What it's about: "Caleb Franklin and his big brother Bobby Gene have the whole summer for adventures in the woods behind their house in Sutton, Indiana . . . Then Caleb and Bobby Gene meet new neighbour Styx Malone. Styx is 16 and oozes cool. He's been lots of different places. Styx promises Caleb and Bobby Gene that together, they can pull off the Great Escalator Trade — exchanging one small thing for something better until they achieve their wildest dream."
Ages it's aimed at: 8-12 years
The Season of Styx Malone by Kekla Magoon ($12, originally $17)