Edward's Eyes (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: Albert Groom, Mary Brigid, Angela Garden (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

As always, MacLachlan's simple words speak of big things. This time they talk about the death of a beloved sibling. Was is a word "so small and so big" as Jake, 11, remembers his younger brother from the day eight years ago when their mother brought baby Edward home from the hospital and put him in Jake's lap. Jake reads to Edward, teaches him how to use the bathroom, and in their daily summer baseball games in the yard, Edward learns to throw a perfect knuckleball that no one can hit. Edward can see the speeding ball with his wonderful eyes, and at eight, when he dies, he has never once struck out. The memories are very idyllic; there's not a trace of jealousy or anger or argument among the parents, sisters and brothers, friends, or neighbors in the small town. But the surprise at the end of the story will take readers back to the beginning, and the beautiful words will make rereading a joy. Rochman, Hazel

Product Description

Jake is a part of an extraordinary family.

He has a life filled with art, music, and long summer nights on the Cape. He has hours and days and months of baseball. But, more than anything in this world, Jake knows he has Edward. From the moment he was born, Jake knew Edward was destined for something. Edward could make anyone laugh and everyone think. During one special year, he became the only one in the neighborhood who could throw a perfect knuckleball. It was a pitch you could not hit. That same year, Jake learned there are also some things you cannot hold.

Patricia MacLachlan, one of the most beloved children's book authors writing today, has painted a deeply stirring, delicately lyrical portrait of a child, a son, a family, and a brother. Through Edward's eyes, we see what gifts all of these things truly are to those around them, and how those gifts live on and grow.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 116 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum (August 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416927433
• ISBN-13: 978-1416927433
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #100,784 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #13 in	Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( M ) > MacLachlan, Patricia
  #37 in	Books > Children's Books > Sports & Activities > Sports > Baseball > Fiction
  #73 in	Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Social Issues > Death & Dying > Fiction

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not sure it's appropriate for the age group 9-12, March 16, 2008

By	pitterpat (United States) - See all my reviews

Well written. Enjoyed her writing style, but to tell you the truth at first I was confused by who was who. The reason I mention the appropriateness is because this book is ultimately about a death in the family. It's a tear jerker. I was bawling. It's not just about baseball. My son wouldn't be ready for this book. So, just something to consider if you're purchasing for your child.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Book Review: Edward's Eyes, January 23, 2008

By	T. Jonker "http://100scopenotes.wordpress.com" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have to be honest, I wasn't sure about this one. The cover, the blurb on the inside - it made me suspicious. I know that Patricia MacLachlan is a children's lit legend for a reason (you've heard of "Sarah, Plain and Tall" possibly?), but I still had reservations. Now, I'm not a fan of the whole "boy changes lives in a small town that seems to be lost in some idyllic yesteryear" - type story. I'm not naming names, I'm just sayin' that those types of tales aren't usually my cup of tea. I suspected that's what this one was. Sappy, corny, call it what you will. But I was wrong. With "Edward's Eyes" those labels don't stick. An emotional story well-executed.

The perspective of this tale is not provided by Edward, but rather by his older brother Jake. He's a protective older sibling, and has always known his little brother to be unique. He's more carefree, friendly, and wise than Jake will ever be. But Edward's most unique feature has to be his eyes. Edward's eyes can see a baseball better anyone in his clan, and he has the batting record to prove it: he's never stuck out. The boys are part of a big family, all the better for backyard games. When a new addition is made to the family, Edward is ready to take the child under his wing just like Jake did for him. But, just like a knuckleball, you never know where life is going to go. The unexpected sometimes happens.

MacLachlan has written a heartbreaking and sweet story that will stick with readers even after the reading is done. A quality fiction selection.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A gentle, warm story young adults will find compelling., October 6, 2007

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Jake lives a life packed with music, art and baseball - and he has brother Edward, who is special. From discussions about being married to baseball to insights on what makes people special in the world, EDWARD'S EYES explores changes and hanging on to good times, and is a gentle, warm story young adults will find compelling.