Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Clever fantasy adventure a great choice for middle graders.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
A boy who calls himself Max the Wolf suddenly finds himself in an unfamiliar woods, without any memory of how he arrived there. Pursued by a pack of mysterious hunters and accompanied by a badger, a feral cat, and a bear, Max heads down river, seeking sanctuary in the castle of a wizard. As he and his companions fight for survival, Max begins to suspect that a terrible secret lies at the heart of his existence.
Is It Any Good?
DOWN THE MYSTERLY RIVER is a compelling fantasy adventure with a twist, an homage to books filled with talking animals, magical artifacts, and brave boys with well-honed detecting skills. Willingham employs the same rich sense of wonder that fuels Fables, his acclaimed comics series for older readers, but with a gentleness and good humor more appropriate for a younger audience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how youth organizations such as the Boy Scouts prepare young people for safety in the wilderness. If you were suddenly lost in the woods, would you know the best methods for being rescued?
Max considers himself a master of detection. What are some of the methods that can be used to solve a mystery or puzzle (deduction, induction, etc.)?
The villains use magic swords to cut away what makes their victims unique. Why do some people prefer conformity over individuality?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Mark Buckingham
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Tor Books
- Publication date : September 13, 2011
- Number of pages : 336
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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