Publishers Weekly
05/08/2023
Leali (The Civil War of Amos Abernathy) tackles the booms and busts of small-town life alongside themes of acceptance in this feel-good, Pinocchio-inspired tale. When 11-year-old white-cued adoptee Matteo Lorenzini’s Black best friend—and secret crush—Omar Jones made the Creekside Blue Whales baseball team last year, it caused a rupture in their friendship. But this year, Matteo is on the team as well, and Omar now defends Matteo from their teammates’ bullying. Baseball and school life soon become the least of Matteo’s worries, however, when he starts sprouting leaves and bark every time he lies in an attempt to avoid embarrassment. He confides in his Latinx-cued best friend Azura Gonzalez, who speculates that Matteo’s foliage woes could be connected to Creekside’s beloved and ailing giant oak tree. While Matteo and Azura try to figure out the connection between his powers and the tree, he uses his abilities to scare bullies, reconnect with Omar, and uncover more about his birth family’s past. Though the story’s many plot threads get a bit woolly, Leali sensitively renders Matteo’s worries about his changing body and budding sexuality via a sweet fairy tale–like atmosphere, charming characters, and fantastical premise. Ages 8–12. Agent: Sara Crowe, Pippin Properties. (May)
From the Publisher
"This enchanting, modern homage to Pinocchio reminds us anything is possible if we're true to ourselves." — Cynthia Leitich Smith, award-winning author of Ancestor Approved and Sisters of the Neversea
“A wonderfully cinematic, compulsively readable, highly imaginative, plot-rich story with characters who come alive on the page.” — Booklist (starred review)
“Matteo, the big-hearted, gentle hero of this book, is a shining star. I felt swept up in his magical journey. I'm cheering for his happily ever after.” — Natalie Lloyd, New York Times bestselling author of Hummingbird
“Full of laughter and love, kindness and curiosity, Matteo is the best type of character to root for. I loved Matteo, and I know you will, too.” — Varian Johnson, award-winning author of Twins
“Young readers will find it easy to empathize with bright, passionate, insecure Matteo. Tear-jerking and heartwarming in equal measure.” — Kirkus Reviews
PRAISE FOR THE CIVIL WAR OF AMOS ABERNATHY: “An irresistible debut filled with heart and humor. Here is a book that doesn’t rewrite history so much as broaden its scope, bringing into focus unsung heroes, in a coming of age story that celebrates inclusivity and bravery and pride and love. Sure to connect with young readers and broaden their imaginations about the past, the present, and the future that is theirs to fight for.” — Soman Chainani, New York Times bestselling author of the School for Good and Evil series
“In his first novel, Leali has done an excellent job of telling an exceedingly timely story. It’s a valuable addition to the still-slender body of middle-school literature with queer content.” — Booklist (starred review)
“Heartfelt, humorous, and hopeful, The Civil War of Amos Abernathy affirms that some causes are worth fighting for—whether social justice or a first crush is on the line. Don't be surprised if irrepressible Amos inspires a new wave of changemakers.” — Lisa Jenn Bigelow, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of Hazel’s Theory of Evolution and Drum Roll, Please
“Entertaining and engaging. A necessary addition to all collections seeking heartwarming tales of first crushes, and the importance of centering marginalized history.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“A testament to the power of friendship and conviction, Michael Leali's thoughtful, delightful debut is a gem for any reader beginning to ask 'Why is the world this way? And how can I make it better?'” — Adib Khorram, award-winning author of Darius the Great Is Not Okay
“A compelling debut, brimming with charming characters who take responsibility for making the world around them more honest and more inclusive.” — Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal, New York Times Bestselling Co-Authors of I'm Not Dying with You Tonight and Why We Fly
Leali sensitively renders Matteo’s worries about his changing body and budding sexuality via a sweet fairy tale–like atmosphere, charming characters, and fantastical premise. — Publishers Weekly
Kirkus Reviews
2023-03-14
“The tree chose me to stop the lies and find the truth.”
Every small town hides secrets, but in Creekside, they’re rooted as deeply as the beloved ancient oak that watches over the town. For 11-year-old Matteo Lorenzini, the tree is not just history, but entwined with his own story in more ways than even he knows. But the tree is dying, and as the day it’s slated to be cut down approaches, strange things start happening that Matteo can’t explain. In working to save tree and town alike, he must discover not only who he is, but who he was in order to stop the blight of secrets. Much like leaves changing color with the seasons, this story smoothly and without any fanfare shifts from baseball bildungsroman to a riff on the story of Pinocchio to fabulism. Although the descriptive prose is a bit clumsy at times, the plot quickly gains momentum that builds to a wonderfully touching ending. Complex issues such as family relationships, masculinity, homophobia, bullying, mental health, and more are tackled with sensitivity and grace. Young readers will find it easy to empathize with bright, passionate, insecure Matteo, and the supporting characters’ rich inner lives provide great depth to the story. Matteo is White; the secondary cast is racially diverse.
Tear-jerking and heartwarming in equal measure. (Fiction. 8-12)
