Parents' Guide to

Faraway Things

By Regan McMahon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Emotionally rich discovery tale has timeless look and feel.

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This gentle, moving, multilayered story of a grieving boy's encounter wth an empathetic stranger has a timeless look and feel that makes it seem like a favorite fairy tale. In its understated way, the story conveys a bundle of mysteries. What happened to Lucian's father? Is Lucian sad and lonely or just an independent soul who enjoys imaginative play? Why is the ship's captain so kind and understanding rather that harsh and demanding when Lucian refuses to give up the cutlass? Can chance encounters be life-changing?

There's lots to chew on here, and author Dave Eggers' beautiful writing sets a thoughtful mood for an adventure story. Kelly Murphy's illustrations let readers enter a world that seems both in this moment and in some magical undefined time. It's one of those books you can get more out of each time you read it.

Book Details

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