Patricia MacLachlan (1938-2022) was the author of many well-loved novels and picture books, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal; its sequels, Skylark and Caleb's Story; Edward's Eyes; The True Gift; Waiting for the Magic; White Fur Flying; Fly Away; and Snow Horses. She lived in western Massachusetts.
Tells the story of Jake and Edward, two brothers who develop a special bond the moment Jake first gazes into his younger brother's beautiful blue eyes. Edward is the heart of his family until his untimely death at age eight. His parents make the difficult decision to donate his organs. As they learn the stories of each recipient, they learn how to move on with their lives again. Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
From the start, it is clear that Edward is very special. The day his delightfully eccentric parents bring him home from the hospital, his mother places him in the arms of older brother and narrator Jake, who is immediately smitten: "His eyes are the dark mud-blue of the night sky, but there are surprising little flecks of gold in them. They stare right into my eyes.... I want to say that I love him more than anything or anyone I know. But I am only three, and when I try to talk I can't say all those words." Yet Jake, as this resonant story unwinds, proves to be remarkably articulate. His recollections of Edward shape a memorable portrait of a boy who, as a toddler asks to have Goodnight Moon read to him in French, insists on walking two steps ahead of his older siblings on his first day of kindergarten, never once strikes out while playing baseball and teaches himself how to throw an impossible-to-hit knuckleball. Edward's vision extends far beyond the power of his striking eyes: he somehow knows, when his mother becomes pregnant, that this sixth baby will be a girl. "She'll be Sabine. And we'll have fireworks!" he announces confidently. Newbery Medalist MacLachlan brings her story to a conclusion that is both unbearably sad and uplifting, delivered, like the whole, in perfect pitch. Ages 8-12. (Sept.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
Gr 4-6-When Jake's parents have a new baby, the three-year-old is captivated. It's clear that Edward is special. He is unusually insightful, teaches himself to throw a perfect knuckleball, and knows that baby number six is going to be a girl. The new baby, he proclaims, will be named Sabine and they will celebrate her birth with fireworks. Patricia McLachlan's tale (Atheneum, 2007) is told through Jake's eyes in a series of memories. After Edward is killed in a biking accident, his parents announce that they have donated his organs and corneas. At first Jake is devastated, but the donation of the corneas to a young baseball player ultimately helps the boy find solace and move on. Milo Ventimiglia's narration reflects the gentle tone of the story and will capture the hearts of listeners.-Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
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