Andy Hueller

Poor Calvin Comet Cobble is a 12 year old redheaded boy who lives at an orphanage in the middle of the earth, on an island called Robert, with a population of 521, otherwise known as "the forgotten 521". Half of the island is taken up by the orphanage, full of forgotten children, and half by a prison where the worst of the worst are sent. Cal is bullied by the other children and the teachers alike, and spends his time just trying not to be noticed - until he discovers that the man who mows show more the lawns, Mr. E., goes out every morning at sunrise and skips stones across the lake that surrounds their island. A very unlikely friendship starts up between these two, and Cal finds within himself a courage that he didn't know he had.

This is a very imaginative world that Andy Hueller has brought to life with wonderful descriptions and storytelling. There are actually two stories being told in this book: The one in real time and another one from 12 years prior that told how the hole in the center of the earth was discovered, and what happened to Calvin's parents that he became an orphan. Both stories are very important and necessary to get to the big finale at the end of the book, and both stories are told in a way that makes this book very easy to read. The characters are fleshed out and three dimensional, and the story flows from one point to the next very easily, even when you are jumping from present to past to present again.

This book is a great way to get middle grade boys to read. It's a story that I think they will be able to relate to, the insecurities of being a 12 year old boy, regardless of where you live and your personal set of circumstances. show less

Trouble seems to follow Calvin Comment Cobble (Cal), everywhere he goes. He blames it on his unruly red hair. His mother died while giving birth to him and his father is missing, which is why he now lives at Hidden Shores Orphanage, on an island that is literally at the center of the earth. Island Robert, where the orphanage is located, is half bathed in light and half in total darkness. The orphanage is on the light side of the island, and on the dark side is a prison that houses the most show more dangerous criminals in the world. The orphans are warned when they are brought to the island that they should never, ever, step into the shadows, for once you do, you’re gone forever. As Cal dodges bullies, inept teachers and all the rules of the orphanage, his adventures eventually lead him to the mysterious Mr. E who can skip stones across Lake Arctic. Once he starts skipping stones his life will never be the same.

In Skipping Stones at the Center of the Earth, Andy Hueller has crafted one of the most entertaining middle-grade books I have read in a very long time. Everything about this story is fresh and unique. The characters are zany, the situations far out and the setting is very peculiar. Mr. Hueller has quite the imagination and he uses it to his advantage. The book is targeted at middle-graders, but anyone looking for a quick, fun read will enjoy this one. This is an especially good choice for young boys.

(Review based on an Advanced Readers Copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley) show less

Cal is no hero. He regrets not taking action in the past, and he suffers form discrimination because of his hair color. He's learned not to talk back to adults because he's always dealt swift and horrible punishments. What he wants is not to attract attention. Then he meets Mr. E., and he learns to see another side of the world, one where one tween can make a difference. From there, the story quickly progresses, sweeping you into a story very similar to Cal's and which took place twelve show more years ago.

Twelve years. This number plays a significant role in the book. Twelve years ago, Bart's Screw was discovered. Twelve years ago, Cal was born. Twelve years ago, two brothers' lives changed. Twelves years into the future (aka. present day), Cal is in an orphanage in the middle of the Earth, and he spies on Mr. E. early in the mornings. The switching perspectives develops the backstory of the novel while furthering the plot. These shifts take place just as you reach the climax in one story, leaving you hanging until the last few pages of the book when it all comes together.

Skipping Stones at the Center of the Earth brings to you a child's worst fears (cue: evil teacher, bad cafeteria food, and oversized bullies). On the brighter side, it expresses the importance of speaking out and being yourself. It tells of relationships: friend-friend, student-mentor, and child-parent. It brings to you the best friend who isn't afraid to tell you off and who is too smart for her own good, the quirky teacher who has a big heart under his scary exterior, and the no-good father who's never been around but who also has a story to tell.

This book would make a good novel for a middle-grade reader book club. It has the bad and the funny of tween life and will entertain readers while keeping them engrossed in life at the center of the Earth. At the same time, it instigates the reader to raise questions such as the justice of judging people based on looks, how the city of Robert came to be forgotten, and the role that Mr E. plays in Calvin's lives. There are more thought-provoking questions provided in the back of the book that will generate great discussions. show less

Skipping Stones at the Center of the Earth
by Andy Hueller

Blurb from Goodreads:)
Skipping Stones at the Center of the Earth Goodreads Page

Calvin Comet Cobble lives at Hidden Shores Orphanage. Location: the very center of the earth. Cal's life is full of the school bully and mean teachers, but when he meets Mr. E, who can skip a stone clear across Lake Arctic, everything about Cal's life changes. Told with wit and charm, Skipping Stones at the Center of the Earth is guaranteed to excite and show more inspire readers of all ages.

My thoughts:

I knew going into this book that it would be for children and early teens but was pleasantly surprised by the quality and content for the older crowd. It was a quick read and enjoyed it immensely. I could relate to Cal and his feelings about being different and being bullied. I was once a Cal in school. Socially awkward and a wallflower but as I grew older I became more confident with myself and ending up becoming that social butterfly.

His boring life ends one day when he meets Mr E. As the story goes on you find out who Mr E is and why he and Calvin are at the Center of the Earth also known as Robert, Alaska and he sets off on adventure to find out who he is and why he is there.

This is actually a book about a lonely and misunderstood kid who finds his inner strength and learns that sometimes you have to reach for what you want in life even if it seems impossible. As long as you have friends, you can handle anything.

I would recommend this book for kids around 8-12 years old as the writing is very easy to read. Adults and older kids may find they enjoy this read as well.

I give this book 5 stars for allowing me to reflect on my past and realize that there other misunderstood kids out there who need a helping hand and giving them the courage to stand up for what they want so that they don't fade back into the wallpaper.

Thanks for the great read, Andy.
ARC copy provided by NetGally for review show less