The Revelations of Alvin Tolliver — David Kherdian

Meet Alvin Tolliver, a quiet boy who seldom fits in with other kids. He doesn't have any real friends, and he likes spending time alone in the forest near his home. Becoming a nature tracker is his dream. Life begins to change for Alvin when he meets four special people from whom he learns important lessons about the natural world. First, there's Crazy Eli who is laughed at by everyone because he's different. Then, Old Joe Krensky, the fabled wilderness guide, enters Alvin's life. Next comes Hannah the Bird Lady who rescues hurt animals and seems to like them better than people. Lastly, Alvin meets Philip Sunbear, the famous Indian tracker that few people have ever seen.

Because of his new friends, Alvin discovers that he's not really alone in the world. Even more, he learns that the world is more magical than he ever realized.