Loretta and her twin brother, Waylon, are headed to middle school. Loretta has always been quick with her fists and her wits. Since Waylon is on the small side, Loretta doesn't let anyone mess with him. But now she worries he won't survive without her by his side. Her secret plan: bulk him up with muscle over the summer. Little does she know that Waylon has a plan of his own. He'll show his sister he can take care of himself. As each puts their strategy in motion, Loretta and Waylon spend the summer going into the woods behind their house, even sneaking there in the dead of night. That's where they first encounter Louie, who is about their age but noticeably bigger. Louie is homeschooled, he explains when Loretta gives him the third degree. Loretta, Waylon, and Louie soon fall into a comfortable friendship and continue their nightly forest adventures. When they unearth a mysterious box, the past collides with the present, propelling the trio on a quest that will forever change their lives.
This is a Mark Twain Nominee. Great book for kids who like adventure. A lot of references to old country music stars that some kids will not understand, but hit home to me. Starts out kind of slow, but builds up with the children going on adventures and finding clues as well as sacrificing in the middle of the night. The end ties the whole books together with a twist. 4th-5th grade boys would even like this one. I really like how the twins include the "new" kid who doesn't look like everyone else and has a mother who is dealing with depression.
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