Wonderful middle-grade novel about a boy whose life and town are changed by a giant meteor that falls on his family's land. Realistic and relatable characters, small-town tensions and mysteries, scientific facts and focus, and an ultimately hopeful and optimistic conclusion.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

I put off reading Down to Earth for a while, and I’m so sad that I did! It was such a quick and fun read.

I loved Henry, I thought he was absolutely adorable and loved how curious and wanting to learn he was. Birdie was so cute, and honestly most of the characters were. I loved the family dynamics that they had and how everyone fit into it, and it was just really a cute read.

The plot was interesting, and I wish it was longer so we’d gotten to actually see more with Henry and the meteor. I think my only issue was how silly the antagonist came off and the resolve with him, but other than that it was such a fast and fun read!

I think that this book was just not for me. I had a difficult time with the juxtaposition of the scientific elements with the magical realism aspects. I was also hoping for more of the book involving space and meteorites. That being said, I did really like some of the characters, like Birdie and James. While I did not quite connect with this one, I do believe there will be a lot of readers that will enjoy it.

This is a well written book, with a few well-conceived set pieces, decent plotting, and good pacing. That said, try as I might I found neither the characters nor the overall narrative engaging enough to arouse or hold my curiosity and attention. As a consequence, it doesn't seem fair to write much more of a review, apart from encouraging interested readers to give the book a try.

Thank you to TBR and Beyond Tours for including me on the Blog Tour for Down to Earth by Betty Culley, a middle grade adventure about a meteor that falls from the sky into ten-year-old Henry's backyard.

I shared 15 Reactions I Had While Reading Down to Earth on my <a href="https://www.velvetopus.com">blog</a> on the 23 August.

I loved this book. From the first sentence, it feels distinctly middle-grade, and it is. It’s slow and simple and immediately engaging. And I don’t mean slow in a bad way at all – the writing has a lyrical quality that demands that you slow down your eyes and read a little different than you might normally (I’m an expert skimmer/speed reader). Henry is complex and methodical, wanting to know whether or not he’ll be able to carry on his family’s legacy as a dowser, while also introducing the readers to his eclectic and entertaining family.

When something streaks through the sky one cold February night, Henry’s whole life changes before his eyes. There is something a little magical, a little mystical about the meteorite that crashes onto the hill behind his house.

As Henry learns more about the meteorite and how it changes his whole world, the reader is introduced to a town it seems like time forgot. Henry’s hometown is full of honest people who are a little resistant to change. The only even minor glimpse that proves that this book isn’t set too far into the past is a quick exchange about computers and email. Otherwise, Down to Earth could be set 50 years ago – or 50 years in the future.

Rating 4/5 stars. Well executed. Fun. Simple. I only wish it were a bit longer. I want to know what happens next!

Henry comes from a long line of water dowsers, and as he approaches the age when those before him discover their talent he wonders if he will be able to do it also. As he waits to see if he has the ability, a meteorite falls into his family's field, and so armed with his best friend, James, and his little sister, Birdie, Henry sets out to investigate. Henry has always had a love for rocks and so this is a huge find in his book.
But the meteorite starts to bring some bad luck for Henry and his family and the town. The water in the town starts to dry up and soon everyone blames the meteorite and Henry's family for this. Henry isn't prepared for the ways that this meteorite will change the lives of him, his family and the town.
Henry is such a likeable character. You cannot help but love him and his family. Throughout the book Henry starts to learn more about himself and the community around him. I found this book to be thoroughly enjoyable.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy. This is in no way shown in my review.

“The universe is too big to imagine, but from all that distance, it brought me a stone from the sky.”

Down to Earth was a delight! The writing style was super light, and by the end I was thinking like the main character! Henry’s voice was so unique and he was such a creative kid! His personality was adventure ready, and I love seeing that- especially in middle-grade. I would have loved a little more humor though.

The plot was incredible! It was a tightly wound mystery and I made so many guesses! Culley would add characters that would be suspicious then drop a different hint. The family tradition of dowsing was a very unique idea! There were also many positive messages about family and perseverance!

I liked the setting and overall book! In the end, it wasn’t surprising or fast enough to earn a full five star rating, but it was still a fun short book I recommend!

I don’t know what I was expecting going into Down to Earth, but I sure loved what I ended up reading.

At the center of the story is Henry, a homeschooled kid who has always loved rocks and dreams of following in his father’s footsteps and becoming a dowser (using a forked stick to locate underground water). To Henry, the meteorite is almost a living thing. He sees himself as its protector.

The appeal of Down to Earth comes in its simplicity. Kids aren’t glued to cell phones; families work to support each other; and there’s a true sense of community, even when there are disagreements. Quite honestly, it’s this sort of wholesome background that really elevates the magic and joy of making a discovery and learning.

Author Betty Culley’s writing is smooth and inviting. She seamlessly educates — lots of space and geological science facts — while painting a compelling story of friendship and family. I particularly enjoyed Henry’s little sister, Birdie, who brings such joy to the narrative.

Down to Earth is intended for middle readers, but adults (and maybe even some young adults, too) will enjoy this novel, too.

Top 5 Reasons to Read Down to Earth

Reason #1- The characters are delightful and warm. Our protagonist, Henry, is a curious and earnest boy who loves to learn. His relationship with his family, his love for his little sister, and his best friend, James are so wholesome.

The sheer innocence and warm feelings that the characters here gave me are the reason why I love middle-grade so much.

Reason #2- Admittedly, even though the story is very slow-moving, the writing is very beautiful. It's not too flowery or complicated, but just a perfect blend of comforting and soothing. You'll flow through the pages once you begin.

Reason #3- I truly believe that even though this book is middle-grade, readers of all ages can enjoy this. I really appreciated the portrayal of love, family bonds, friendship, and community.
It also shows its readers how, in a world where we always need a reason for something to happen, some things just happen and little miracles exist in the tiniest things if we look for them.

Reason #4- I loved the rich sense of support and acceptance through the book as the protagonist leans on his family and his family leans on their neighbors in a difficult time. It has some important lessons imbibed in the story that anyone can benefit from.

Reason #5- I also loved the science included in the story. It will be a blast for all space nerds and rock enthusiasts. It's not too heavy, but just enough to amaze you with fascinating facts about space, meteors, and geology.

I ALSO HAVE AN EXCLUSIVE AUTHOR INTERVIEW OUT ON MY BLOG, IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.

I love well-written middle-grade stories, and this was just one of those. It follows Henry Bower, a ten-year-old boy born into a family of dowsers and hoping to become one himself; however, he's afraid that he wasn't born with the talent and may end up disappointing his father. Despite his insecurities, he's generally a determined child: he knows what his goals are and works steadily towards achieving them.

This book does have elements of fantasy, subtle enough to make one wonder if such things are truly possible or not. It's also very informative: I learned a lot about meteorites and dowsing from Henry's experiences, and now wonder if anyone I know has that innate dowsing talent and just doesn't know it.

Perfect for younger readers and a good way to spend time for older ones, too. Down to Earth was officially published just a few days ago; if you think it's for you, go check it out!

This is a Magical Realism Middle Grade Book. I have to say I really loved this book, and the main character was so great. I loved the magical realism in this book, and it was easy to understand the magical realism in this book. I love that the child that was the main character in this book loved science/rocks, and I love all the science talk in this book. I feel this book was really well done and I think if your child likes rocks/science they should love this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Crown Books) or author (Betty Culley) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

Middle-Grade books always leave a satisfying and warm feeling just like this book. This is the first book by Betty Culley that I've read and it won't be the last. I truly enjoy reading this one and will pick up another book by her.

- Although it's a Middle-Grade book, I believe that it could be enjoyed by all the age groups. The writing style wasn't too simplistic for an older reader, but won't be too complicated for the younger one to follow.
- Henry as our main protagonist was such a lovely character to read. He is shy but insightful also a deep thinker. His character felt so natural and real.
- This book makes science so much fun! It was packed with tons of interesting knowledge. Even I learned a thing or two. PS: I learned what the "dowser" meant :D
- Birdie! That cute little human being. That 2yo girl always puts a smile on my face whenever she appeared.
- The sibling dynamic between Henry and Birdie feels refreshing from the "rivalry and competition" tropes.

𝘿𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙀𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙝 tells about a boy's journey who loves rocks to find his talents.
⠀
🌟 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪
⠀
"I don't know your name, but I'm glad to meet you."—Chapter 4
⠀
I'm happy I can finish this heartwarming middle-grade book. I got some knowledge of dowsing, rocks, and meteorites. And the opening chapters always surprising me.
⠀
Great writing style, lovely characters, too much explanation, but still worth to read. I can tell this book has simple plots and light conflicts, but I really enjoy reading Henry's journey.
⠀
I love Henry-Birdie interaction and can't deny I really like Henry's character. Despite his doubt, I adore his bravery to talk and say his thoughts loudly.
⠀
Overall, this book has an interesting story and perfect for fans slice of life story. If you're looking forward for heartwarming middle grade book, family story, clever MC, you can try to read 𝘿𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙀𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙝.

I'm thankful to netgalley and tbrbeyondtours for the e-arc as a part of the Bookstagramtour.
Synopsis: Henry, a 10 year old belongs to a family of Drowsers(art of locating water bodies) and is the only homeschooled boy in his village . He is passionate about rocks and discovers a meteorite falling on to his backyard one fine day, which changes his little town, Maine and his life forever.
Review:
This book discourses the life in a small town through the eyes of a ten year old boy.It focusses on his aspirations, insecurities and human relationships at the time of crisis . This is a simple , yet a powerful and insightful book on human nature and an interesting coming of age story.
This is a perfect middle grade fiction for inquisitive children and teens. The writing is quite simple and fast paced and is loosely based on historic and scientific facts.

First off a big thank you to TBR & Beyond Tours, Betty Culley and the publishers for allowing me to review Down To Earth. When I first saw this tour pop up I was immediately taken in by the wonderful cover which I don't normally do but when I read the synopsis I knew that this book would be quite a book and I was right.

Down To Earth is Betty's debut Middle Grade Novel which astounded me as her writing is so amazing and all encompassing. Henry Bower is an adorable home-schooler who is science mad and want's to follow in the footsteps of his family. I also get a hint of maybe Henry may be on the ND spectrum but this is not mentioned in the book and really doesn't spoil the book at all. This is the story of how one major event which no one has control over and how it effects not only Henry, his family, friends and the surrounding community and how Henry copes.


I loved the relationship Henry had with his little sister Bridie who maybe only two she and yet she is such a huge character who knows what she wants and and when she wants it. Then there is James who is Henry's only friend and is such a very optimistic young man. In fact all the characters in this book were well written so kudos to Betty for that. But for me the best thing about this book was how Betty wove Science throughout the book and made it very very interesting I especially loved the synopsis of books at the start of every chapter.

For all these reasons I have to give this stunning book 5 massive stars. I can't wait to see what Betty does next.

This was one of my most anticipated releases this year, so, naturally, I wanted to love it. I’ve been on a massive sci-fi kick lately, so I was very excited when I got the acceptance email.

Unfortunately, it just didn’t do it for me. I don’t know if I’m in a reading slump, or if it had more “magical realism” than what I was hoping for, but it just wasn’t what I wanted it to be.

That being said, I can definitely see people enjoying the book—it just wasn’t for me personally.

Down to Earth is a heartwarming middle grade read. Readers of all ages will enjoy Henry’s journey. Henry comes from a family of water witchers. One of the my favorite things was the mention of water dowsing and the whimsy surrounding it. Water dowsing is using a stuck to find water underground. It added an element of magic that I truly enjoyed. Henry learned about himself, family, and space while keeping me interested. Down to Earth is a special middle grade I can’t compare to anything else. I loved Henry’s sense of curiosity, question list in his notebooks, and the use of his encyclopedia set. Henry and the other character are believable and fun to read about. While Down to Earth is aimed for children, older readers can find something within its pages as well. I often overlook middle grade reads, but you will find Down to Earth is written in such away that you can’t help but fall in love with what Culley has created.

Born in a family of Dowsers (a pseudoscience where people who used to find water bodies below the ground using sticks), Henry has always been interested in rocks. When a meteorite hits his family land in a small town in Maine, he— along with his best friend James and little sister Birdie, goes on to investigate this huge shiny rock that Birdie has named 'Big Hat'.

As Henry and his discovery become a news sensation far and wide, the meteorite brings flood and water scarcity in the town. With everything to lose, the townspeople starts blaming Henry and his family and the cursed rock. But Henry wants nothing but protect his space rock from the townspeople's wrath and the rich people from the city who wants the rock for their private collection.

Down to Earth is a book about finding yourself. With Henry having doubts about his dowsing abilities, and him clinging with hope that one day he will be a dowser just like his father, his uncle, his grandfather and his ancestors, this piece of meteor is all Henry can hold onto.

This book has been written with such child-like innocence. I loved how Henry's family do not dismiss his interest in the meteorite and instead helps him defend the space rock. Even when his family home gets destroyed in the flood, his relationship with his family, his uncle and his grandparents is what keeps him going. I also loved the bond Henry and James share— Henry being a homeschooled child and James a schooled child. This doesn't affect them, instead they share little bits and pieces of their lives with each other. And little Birdie is the sweetest bean in the whole book.

This book is not just a middle grade book, but it emphasises on your beliefs and your heart's desires. The story is set at a different time, where people were quick to accuse every abnormality to the dark sciences and prejudices. Henry's fight against these prejudices— for his family and his beliefs, the empathy this little boy has, and his strong will for what he wants in his life— is an inspiration. It was a joy reading this book.