Book details
Night of the Spadefoot Toads
Description
An inspiring story of intergenerational friendship, activism, and how our actions can drastically impact our environment.When his father takes a new job in Massachusetts, Ben Moroney must leave behind his best friend Tony, a western banded gecko named Lenny, and worst of all, the Arizona desert home he has loved and explored. Ben's adjustment to his new environment is not going well until he unexpectedly finds a kindred spirit in his eccentric fifth-grade science teacher, Mrs. Tibbets. She introduces him to the rare and elusive Eastern spadefoot toads that make their home on her rural property. When Ben discovers that Mrs. Tibbets's land may be sold to developers, he knows he has to do something. As Ben's obsession with saving the spadefoot toads' habitat grows, his schoolwork and his relationships with his family and new friends suffer. But just when it seems things can't get any worse, Ben finds a way to meet his responsibilities to the people around him and demonstrates the importance of even the smallest efforts to save the earth's rapidly disappearing habitats.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
192 pages
Why to read
- Educational Value: 'Night of the Spadefoot Toads' offers readers, particularly middle-grade children, valuable lessons about ecology, biology, and the importance of environmental conservation. It's a great way to learn about the unique spadefoot toad and its habitat while enjoying a fictional story.
- Engaging Story: Bill Harley has crafted a compelling narrative that combines adventure, friendship, and personal growth. The story follows the protagonist, Ben, as he moves to a new place and learns to adapt, making it relatable for anyone who has experienced change or felt like an outsider.
- Character Development: Readers can witness and relate to the authentic character development in the book. As Ben navigates his new life and takes on the challenge of saving the spadefoot toads, he grows in confidence and becomes more connected to his community and the natural world.
- Award-Winning Author: Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy Award-winning artist and an accomplished author. His storytelling skills shine in 'Night of the Spadefoot Toads,' making it a well-written and engaging read that has received positive reviews for its humor, warmth, and educational content.