The Natural Genius of Ants by Betty Culley

What worked:

Grief is a major issue, although Harvard’s father is responsible for the death of an infant. Harvard and his younger brother Roger spend the summer in their father’s remote, small hometown. The hope is that his father will be able to forgive himself for a fatal mistake and finally return to his job as a pediatric doctor. The plot follows Harvard, as he tries to protect his father from sadness that includes the drama found inside an ant farm. It’s not a child’s job to save an adult, but the slow-moving lifestyle of Kettle Hole is a big help.

The serious aspect of the plot is tempered by the humor of Harvard and Roger. Harvard has a quick wit and can’t stop himself from cracking jokes and making funny comments. Wondering if terms are compound words or two separate words is an ongoing question throughout the book. Roger is the real treat, as his innocence and excitement result in amusing moments. Harvard soon realizes he needs to watch what he shares about the ant farm when Roger imitates ants by donning a bike helmet with antennas, crawling around on the floor, searching for food. Roger also believes a young girl named Nevaeh can control the weather, and he’s amazed when she makes it “snow”. His character adds cuteness to the plot.

Nevaeh becomes Harvard’s best friend, and her positive attitude amid a challenging life is admirable. She recently lost her mother to cancer, she suffers from asthma without medication, her father is struggling with money issues, and they’re living in a barn while Harvard’s family rents their house. She has a special talent for writing poetry that creatively expresses her feelings about events and people in her life. She helps Harvard care for the ant farm, and he ends up saving her family in a big way. Together, Harvard and Nevaeh make a charming, entertaining pair of loyal friends.

What didn’t work as well:

The thread holding the story together is the ant farm, and while interesting, it doesn’t exactly create anticipation of a captivating story. However, you can’t judge a book by its cover! I especially enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the story, and the grieving doesn’t take it in a depressing direction. The overall story is charming, amusing, and entertaining.

The Final Verdict:

A story of healing, family, and love. This book may surprise readers, but it’s truly captivating and inspiring. It doesn’t have any unusual twists or complications and simply shares an emotional, realistic story about two families with serious problems. I highly recommend you give it a shot!