The Adventure Is Now - by Jess Redman (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A fun-filled, action-packed middle grade novel about a boy who learns about protecting the environment, finding real friends, and living in the now while spending the summer on a remote island.

Sometimes it's hard to be Milton P. Greene. He says all the wrong things, his family is falling apart, and everyone at school avoids him because of the very embarrassing Bird Brain Incident. But when Milton plays his video game Isle of Wild, he becomes someone else--Sea Hawk, the brave and brilliant naturalist explorer who conquers danger at every turn.

Then Milton's parents ship him off to the remote Lone Island for the summer, where his uncle Evan is an environmentalist researcher. The island is chock-full of spectaculous species, and Milton realizes this is his chance to become the brave and brilliant naturalist he's always wanted to be--and even meet some fellow explorers!

But as it turns out, the future of the Lone Island is in some pretty serious peril, and the only thing that can save it is a field guide full of cryptic clues. If Milton and his unexpected new friends are going to protect the island, they'll have to trust each other, discover new truths, and embark on a wild and wondrous adventure all their own.

The Adventure is Now is a dazzling, fun-filled story from Jess Redman.

Review Quotes

A Bank Street Best Book of the Year
Maud Hart Lovelace Award Nominee

"A Roald Dahl-esque delight." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"The remote island filled with Dr. Dolittle-style flora and fauna helps to keep this message-driven tale afloat, and readers will likely wish for even more scenes with the imaginative fancies." --Booklist

"Redman (Quintessence) renders compassionate characters in Milton and crew, placing an emphasis on honesty and emotional directness that makes for an affirming adventure." --Publishers Weekly

"A fun summer read perfect for fans of Kate Beasley's Lions & Liars, and Lynda Mullaly Hunt's Shouting at the Rain." --School Library Journal

"Magic blooms as thick as Truth-Will-Out Vine on every page of this story. I adore Milton P. Greene, his wild adventure, his magical island, and his brave, daring heart." --Natalie Lloyd, New York Times-bestselling author of A Snicker of Magic and The Problim Children series

"Vividly imagined and full of heart, The Adventure is Now is a delight! This story is just right for our current times, when we're all yearning for a 'spectaculous' adventure."--Gillian McDunn, author of Caterpillar Summer and These Unlucky Stars

About the Author