First Few Pages: The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as told to his brother) by David Levithan

New York Times bestselling author David Levithan takes young readers on twisting journey through truth, reality, and fantasy and belief.

Aidan disappeared for six days. Six agonizing days of searches and police and questions and constant vigils. Then, just as suddenly as he vanished, Aidan reappears. Where has he been? The story he tells is simply. . . impossible. But it’s the story Aidan is sticking to.

His brother, Lucas, wants to believe him. But Lucas is aware of what other people, including their parents, are saying: that Aidan is making it all up to disguise the fact that he ran away.

When the kids in school hear Aidan’s story, they taunt him. But still Aidan clings to his story. And as he becomes more of an outcast, Lucas becomes more and more concerned. Being on Aidan’s side would mean believing in the impossible. But how can you believe in the impossible when everything and everybody is telling you not to?

Read an excerpt below.

They looked everywhere.

The woods behind our backyard. The school. The woods behind the school. The basement. The attic. The pond, even though the pond was a long walk away. They called the parents of every kid in Aidan’s class, even the ones who’d moved away.

We opened every door to every room in our house, every door to every closet. We searched every crawl space, checked under every bed. We pulled back each of the shower curtains and looked for footprints in all of the rugs. It was a game of hide and seek that got old after five minutes, alarming after an hour, and the scariest thing that had ever happened to any of us after that.

Aidan couldn’t be found.

They asked me the same questions over and over again.

When did you last see him?

I was falling asleep. It was his turn to shut off the lights. I saw him get out of his bed and go to the light switch. Then I heard him get back into bed, and I think we said goodnight.

What time was this?

Around ten?

You’re not sure.

That’s usually when we turn out the lights. I wasn’t paying attention. I just wanted to go to bed.

Were you asleep when he left the room?

I think so. I didn’t hear the door.

How long does it take you to go to sleep?

I don’t know.

Does your brother usually get up in the middle of the night?

I don’t think so.

Have you ever caught him sleepwalking?

No.

Did he say anything to you about running away?

No.

Do you think he ran away?

Only because he’s not here. But there’s no reason for him to run away. He’s twelve.

And you’re eleven, Lucas?

Yes.

He didn’t say anything unusual to you.

No.

He wasn’t mad about anything?

No. And if he was really running away . . .

What?

He would have taken his phone. He wouldn’t have left it behind. He loves his games too much.

Is there any place your brother would have gone? Any friends he would have wanted to see?

Late at night? No.

No one.

Glenn’s his best friend. But he sees Glenn all the time. I mean, during the day. I don’t think they would meet up at night in secret, if that’s what you’re asking. But I guess you’d have to ask Glenn.

Download the first few pages to read more.

Excerpted from The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as told to his brother) by David Levithan. Copyright © 2021 by David Levithan. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

January 22, 2021 | Categories: First Few Pages | Tags: first few pages, excerpt, children's books, middle grade

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The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S.: As Told to His Brother (Hardcover)
David Levithan

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New York Times bestselling author David Levithan takes young readers on twisting journey through truth, reality, and fantasy and belief. Aidan disappeared for six days. Six agonizing days of searches and police and questions and constant vigils. Then, just as suddenly as he vanished, Aidan reappears. Where has he been? The story he tells is simply. . . impossible. But it's the story Aidan is sticking to.

Get The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S.: As Told to His Brother (Hardcover) by David Levithan and other intermediate books online and at Fully Booked bookstore branches in the Philippines.

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