Wren Baker has never felt brave a day in her life. She doesn't even know what she's afraid of, really. Only that if she raises her voice or leaves her mark or ventures too far from home, she'll risk falling flat on her face. But that all changes when Wren's cousin, Silver, walks into her life. Silver is totally fearless. Maybe that's why she's the most popular girl in the sixth grade. She dares Wren to take risks, to live out loud, to finally spread her wings. And when Silver decides to undertake the journey of a lifetime, Wren is forced to make a decision: Is she in or is she out? There's only one way Wren will ever learn to fly. It's time for her to stand at the edge of the unknown...and jump. Full of heartache and hope, The World From Up Here is a tender, moving story about old secrets and new friendships, anxiety and Asperger syndrome, and what it means to face the things that scare us most.
Publishers Weekly
04/11/2016
Sixth-grader Wren worries about everything from riding horses to the witch who supposedly haunts nearby Creeper Mountain. Wren is forced to confront her fears when her mother is hospitalized after an emotional breakdown. Wren’s father travels to Akron, Ohio, with his wife, leaving Wren and her younger brother, Russell, who has Asperger’s syndrome, to stay with their aunt and cousin, Silver, who have just moved to town. Popular, fearless Silver is in Wren’s class, and Wren thinks they are polar opposites. But living with Silver, beginning to understand her own mother’s struggles, and facing her fears help Wren realize that people aren’t always what they seem and that she’s stronger than she knew. Galante (The Summer of May) creates a realistically complex character in Wren, sensitively portraying her anxieties and her realizations about how she holds herself back. The role of Witch Weatherly in Wren’s history, as well as her growing relationship with Silver, further flesh out a warmhearted story celebrating family and friendship. Ages 8–12. Agent: Stacey Glick, Dystel & Goderich Literary Management. (June)
From the Publisher
Praise for The World from Up Here:"Galante creates a realistically complex character in Wren, sensitively portraying her anxieties and her realizations about how she holds herself back." -- Publishers Weekly
"Galante's penned a poignant tale of self-discovery." -- Kirkus Reviews
School Library Journal
06/01/2016
Gr 4–7—Galante introduces readers to Wren, a fearful and anxious sixth grader at a rural Pennsylvania school. After Wren's mother is hospitalized to treat her own anxiety and depression, Wren, her younger brother, and their dog move in with their aunt Marianne and cousin Silver. Silver's bravery inspires Wren to take more risks, including defending herself, and Wren discovers she is braver than she thought. For a school assignment, Silver decides to interview local legend Witch Weatherly, who reportedly lives in a house on Creeper Mountain. Despite Aunt Marianne's disapproval, Silver and Wren make the treacherous journey up the mountain. Silver and Wren's friendship deepens as they motivate and confide in each other along the way. Wren's courage is tested when their journey takes a dangerous turn. Galante's novel features likeable and realistic characters, with a hint of thrill, magic, and mystery. VERDICT An uplifting and inspiring read that will be especially appreciated by readers struggling to find their bravery.—Jess Gafkowitz, New York Public Library
Kirkus Reviews
2016-03-16
Sixth-grader Wren is besieged with worry. After her mother's hospitalization for a breakdown, Wren and her little brother must stay with their aunt and cousin for a few weeks. Only recently acquainted with them, Wren feels uncertain and slightly in awe of her popular cousin, Silver. The transition also increases Wren's concern for her 8-year-old brother, Russell, who has Asperger's syndrome. Although struggling in the aftermath of her mother's abrupt departure, Wren initially identifies with her mother emotionally, asserting that they are both worriers. However, Wren's increasing dissatisfaction with the incessant worrying evolves into a yearning to be braver than she often feels. Living with Aunt Marianne and Silver exposes Wren to a more free-spirited outlook on life, encouraging her to expand her self-imposed boundaries. Through her deepening friendship with Silver, Wren discovers her inner resilience. Galante's compassionate portrayal of Wren reveals a child coping with a mother's long-term depression, a caring, responsible sister who demonstrates a mature understanding of her brother, and a young girl endeavoring to manage her own anxieties. Unifying the tale is the mystery that surrounds Creeper Mountain's reclusive inhabitant, Witch Weatherly. When Silver decides to seek out the truth about the legendary recluse, Wren reluctantly participates. After a serious accident occurs during their mountain excursion to find Witch Weatherly, Wren must decide if she has the fortitude to persevere despite her worries. Galante's penned a poignant tale of self-discovery. (Fiction. 10-14)
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