Age: Middle School
Location: Sutton, Indiana
First line: "Styx Malone didn't believe in miracles, but he was one."

Magoon must have demanded that this realistic fiction book be devoid of pop culture references because it was a refreshing move that made me believe this was historical fiction for a majority of the book. Overall, an enjoyable read about a rural child's desire to be more than ordinary, a devoted friendship that leads to bold and dangerous stunts, and co-starring a child recklessly running through life until he finds love from friends and a father-figure that boost his self-worth and hold him accountable for his actions.

"Caleb Franklin and his big brother Bobby Gene have the whole summer for adventures in the woods behind their house in Sutton, Indiana. Caleb dreams of venturing beyond their ordinary small town, but his dad likes the family to stay close to home.

Then Caleb and Bobby Gene meet new neighbor Styx Malone. Styx is sixteen 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. But as the trades get bigger, the brothers soon find themselves in over their heads. It becomes clear that Styx has secrets--secrets so big they could ruin everything--and Caleb fears their whole plan might fall apart."