This series follows the journey of a young boy navigating feelings of loss and loneliness. His quest for connection and friendship leads him on unexpected paths, discovering the power of unusual bonds. The stories delve into themes of family, feeling like an outsider, and finding one's place in the world. They are written with a sensitive and accessible style, perfect for younger readers or those developing their reading skills.
This poignant novel follows Joel Gustafson as he grapples with abandonment and mystery in his life. After spotting a lonely dog, Joel embarks on nightly adventures that reveal hidden truths about his father and himself, ultimately leading him to discover his own inner strength amidst adult disappointments.
Continues the story of Joel, now nearly twelve and living with his father in a small town in 1957 Sweden, as he is run over by a bus and survives without a scratch, then sets out to do a good deed in gratitude for this miracle.
Joel is growing up. He is getting interested in girls. Just look at his New Year’s resolutions: 1 — to see a naked lady; 2 — to toughen himself up so that he can live to be a hundred; and 3 — to see the sea. They all look pretty impossible for a motherless boy in Northern Sweden. Especially as his sailor dad is keen to drown his sadness in drink, and all the local matrons are narrowly watching the pair of them. And then he saves old Simon from a frozen death in the woods, and Joel becomes a local hero. This is the third title in the popular series of children’s books from this master storyteller. The two previous ones are A Bridge to the Stars and Shadows in the Twilight .
As Joel Gustafson approaches his fifteenth birthday, he reflects on the newfound freedoms that await him, including riding a moped and watching adult films without sneaking in. He harbors a deep desire for adventure, dreaming of leaving their small Swedish town to sail with his father. This pivotal moment in his life prompts Joel to contemplate both the exciting opportunities and the challenges of growing up, as he navigates his aspirations and family dynamics.