by Kekla Magoon
First published 2019
Caleb Franklin loves exploring the woods with his big brother Bobby Gene, but he wants more than their small town can offer. Everything changes when sixteen-year-old Styx Malone moves in nearby. Styx radiates confidence and makes grand promises. He tells the brothers about the Great Escalator Trade, a scheme where they start with something small and keep trading up until they get whatever they want most. The plan sounds perfect to Caleb, who sees his chance for real excitement. Bobby Gene joins in, and the three boys begin their trading adventure. Each exchange brings something bigger and better than before. But the stakes keep rising, and soon Caleb and Bobby Gene realize they are in deeper than they expected. Styx carries hidden truths that could destroy everything they have worked toward. Caleb must decide how far he will go for his dreams and whether he can trust the boy who promised him the world.
Genres: fiction, adventure, coming-of-age, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Small Town
304 pages · Paperback · Yearling