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The Eyes and the Impossible: (Newbery Medal Winner) Paperback – April 29, 2025

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 475 ratings

NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • An enthralling middle-grade novel by award-winning author Dave Eggers, told from the perspective of one uniquely endearing dog— featuring beautiful color artwork with illustrations by Caldecott honoree Shawn Harris.
 
“Johannes is a highly engaging narrator whose exuberance and good nature run like a bright thread through the novel’s pages.” —The New York Times

Johannes, a free dog, lives in an urban park by the sea. His job is to be the Eyes—to see everything that happens within the park and report back to the park’s elders, three ancient Bison. His friends—a seagull, a raccoon, a squirrel, and a pelican—work with him as the Assistant Eyes, observing the humans and other animals who share the park and making sure the Equilibrium is in balance. 

But changes are afoot. More humans, including Trouble Travelers, arrive in the park. A new building, containing mysterious and hypnotic rectangles, goes up. And then there are the goats—an actual
boatload of goats—who appear, along with a shocking revelation that changes Johannes’s view of the world.

A story about friendship, beauty, liberation, and running very,
very fast, The Eyes & the Impossible will make readers of all ages see the world around them in a wholly new way.
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The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

From the Publisher

Winner of the 2024 Newbery Medal
"We need brave, big stories like these." -The New York Times; "Utterly delightful." -Booklist
Keep your students reading during summer break! Add these recommended books to your summer list!

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Johannes is a highly engaging narrator whose exuberance and good nature run like a bright thread through the novel’s pages…. There is a deeper story here, too, about being yourself and finding freedom." —New York Times

“[Johannes is] one of the most appealing heroes in recent children’s literature... an early standout for 2023 and, as it happens, a lot of fun to read aloud.” —The Wall Street Journal

“This outstanding adventure story weaves complex thoughts about loyalty, friendship, and purpose into an epic escape plot that's pure bliss to read.” —Common Sense Media

“This book is begging to be read aloud to oneself and to others. You’ll want to use your most special bookmark and find an honored place to keep this gem.” The Denver Post

★ “
Utterly delightful…. Eggers touches on deep topics with a light hand, effortlessly building suspense and a wonderful sense of adventure.” —Booklist, starred review

★ "One remarkable creature vividly shows readers that
‘there is so, so much to see.’” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ “Eggers crafts a
marvelous, fully fleshed protagonist in Johannes....whose compassionate narration delivers a rousing tale of community, joyful self-reliance, and the pleasures of running very, very fast.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "
Animal lovers will be enthralled, and even for readers who mostly stick with humans, this is a standout example of the power of chosen family rather than biological ones." —The Bulletin, starred review

★ “
The Eyes and the Impossible is compelling and heartfelt, destined to be read again and again.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review

★ “Almost proselike, the voices and personalities of Johannes and his comrades are endearing;
their unique story will enchant readers and encourage them to focus on what is most important in life.” —School Library Journal, starred review

About the Author

Dave Eggers is the author of many books, including bestsellers The Every, The Monk of Mokha, The Circle, A Hologram for the King, and A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius. His work has been nominated for the National Book Award, the Pulitzer Prize, and the National Book Critics Circle Award. He is the founder of McSweeney's, an independent publishing company based in San Francisco, and cofounder of 826 National, a network of educational centers around the country offering free tutoring to kids of all backgrounds.

He lives in Northern California with his family.

Shawn Harris is the author/illustrator of Have You Ever Seen a Flower?, which won a Caldecott Honor Award. He is the illustrator of Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers, which received seven starred reviews, was an Orbis Pictus Award Honor Book, an ALA Notable, and a PW Best Book of the Year. His other picture books include Eggers's What Can a Citizen Do (a Time Magazine Best Children's Book), Everyone's Awake by Colin Meloy, and A Polar Bear in the Snow by Mac Barnett.

Shawn got his start as an illustrator in the early 2000s, creating album art for bands, including his own, the Matches. He lives in Northern California and enjoys surfing.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Yearling (April 29, 2025)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 152476423X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1524764234
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 9+ years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 790L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.38 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 0.95 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 475 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
475 global ratings
Just fine
4 Stars
Just fine
It was hard to get into, but I ended up liking it okay. Not life-changing, or even particularly memorable, but satisfying.We read it for my book club because it was the ‘23 Newberry medal. We were split about half-and-half on people who liked it and didn’t. Two of the people who liked it loved it. And mine was close to the lowest opinion expressed. But my own lack of enthusiasm was just because it’s a Newberry medal , and I want to expect better.I’m going to keep the book for my kids to read, but I won’t necessarily recommend it to anyone.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2024
I bought this for my 4 and 8 year old granddaughter's. It may be a stretch for my oldest age wise, so I decided to read it first. Wanted to make sure it would be a positive experience with no surprises.

I began reading it and immediately became enthralled with the story and writing which was superlative . I read non fiction business and history for myself. This became an incredible experience for this “old dog”.

The book is full of great truths about life and friendships. And while it may be just a bit advanced for my eight year old granddaughter, I’m excited this summer to read it to both my granddaughters.

And ,finally, I can’t remember the last time I got teary eyed reading a book but this book did it to me. Not due to an abundance of sadness but simply because it is such a beautiful experience.

The use of the art in the book was unique and helped it become whole.

Buy it, read it, keep it and read it again.
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2024
Dave Eggers has done an excellent job of writing a novel from a dog's perspective , and it is nothing short of a glorious joy. This is a wonderful , wonder-filled book, and Johannes is a true soul. I would give it to anyone - kid or adult. It is lovely.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2024
It was hard to get into, but I ended up liking it okay. Not life-changing, or even particularly memorable, but satisfying.

We read it for my book club because it was the ‘23 Newberry medal. We were split about half-and-half on people who liked it and didn’t. Two of the people who liked it loved it. And mine was close to the lowest opinion expressed. But my own lack of enthusiasm was just because it’s a Newberry medal , and I want to expect better.

I’m going to keep the book for my kids to read, but I won’t necessarily recommend it to anyone.
Customer image
4.0 out of 5 stars Just fine
Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2024
It was hard to get into, but I ended up liking it okay. Not life-changing, or even particularly memorable, but satisfying.

We read it for my book club because it was the ‘23 Newberry medal. We were split about half-and-half on people who liked it and didn’t. Two of the people who liked it loved it. And mine was close to the lowest opinion expressed. But my own lack of enthusiasm was just because it’s a Newberry medal , and I want to expect better.

I’m going to keep the book for my kids to read, but I won’t necessarily recommend it to anyone.
Images in this review
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Customer image
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2024
Starts a little slow. Picks up. A little unbelievable but entertaining. The end makes sense but isn't what you would have wanted. No spoiler here.
6 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2024
Really unique narrative voice! Took a couple chapters to get into the story, but then I was hooked. Good balance of animal antics and environmental messaging.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2024
let me start with i like mysteries. glad to have resd this with my grandchild, so whether you read this with a child or not you should like the walk in these woods.
6 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2024
This book is about Johannes, a free dog, lives in an urban park by the sea. He is the eyes for the animals in the park. He has many hardships and obstacles along the way. He also has many plans throughout the book. One of which is to try to free the bison that live in the park with him.

I like how this was told from his perspective, but I also found it was hard to follow and read. I wanted to like this book more, but it just wasn't for me. I also found this a bit slow and hard to understand at times. I think that others will find this a good book, it just wasn't for me.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2024
I am only sad it was delivered without the
Newberry seal. Does anyone know if you can order the sticker to put on books that I have that don’t have the seal???

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
solfege
5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful story!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and purchased it as a gift! It is told from the perspective of the animals of the story, especially the main character narrator. Lots of humor! I am an adult.
carmela18
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirierend!
Reviewed in Germany on May 29, 2023
Dave Eggers ist ein Zauberer, nicht nur im wirklichen Leben, wo er einen wunderbaren Verlag leitet und eine ganze Welle von Eins-zu-Eins-Hausaufgabenbetreuung durch Lyriker und Schriftstellerinnen losgetreten hat, sondern auch literarisch: Lassen Sie sich nicht abschrecken, dass ein Hund die Hauptperson ist! Und auch noch Johannes heißt. Erstens ist er ein Halb-Kojote und zweitens gibt es ja auch noch seine Freunde die Waschbären, die Möven und die Hüter des Gleichgewichts im Park: die drei Bisons Freya, Meredith und Samuel. (Definitiv nicht befreundet ist er mit den Enten). Welch aberwitzig hinreißendes Abenteuer Johannes erlebt, welche neuen Freunde er gewinnt, wie sie alles an den Menschen vorbeimanagen, das ist unübertroffen. Man muss kein Muttersprachler sein, um das Englisch zu verstehen, ich bin nicht besonders gut darin und hab nur zehn Worte nachgeschlagen. Es geht nicht anders: Nach diesem Buch hat man gute Laune, ist getröstet, möchte losgehen und Abenteuer erleben, und zwar hier gleich jetzt, nicht irgendwo anders und irgendwann - man möchte alte Freunde treffen und sich neue Freunde machen.