When twelve-year-old Aiden disappears, the entire town turns out to look for him. There are no clues and no witnesses, and as the days drag on, his family begins to lose hope. After six days, his younger brother Lucas hears a sound in the attic where he discovers his missing brother.
At first, everyone is just overjoyed to have Aiden home, but Aiden isn't quite the same as he was before he disappeared. He's quieter and he seems to be looking for something he's lost. The police and their parents immediately begin to demand answers, but no one wants to believe Aiden's story. He says he went through a portal in a cabinet in the attic to a place called Aveinieu.
This is impossible. Everyone knows that, but Aiden seems so sincere. Aiden doesn't want to reveal details, but at night when their parents are asleep, sometimes he tells Lucas about Aveinieu. Lucas wants to believe his brother even though he knows the story is incredible, even though he's been tricked before. But he also doesn't want to confront Aiden because it finally feels like they have a real relationship now.
When Aiden's story gets out, he becomes an outcast at school and in the community. The entire family struggles with questions and recriminations from people who once pledged their support. Lucas really wants to be on Aiden's side, but that would mean believing in the impossible. What really happened to Aiden during those six days?
This interesting story is David Levithan's first middle grade book, and those offering for a straightforward mystery may be disappointed. Instead, this is an exploration of story and truth and the things we are willing to do (or believe) for the people we love. The relationship between Aiden and Lucas is the heart of this book, and it is a gentle exploration of brotherhood and loyalty. Recommended for thoughtful readers who are willing to sit with the story and think.
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