I was very interested to read this, one of several stories for children that Henning Mankell has written. Better known in England as a crime writer, these stories actually make up a significant part of his output.
And, from the evidence of A Bridge to the Stars, his stories for kids are just as good stories for kids as his crime novels are crime. Definitely, I would have enjoyed this as child/young teen. (Ideal age for this book? 9/11ish, I would say, but don't hold me to it.) Joel is an attractive character, his adventures in his town at night will, I imagine, be highly interesting and slightly magical for children to read. As are Joel's discovereies about himself and his family.
It's written in a style ideal for its audience, has an excellent, slightly offbeat story, and Joel exhibits a kind of
imagination that many children will find familiar. Not only that, but it says some rather touching and important things about growing up. Nothing that hasn't been said before, particularly, but said here in a way easily grasped. I recommend this. It is a potentially enchanting little read. (And not just for kids, either: any fans of Mankell will find this interesting and probably very enjoyable as well.)
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