Starred Review Mel and her mom have moved to Chicago to live with Grampa Halfmoon, who has also taken in his orphaned grandson, Ray. Delightfully, among Mel's new acquaintances are a bat and a gray squirrel, both of whom possess the ability to converse with humans. Exciting times are afoot for Great-Grandfather Bat, who is eager to participate in the Great Ball Game, which will see a rematch for the ages: Animals versus Birds! Unfortunately, he has a wing injury that might prevent him from getting to Georgia in time for the game. Cue a spring-break road trip like no other, on which Grampa, Mel, and Ray help Bat journey south, making meaningful connections along the way with others and their Indigenous heritage. Of course, there are many bumps in the road, including an attempted capture of Bat for viral YouTube fame, but the light narrative tone and charming characters ensure an upbeat adventure. Incorporating exceptional Native American representation throughout l is Muscogee-Odawa and Ray is Cherokee-Seminole itich Smith (Muscogee) also provides a glossary and a meaningful author's note that speaks to certain Indigenous beliefs, storytelling traditions, and history. Similar in spirit to Nic Stone's Clean Getaway (2020), this book will appeal to fans of road-trip novels and character-driven stories.

Humans and animals join forces, becoming an unexpected group of heroes working together to save the daySmith (Muscogee) opens with a Muscogee greeting and reintroduces characters many readers will know from her other books. Great-Grandfather Bat, a well-known ballplayer and revered elder, ponders his injured wing and its impact on the Great Ball Game. Bat catches a ride with Grampa Halfmoon from Chicago to Georgia, heading to a rematch between the Birds and Animals. Young Ray Halfmoon, family friend Melanie, and Gray Squirrel join them. A fascinating circular structure connects the storylines, which contain expertly crafted humorous snippets, and the connection between humans and animal relatives will be evident to readers. Ray, Grampa, and Mel reunite with relatives. Grampa rekindles his connection with a former love interest. Mel faces inner turmoil as she finishes a school assignment while riding along a similar route her ancestors took on the Trail of Tears. When Grampa's rez truck breaks down, pursuing stalkers add a mysterious twist. The novel also addresses important modern-day issues: Habitat loss, protection of the Earth and its animals, historical truths, and references to Native children's literature are cleverly embedded in the story, and secondary characters with admirable careers support Indigenous readers in envisioning their own goals.A unique and noteworthy tale that weaves together past and present with humor through stellar, multilayered writing. (map, glossary, author's note)(Modern folklore. 10-14)

Humans and animals join forces, becoming an unexpected group of heroes working together to save the daySmith (Muscogee) opens with a Muscogee greeting and reintroduces characters many readers will know from her other books. Great-Grandfather Bat, a well-known ballplayer and revered elder, ponders his injured wing and its impact on the Great Ball Game. Bat catches a ride with Grampa Halfmoon from Chicago to Georgia, heading to a rematch between the Birds and Animals. Young Ray Halfmoon, family friend Melanie, and Gray Squirrel join them. A fascinating circular structure connects the storylines, which contain expertly crafted humorous snippets, and the connection between humans and animal relatives will be evident to readers. Ray, Grampa, and Mel reunite with relatives. Grampa rekindles his connection with a former love interest. Mel faces inner turmoil as she finishes a school assignment while riding along a similar route her ancestors took on the Trail of Tears. When Grampa's rez truck breaks down, pursuing stalkers add a mysterious twist. The novel also addresses important modern-day issues: Habitat loss, protection of the Earth and its animals, historical truths, and references to Native children's literature are cleverly embedded in the story, and secondary characters with admirable careers support Indigenous readers in envisioning their own goals.A unique and noteworthy tale that weaves together past and present with humor through stellar, multilayered writing. (map, glossary, author's note)(Modern folklore. 10-14)

Gr 4–6— Drawing on characters that may be familiar to readers of Smith's other works, the novel follows Mel Roberts and Ray Halfmoon as their families move in together after meeting at a powwow. The Indigenous preteens provide each other with a built-in support system at school and on the road as they, along with Ray's grandfather and their animal companions, go on a road trip for spring break. The story feels rooted in folklore, with the travelers seeking to get Bat, an animal elder, to a legendary rematch for a race against the birds. However, an author's note clarifies that the book isn't an "age-old traditional story" but pays tribute to Muscogee storytelling. History and romance dot the narrative, though this is an adventure story at its heart. Modern twists include high jinks from vloggers that threaten to derail the road-trippers' successful arrival at their destination. The novel's pacing elicits feelings of a never-ending school break, which may confuse some readers. VERDICT Recommended as an additional purchase for elementary collections where books featuring animals circulate well. Hand to fans of Kate DiCamillo or Katherine Applegate.— Monisha Blair