Children of Little Might begins as a drama about an autistic boy named Montague that is dealing with a host of issues. As if trying to communicate with adults that don’t understand him and dealing with school bullies weren’t enough, Monty is still grieving the death of his father. However, what begins as a typical teenage drama quickly turns into an action-packed fantastical story. Through a mysterious book that has taken him years to translate, Monty believes that he is now able to have his wishes granted. Monty’s first wish seems to come true when a new girl named Aislinn arrives at school and, to his surprise, takes an immediate liking to him, even defending him from those harassing him. But there is much more to Aislinn’s story, and as Monty learns the truth about her, he finds himself caught in the middle of an extraordinary battle between powerful and dangerous forces. Will Monty be able to handle these new challenges, or will his self-doubt prevent him from becoming the hero that he could be?
It is truly enlightening to read a story that is written from the perspective of someone different than you. In Children of Little Might, we have the opportunity to peer into the mind of a teenager with autism. Right from the start of the book, the author does a nice job of realistically portraying the feelings, emotions and thoughts of a boy with such struggles. Sometimes awkward and often insecure, Monty’s disorder makes him an underdog that is easy to root for. Early on in the book, the fanciful elements are introduced slowly, building anticipation for the developing plot. Once the storyline gets going, readers are caught up in a whirlwind of action with unexpected twists and gun-wielding villains around every corner. Peter D’Hollander’s incorporation of terms from various languages and the imaginative connection between our world and Aislinn’s land really make this book unique. Children of Little Might is a cleverly written, fast-paced fantasy that will broaden your horizons and help you embrace your own limitations.
