Faraway Things - by Dave Eggers (Hardcover)

About the Book

Lucian enjoys searching the beach below his home for treasure, but after becoming attached to a mysterious cutlass he meets its owner, who offers something greater for its return.

Book Synopsis

This classic-feeling adventure tale from Newbery-winning author Dave Eggers (The Eyes & the Impossible) is an evocative tale of a boy and his sword, and how giving away something precious leads to an even more important discovery.

Lucian's father called them faraway things, those mysterious objects orphaned upon the windswept shore, their stories long lost in the shroud of ocean fog. Lucian's discovery on the beach this particular day, though, is no ordinary faraway thing. It's a cutlass: strong, shiny, and powerful. As its history comes to light, Lucian faces a choice: cling to the sword he loves or accept a gift that shines farther, wider, and deeper than he could have ever dreamed.

Stunningly illustrated with evocative art by Kelly Murphy and written by award-winning and bestselling writer Dave Eggers, here is a profound and resonant tale about the reward of letting go.

Review Quotes

"Eggers and Murphy have crafted an evocative story that centers imaginative play and gently explores loss.... [a] pleasing enigmatic tale."--The Horn Book

"The compelling story is enhanced by the stunning full-bleed illustrations in ink and watercolor, which show in atmospheric detail the rocky shore, the stormy coastline and ship, and Lucian's cozy home."--Booklist

"Whether enjoyed as a group read or a private puzzle to be explored and re-explored, this picture book will inspire a host of stories and possible a shanty or two."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

* "An ingenious choice for a muted palette...[an] evocative picture book bildungsroman with equally atmospheric illustrations."--Kirkus Reviews

* "Sweeping multimedia art by Murphy gives the galleon, its crew, and the ocean grandeur... Eggers tells his swashbuckling yarn with screenplay-like polish that feels just as expansive as Murphy's art."--Publishers Weekly

"Lyrical, descriptive language allows Lucian's story to gently unfold... [a] beautiful story about adventure and honoring a father's memory, this is a noteworthy addition to elementary school libraries."--School Library Journal

"Using wide pictures rendered in muted tones set alongside sparse text, the reader is given a window into the life of Lucian....[t]his story presents a short, yet important journey of loss, growth, and empathy."--School Library Connection

About the Author

Dave Eggers is the Newbery-winning author of The Eyes & the Impossible and a bestselling author of many books, including the National Book Award finalist A Hologram for the King. His books for younger readers include Abner & Ian Get Right-Side Up, What Can a Citizen Do?, Her Right Foot, and The Lifters. He is the founder of the independent publishing company McSweeney's, the college-access nonprofit ScholarMatch, and 826 Valencia, a writing center for young people in San Francisco. Eggers lives in Northern California.

Kelly Murphy has illustrated a number of acclaimed books for children, including the New York Times bestseller and recipient of the E. B. White Read Aloud Award Masterpiece by Elise Broach and Together We Grow by Susan Vaught. Raised in the swamps of southern New England, she occasionally made her way to the nearby ocean, where she found her own faraway things. Kelly currently lives in Providence and teaches at her alma mater, Rhode Island School of Design.