The Doldrums

By Nicholas Gannon

Book #1 in the Doldrums series

A boy defies his overprotective mother to rescue his explorer grandparents trapped on an iceberg.

5.3/7 Bookroo expert·3.8/5 Goodreads · 3,262 ratings

364 pages· 57,242 words· Est. 8 hour read

$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Archer Helmsley craves adventure, just like his explorer grandparents who are stranded on an iceberg. His mother keeps him confined, but Archer won't be deterred. With the daring Adelaide and loyal Oliver by his side, he embarks on a daring rescue mission. Will their friendship and imagination be enough to overcome the impossible? Dive into a world of humor, heart, and boundless adventure as Archer discovers that true exploration begins at home. Can they save his grandparents and prove that adventure is in their blood?

From the publisher

“A dreamy charmer of a book, full of clever wordplay that practically demands it be read out loud.”–New York TimesHave you ever wanted to hold a little piece of the impossible? The Doldrums is an extraordinary debut about friendship, imagination, and the yearning for adventure from author-artist Nicholas Gannon. A modern classic in the making, The Doldrums is for readers of inventive and timeless authors such as Brian Selznick and Lemony Snicket. The paperback edition is exquisitely illustrated throughout with black-and-white artwork.Archer B. Helmsley wants an adventure. No, he needs an adventure. His grandparents were famous explorers . . . until they got stuck on an iceberg. Now Archer’s mother barely lets him out of the house. As if that would stop a true Helmsley. Archer enlists Adelaide–the girl who, according to rumor, lost her leg to a crocodile–and Oliver–the boy next door–to help him rescue his grandparents. The Doldrums whisks us off on an adventure full of sly humor, incredible detail, and enormous heart.With approximately twenty full-page pieces of breathtaking black-and-white artwork, as well as spot illustrations, and gorgeous, literary writing, Nicholas Gannon proves himself to be a distinctive new voice with his middle grade debut. Be in it for the limitless imagination. For the characters who capture your heart. For the rich world you’ll want to settle into. But most of all, be in it for the friendship. That, after all, is the true adventure.

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