So yeah, if you’re in the mood a weepy middle-grade, or if you’re looking for a way to introduce the grieving process to adolescent readers, then you should read this. I also really liked the relationship between Calvin and Aleta - it was sweet and felt realistic, considering these are two eleven-year-old kids trying their best to process grief. I was on the receiving end of the torment, so I related really hard to Sammy but it was nice to see Calvin’s thought process, the reasons why he can just casually torment his brother, but at the same time love Sammy to pieces. I loved reading from the perspective of the older brother because, as the youngest sibling, I have no idea what that’s like. Stories about siblings always reduce me to a puddle because I have siblings. Somehow I thought “OK, I can tough this out, I won’t cry, I’ll be strong and objective and I’ll write a nice review for the internets.” It’s not a spoiler that Sammy dies - it’s literally mentioned on page one. So Calvin Sinclair is eleven years old and he has an adorable six-year-old brother called Sammy. This is a story of emotional truth that is sure to captivate readers of all ages.' - Ashley Spires, Bestselling author and illustrator of The Most Magnificent Thingĭamn it, I always try to steel myself before reading a book that I know will be sad, and yet every time - every damned time! - I end up ugly crying. This is a book about fear, joy, frustration, acceptance, forgiveness, anger and, above all, love. 'I was prepared for From Ant to Eagle to be a 'sad' book, but to describe this book with just one emotion would be doing this extraordinary debut author a disservice.

I was very moved and many elements of the story-the cancer crumble, beliefs about life and death, the nature of palliative care, the role of nurses, physicians, and the patients themselves in the oncology wheel-were not only riveting but informative.” - Paulette Bourgeois, Author, Franklin the Turtle 'From Ant to Eagle is absolutely terrific. Tender, direct, and honest.' - Kirkus Reviews and his account of his struggle to cope will appeal to readers. 'Lyttle's voice for Cal is appealingly direct and articulate. A moving and ultimately hopeful book.' - Booklist Lyttle delicately tackles the subjects of grief and death, trusting middle-grade readers with a sophisticated story that includes notes of humor. 'Lyttle’s debut is an uncommonly honest examination of mortality and the ways in which growing up complicates sibling relationships.

'An honest portrayal of love, loss, and friendship in the face of a life-changing journey.' - School Library Journal

From Ant to Eagle by Alex Lyttle