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Reviewed by Keana Sackett-Moomey for Readers' Favorite
The Adventures of Kimo by Eric A. Javier captures the feeling of being a young child desperate to escape a mundane afternoon. Kimo is stuck at home because a thick fog has blanketed the California coast, ending any chance of his going to the beach. His mother tells him to stay out of trouble and play pretend in the backyard, so he sits around on the old wooden steps, turning them into a high-seas whaling ship. But playing pretend in a small yard has lost its spark, especially with a heavy absence hanging over his family, and he is craving something real. When he notices a couple of broken boards in the property fence, he sees a perfect path straight into the thick forest next door. Waiting for a second when the back door closes, Kimo decides to break the rules and squeeze through the gap. Can his inner fantasy world actually protect him from the dangers waiting outside, or will it force him to face a greater truth that he’s actually trying his best to avoid?
The Adventures of Kimo by Eric A. Javier is an emotionally resonant literary novella that really grabbed my attention because of how well it explores the delicate line between childhood games and reality. This tale is one of escapism, internal grief, rising danger, harsh realization, and acceptance. Javier’s prose is spellbinding and patient, capturing the cloud of grief the family is carrying without ever rushing the plot. He makes it easy to connect with Kimo’s experiences as his playful innocence begins to fracture. I loved all the fascinating background details about the coastal highways and the old agricultural worker camps, which give the setting a human touch. Kimo’s inner growth nicely captures how natural curiosity pushes children (and adults) to test their limits, even when they are running from things they are not ready to face. The connection between Kimo’s imagination and his decisions creates a strong creative flow that handles loss with incredible gentleness. Through it all, Javier keeps you focused entirely on Kimo’s evocative journey, while showing readers how a child tries to process their shattered world. If you’re a fan of A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, I think you’ll love this book too.
