Aldo's Fantastical Movie Palace

Scarred by one of her father's inventions, Chloe seeks refuge in the darkness of her family's cinema, until a fateful friendship with a blind boy changes how she sees her father and the world. Award-winning author Jonathan Friesen presents another powerful novel for middle-grade readers that delves into the deep struggles they face, while also providing with a sense of mystery and truth. In Aldo's Fantastical Movie Palace, a freak accident involving her eccentric father's invention leaves Chloe's face permanently scarred, causing her to hide in the darkness of her great-grandfather's movie theater. There she encounters Nick and his seeing-eye dog, and strikes up a friendship that leads to mysterious and fantastical adventure, acceptance, and a challenge to step from the safe-yet-distorted world of film to learn what it means to live in the light. Friesen, an author, speaker, and writing coach, received the ALA Schneider Award for his first YA novel, Jerk, California. His captivating storytelling, which reflects a powerful understanding of young hearts, has earned him a loyal following. Kids eleven to fourteen appreciate the fantasy he combines with faith-filled truth. Parents, teachers, and youth leaders will value this positive alternative to the popular fantasy-themed novels readers love.