Edward's Eyes

My 10-year-old son, who is way into fantasy (Star Wars, Indiana Jones, etc.) was encouraged to read this book. He LOVED it and used the terms "beautiful" and "magical" to describe it. He even recommended that I read it so we could talk about it. I did, and also thought is was a magical book. This is a thought-provoking read to share with your children!

I have to be honest, I wasn't sure about this one. The cover, the blurb on the inside - it made me suspicious. I know that Patricia MacLachlan is a children's lit legend for a reason (you've heard of "Sarah, Plain and Tall" possibly?), but I still had reservations. Now, I'm not a fan of the whole "boy changes lives in a small town that seems to be lost in some idyllic yesteryear" - type story. I'm not naming names, I'm just sayin' that those types of tales aren't usually my cup of tea. I suspected that's what this one was. Sappy, corny, call it what you will. But I was wrong. With "Edward's Eyes" those labels don't stick. An emotional story well-executed. The perspective of this tale is not provided by Edward, but rather by his older brother Jake. He's a protective older sibling, and has always known his little brother to be unique. He's more carefree, friendly, and wise than Jake will ever be. But Edward's most unique feature has to be his eyes. Edward's eyes can see a baseball better anyone in his clan, and he has the batting record to prove it: he's never stuck out. The boys are part of a big family, all the better for backyard games. When a new addition is made to the family, Edward is ready to take the child under his wing just like Jake did for him. But, just like a knuckleball, you never know where life is going to go. The unexpected sometimes happens. MacLachlan has written a heartbreaking and sweet story that will stick with readers even after the reading is done. A quality fiction selection.

Through simple language, but a powerful voice, Patricia MacLachlan brings us Jake and Edward, brothers that are three years apart. Jake remembers clearly the day his parents brought Edward home eight years ago and placed him in Jake's lap. From that moment on Jake and Edward has a special bond and Jake would swear that Edward was special. "It's his eyes" Jake says. "His eyes let him know things." Jake and Edward spend hours playing baseball with their friends, reading books, and just being brothers. When their parents announce that they will be having another baby, Edward not only predicts the gender, but also tells his parents what the baby's name will be. He cannot wait to be a big brother, just as Jake was to him. When a tragedy strikes the family, Jake has to learn how to live his life again and how to allow Edward to somehow live his. Edward's Eyes was a short book, but definitely packs a punch in its pages. Both Jake and Edward are written as normal, young boys, yet each has something special about him that many do not possess. It was beautifully written and definitely one of Patricia MacLachlan's best.

Beautifully written, this story of a young baseball player involves love and loss, grief and guilt. Competition and willingness to try things you're not good at are sub-themes. I'll let you know if this becomes a favorite of my students.

Jake lives a life packed with music, art and baseball - and he has brother Edward, who is special. From discussions about being married to baseball to insights on what makes people special in the world, EDWARD'S EYES explores changes and hanging on to good times, and is a gentle, warm story young adults will find compelling.