- a small town attracts countless visitors due to a fear-thrilled mystery about an unseen creature living nearby
- a storm during the annual fair gives the crowds an exhilarating experience while also inspiring a boy to get closer to the action
- convo: various superstitions throughout, mentions Mecca, mentions smoking, a girl is disrespectful to a woman (brief)
- language: x1 good l*rd, mild name calling
Type: chapter book
Ages: 8-12
Author & Illustrator: Natalie Babbitt
Babbitt is such a unique writer! Most know her as the author of Tuck Everlasting, but my favorite of hers is Dick Foote and the Shark. This book, Knee-Knock Rise, is a close second now. Her word choices and imagery are always delicious and vivid.
A boy travels to his relatives’ house to be able to attend, for his first time, the annual fair. He learns so much about the mysterious creature that he decides to go find it. But he discovers that no one wants to hear about it… Without being said aloud, it’s clear that it’s the mystery people love. Sometimes not knowing a secret is worth it!
To avoid dampening your enjoyment of the story with bigger spoilers, I’ll keep the rest vague. This book is a sweet mix of poignancy, humor, and suspense. And its ending is quite satisfying!
Knowing some of her books are long out-of-print, I was happy to discover this one is still being printed. Click here to find a new copy on Amazon. Happy reading!