Megan Frazer Blakemore

In the beginning of The Water Castle by Megan Frazer Blakemore, sixth graders Ephraim, Mallory, and Will are natural enemies. Ephraim Appledore-Smith is the new kid in the town of Crystal Spring, Maine, but he belongs to the rich family that owns the Water Castle (which is not actually a castle, but a large house full of mysteries). Mallory Green is the descendent of the folks who have long been the Water Castle's caretakers--and Mallory is sick of hearing about it from her parents. Will show more Wylie feels bitter over the rivalry his ancestors have had with the Appledores for over a century.

Yet somehow these three end up becoming friends as they investigate the secrets of the Water Castle. Where do all the hidden tunnels lead? Are the legends about the Fountain of Youth true? Is the secret to immortality hidden somewhere inside?

A neat blend of science and possible magic, fair warning, this book leaves a lot of questions unanswered when it's over. The novel's themes of scientific discovery and rivalry are played out both in the present day and in a parellel story set in 1908. Both the modern and historical plots are connected to the Peary expedition to the North Pole. The author also explores the dynamics of ruptured families. Ephraim's father has just suffered a stroke and is not recovering well. Mallory's parents are separated. Will's father is distant and angry.

Ephraim is a flawed hero that I never really warmed up to, but I really liked Mallory and wished there had been more about Will. Though the writing was good, I wished the book were not quite so long. Recommended for children who can handle ambiguity and like challenging reads. show less

Absolute gem. A modern, contemporary fantasy that reads like vintage Edward Edgars or Elizabeth Winthrop. Blakemore can write, and write she does, imagining the fictionalized town of Polar Springs, Maine and the intersecting lives of three kids who seek out the truth behind the magical, powerful healing waters of their town. I loved this book and think it would make a stellar read-aloud. Grades 4-7.

Ephraim and his family have just moved to the Water Castle, an old legend-laden mansion at the top of Crystal Springs, Maine. They’re there in the hopes that the move would be helpful for Ephraim’s father, who is unresponsive after a stroke. But for Ephraim, being in a new place where everyone seems smarter, healthier, and more talented than average just makes him feel even more sub-par than usual.

But when Crystal Springs natives Mallory and Will team up with Ephraim and his brother and show more sister, they embark on a search that uncovers mysterious secret passages, dusty laboratories, and curious histories. Will they be able to find the infamous Fountain of Youth before it’s too late to save Ephraim’s dad? Will the history of discord among their three families keep them from their goal? Will they ever find the truth about Crystal Springs and their families?

From the first word to the last, this book enchanted me. Blakemore spends the whole story dropping puzzle pieces that can fit together in myriad ways, then she blows your mind by leaving the ending wide, wide open for you to put the pieces together yourself. Depending on how you interpret the clues, this book could be fantasy, realistic fiction, or science fiction. No matter what genre it falls under, though, it’s one of the best children’s books I’ve read this year. show less

If first impressions were everything, I would tell you that I knew that this book was going to win me over just based on the cover. I know. I know. You should never judge a book by its cover. I can’t help myself. Look at it… The Firefly Code has one of those covers just feels magical and sparked a wonder in my heart.

Actually, the whole truth is that I initially sought out The Firefly Code because I had the awesome opportunity to read an advanced copy of its sequel Daybreak Bond. And yes, show more Daybreak Bond also struck my curiosity with its own beautiful cover. But really, I didn’t want to be at a disadvantage with a continuing story. So, what’s a girl to do? That’s right. I started at the beginning.

So, we know I love the cover. But did the book really win me over?
In a word – Yes.

The Firefly Code is a middle-grade, science fiction story written from the perspective of a 12 year old girl named Mori. Immediately, Mori and the rest of her friends are very like-able. They have the normal amount of banter but there is a special kind of closeness that is unmistakeable. Our protagonist, Mori, has the purest sense of eagerness about her but she is also careful and kind. I loved reading from her perspective! Mori and her close-knit group of friends live on Firefly Lane and their little world is just perfect. Utopian. And though they are kept separate from the outside world, there is very little that Mori and her friends question about their lives on Firefly Lane. Why would they? They are perfectly safe just as they are…

All is fine until… Enter the new girl on Firefly Lane. Ilana.

When Ilana moves in, Mori and her friends have an immediate curiosity about her. Ilana is a beautiful girl, almost too perfect but she also tends to act a bit peculiar at times. As the children spend more time with Ilana, they begin to question her strange behavior and the odd effect that she has on Firefly Lane. As secrets more revealed, more questions are raised but not just about Ilana.

The Firefly Code is a fun and easy read. The story moves at a nice even pace that never bores you and the world that Megan Frazer Blakemore has created is wonderfully fascinating. You will want to know the secrets of Firefly Lane, just the same as Mori and her friends – the Firefly Five. And the end? Well, lets just say that I’ve already started Daybreak Bond… I just couldn’t wait!

I’m giving this book 4 very curious stars! show less