Neverlanders

Gr 7-10–This original take on Peter Pan and the Lost Boys starts by introducing readers to a group of boys and girls living on their own in a junkyard, where home is wherever they are together. The adventure starts when a new boy, Paco, saves one of their lives, and along with his sidekick, takes them to Neverland. Unlike the Neverland of children’s fiction, though, this version is dying—Peter Pan isn’t there, and the last of the Lost Boys was killed in a battle with pirates who are plotting to steal the roots of the life-giving tree at the heart of their world. The fast-paced steampunk adventure story brings a new generation into the fold, and the world of the story completely to life with intricate art laced with rich hues of greens and blues. The quirky humor of the new “Lost Boys” and a foul-mouthed Tinkerbell adds levity, and the mysticism of the tree of life adds intrigue. The action sequences as the pirates storm Neverland push the pace to breakneck speed, but unfortunately the story ends too abruptly. An epilogue wraps up the book but certainly leaves room for a sequel, which will be welcome, because readers will not want to leave the characters behind in this magical world.