River Boy

She didn't know how fast the current was moving her. It could take many more hours yet, perhaps more hours than she had the strength for. But she must not stop. She must keep going. She must try to catch the river boy, even though she was frightened at the thought of what he was. Jess's beloved grandfather has just had a serious heart attack, but he insists that the family travel as planned to his boyhood home on the river so that he can finish his painting, River Boy. As Jess helps her ailing grandpa with his work, she becomes entranced by the scene he is painting. Then she becomes aware of a strange presence in the river -- a boy who asks for her help and issues a challenge that will stretch her swimming talents to their very limit. Jess knows that Grandpa and the river boy are connected, but how? Can she take up the river boy's challenge before it's too late for Grandpa? Tim Bowler's gripping narrative flows like a river itself -- gentle and calm at times, turbulent and deep at others, always fluid, always alive. Readers will be swept along by the magic of the river and the mysterious river boy -- and changed forever by Jess's unforgettable journey.

Review :
"School Library Journal" (starred review) This psychological thriller is immediately engaging...[and] suspenseful and fast-paced throughout. "The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books" Cormier fans...are likely to find this just their cup of astringent tea. "The Horn Book Magazine" There is no question that the tightly scripted plot with its steadily building tension will keep readers spellbound to the end. Susan Cooper, Newbery Medal Winner, "The Grey King" A river is a natural metaphor for life and death, and Tim Bowler uses it to wonderful effect in this lovely, simple story. "River Boy" is written in quiet, non-poetic prose -- but it's a poem, as well as a very moving novel. School Library Journal (starred review) This psychological thriller is immediately engaging...[and] suspenseful and fast-paced throughout. Susan Cooper, Newbery Medal Winner, The Grey King A river is a natural metaphor for life and death, and Tim Bowler uses it to wonderful effect in this lovely, simple story. River Boy is written in quiet, non-poetic prose -- but it's a poem, as well as a very moving novel. The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Cormier fans...are likely to find this just their cup of astringent tea. The Horn Book Magazine There is no question that the tightly scripted plot with its steadily building tension will keep readers spellbound to the end. "School Library Journal" (starred review)This psychological thriller is immediately engaging...[and] suspenseful and fast-paced throughout. "The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"Cormier fans...are likely to find this just their cup of astringent tea. "The Horn Book Magazine"There is no question that the tightly scripted plot with its steadily building tension will keep readers spellbound to the end. Susan Cooper, Newbery Medal Winner, "The Grey King" A river is a natural metaphor for life and death, and Tim Bowler uses it to wonderful effect in this lovely, simple story. "River Boy" is written in quiet, non-poetic prose -- but it's a poem, as well as a very moving novel.