Do you miss long days away from home, exploring, hanging with friends and just being outside? I definitely do! It may be because I now live in a big city or it may just be that feeling of nostalgia that washes over you as you get older. Jan L. Coates perfectly captures that sense of exploration in the woods and discovery in her middle grade novel The Hermit.

Danny is eleven years old and loves playing soccer, on a field he and his teammates helped build. They have really taken ownership of the space and have a huge sense of pride in it. It is the BEST field in the whole league. He also loves riding bikes with his buddy Ben and heading out on adventures. When Ben and Danny’s adventures take them deep in the woods, they happen upon a cabin and a man who seems to be living there, all alone. Like any curious kid, Danny wants to learn more about this hermit who lives behind Barnaby’s Brook. In the process he reveals some old family secrets and saves not only a man’s life but a soccer field too.

From start to finish this charming story is an engaging read. Readers will have a feeling of familiarity with Danny and Ben, they will feel like part of the team. Jan L. Coates weaves mystery and intrigue into a story with a huge heart. The relationships are what stand out most. Danny’s friendship with Ben, the closeness of Danny and Grampy, the tolerance and eventual understanding with Teddy Crouse, all of these different relationships invite the reader into Danny’s world and make them want to stay. When condo developers threaten their soccer field, the town pulls together to protest, when the Hermit is in need of medical assistance Danny and Teddy are there to rescue him, when a huge thunderstorm knocks out the power, Grampy shows up to save the day. Jan L. Coates creates some wonderful bonds to aspire to and demonstrates to readers how patience and understanding can help solidify family and friends. The Hermit is a wonderful escape, but with roots in the here and now.

There are many funny moments as well and readers will be left with a complete list of different words for poop courtesy of Danny’s friend Ben. I mean what middle grader doesn’t need to know a full complement of words meaning excrement!

I highly recommend this book to any middle grade readers who like stories of adventure and a little humour mixed in.