The Mysterious Disappearance of Aiden S. (as Told to His Brother)

The Mysterious Disappearance of Aiden S. (as Told to His Brother)

David Levithan
Knopf, 2021
224 pages
Grades 4-8
Realistic Fiction-maybe?

Lucas recounts the reappearance of his slightly older brother Aiden after being missing for six days. Lucas discovers him in the attic, a place that was previously checked several times. How did he end up there? Aiden claims to have returned through the wardrobe (nod to CS Lewis) after spending months in a place called Aveinieu, where the skies are green and unicorns run free. Aiden and Lucas's parents are grateful to have their son back, but where has been really? They don't believe his story about Aveinieu and the police are also not convinced. When Aiden's story leaks out, kids at school harass both brothers and reporters hound them. Neighbors and friends feel betrayed that after dropping everything to help in the search, Aiden hands them a fake bill of goods. Even Aiden's best friend doesn't believe him and tries to get at the truth in order to boost his own popularity. Thanks to a supportive aunt, Lucas realizes that it doesn't really matter where Aiden really was. He needs to be a good listener and friend to his brother and acknowledge Aiden's truth.

Teen author and editor, Levithan delves into the world of middle grade. The writing is solid and on target for the audience, but I am not entirely sure that the story will keep the reader's attention. Is the book a mystery? Is it a fantasy? Hard to say on both counts. The mystery is never entirely cleared up and we never learn much about Aveinieu. This more of a book about the aftermath of a tragedy and changes in public perception. I think that the townsfolk were painted in a harsh light, feeling betrayed by Aiden's explanation of his whereabouts. I honestly think everyone would be relieved and the fact that he has delivered such a story sounds like he may be mentally escaping from something terrible that happened. It will all get worked out in therapy-or not, but the outside world was overly cruel to the family. This story felt like the Wizard of Oz, if we only saw Dorothy's aftermath back in Kansas. The best bits seem to have been left out. That said, it was interesting as told in Lucas's perspective and the reader keeps guessing and thinking about the story long after the cover closes.