The Einsteins of Vista Point
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3.0 • 1 Rating
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- $7.99
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
After the tragic loss of their sister, Zack and his siblings band together to investigate a Morse Code-inspired mystery in this stunning novel about grief and resilience.
When Zack’s younger sister dies in a tragic accident, his family moves to a small town in the Northwest to try and heal from the pain. Vista Point is home to many mysterious landmarks, including the great domed stone Tower with its cryptic message hidden in the ceiling. Zack blames himself for his sister’s death, and he struggles to find comfort in his new surroundings. Until he meets Ann, a girl who lives in the area and shows Zack all the special places to be discovered. But there’s something that seems a bit strange about Ann—and perhaps a secret she is keeping from him.
This masterful novel thoughtfully explores how a season of pain can evolve into a summer of healing.
"Guterson does a splendid job of conjuring up the ideal setting for a classic summer story….An adventure that begs to be read by flashlight under bedcovers." —Booklist
"Guterson sensitively explores Zack’s journey toward self-forgiveness in this contemplative adventure." —Publishers Weekly
"The fascinating cipher that ties it all together is the highlight of this wholesome, gentle story....An inspirational throwback for families seeking tales with a classic feel." —Kirkus Reviews
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Eleven-year-old Zack Einstein blames himself for the sudden death of his younger sister, Susan. After her passing, Zack and his family—including siblings Ruth, 13; Miriam, 15; and Ethan, 16—pursue a fresh start in Vista Point, Ore. Their parents plan to renovate a three-story Victorian-style mansion into a bed-and-breakfast, but the siblings would rather explore their new backyard's sprawling landscape. Near the property stands a strictly off-limits abandoned tower where the Einsteins meet mysterious nine-year-old neighbor Ann. Together, the group explores the tower, decoding its cryptic carvings and attempting to communicate with an unknown party by using a flashlight to send messages in Morse code. Amid cheerful adventure, the siblings finally begin healing ("For the first time in months, Zack felt a little less unhappy"). Antonsson's detailed and finely lined art, which includes a map and spot illustrations, provides intimate looks into pivotal scenes. Though the rest of the Einsteins don't feel as richly characterized as protagonist Zack, Guterson (the Winterhouse trilogy) sensitively explores Zack's journey toward self-forgiveness in this contemplative adventure featuring a captivating northwestern U.S. setting, a splash of the paranormal, and a tidy ending. The Einsteins are Jewish and white; supporting characters cue as white. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12.
