'Connor's characters are vividly portrayed, especially Walter, whose insight illustrates his grief. . .Banjo and Posey's antics provide levity, and the quest to save Banjo's balloon propels the plot forward, resulting in a feel-good novel. reminiscent of Moon Over Manifest." --Publishers Weekly "With its fast pace, liberal use of Southern idioms, one bodacious adventure, and memorable characters, this book has read-aloud written all over it." --The Horn Book