Nancy Babicz Stone Maker

Annotation

The villagers tell bizarre stories of the Shadowy River and the Dark Forest on the other side. Because of this, no one ever dares to cross the infamous river. Legend has it that anyone who crosses it either never comes back or never comes back the same. On this day, though, nine-year-old Max does the unthinkable. After an argument with his twelve-year-old brother, Eamon, Max accepts an invitation from a strange boy on the other side of the river to come across and play. Eamon reluctantly follows. As Max's new "friend" coyly stokes their anger, a struggle ensues. In one moment, the utterance of a single dangerous word changes everything. Will either brother ever come back? Will either one ever be the same?