BOY, EVERYWHERE by A.M. Dassu

Boy, Everywhere by A.M. Dassu

Realistic Fiction, Immigration & Emigration, Refugees, Syria, Family, Friendship, courage

2021; 397 pages
 

Description

Sami loves his life in Damascus, Syria, but when war breaks out his parents decide they must flee their home for the safety of the UK.

School Library Journal Xpress (February 12, 2021)

Gr 5 Up-"I didn't realize how good life was until it all went wrong" Eighth grader Sami al-Hafez leads a privileged life in Damascus, Syria. His biggest concern used to be whether he and his best friend would make the soccer team. But when his mother and younger sister are injured in a bombing of a local shopping mall, Sami and his family realize that the Syrian civil war is now at their doorstep and they must leave their home. The author not only chronicles Sami's perilous journey from Syria, through Turkey and Greece, and eventually to England, but the difficulty of leaving loved ones behind and starting anew in a country where the laws and people aren't so welcoming. Short chapters help keep the pace of this first-person narrative moving, even when we see Sami waiting for circumstances to change-a situation that is reinforced throughout the story as common to being a refugee. For readers who enjoyed Katherine Marsh's Nowhere Boy or Jasmine Warga's Other Words for Home, this book also offers a fresh perspective and a relatable main character. The text could be paired with Don Brown's graphic nonfiction title The Unwanted for academic purposes. VERDICT Dassu provides a fresh perspective on the Syrian refugee experience, giving readers a glimpse at a range of ordeals. Recommended for purchase.-Monisha Blair, formerly at Rutgers Univ., NJ © Copyright 2021. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

My Comments

This is a page-turner with an important perspective. Highly recommended.

CHECKED by Cynthia Kadohata

 

Realistic Fiction, Father-Sons, Grief, Sports (Hockey), Dogs, Character, Determination and Grit

408 pages.

Description

From Follett

"A Caitlyn Dlouhy Book." "To help his dog through cancer treatment, Conor gives up hockey and finds himself considering who he is without the sport that has defined him, and connecting more with his family and best friend"--Provided by publisher.

From the Publisher

"Kadohata's slapshot is the heart-swelling narrative of a father and son...Truly powerful." --Jason Reynolds

"A deeply poignant story about a boy sorting out his priorities." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"A vivid, memorable portrayal of a boy within his family, his sport, and his gradually broadening world." --Booklist (starred review)

From Newbery Medalist Cynthia Kadohata comes a brilliantly-realized novel about a hockey player who must discover who he is without the sport that defines him.

Hockey is Conor's life. His whole life. He'll say it himself, he's a hockey beast. It's his dad's whole life too--and Conor is sure that's why his stepmom, Jenny, left. There are very few things Conor and his dad love more than the game, and one of those things is their Doberman, Sinbad. When Sinbad is diagnosed with cancer, Conor chooses to put his hockey lessons and practices on hold so they can pay for Sinbad's chemotherapy.

But without hockey to distract him, Conor begins to notice more. Like his dad's crying bouts, and his friend's difficult family life. And then Conor notices one more thing: Without hockey, the one thing that makes him feel special, is he really special at all?

My Comments

Love, love this book! I wanted to keep reading to find out what happened to all the characters: Sinbad, Conor and his efforts to be an amazing hockey player, the father's depression, and how the family's deep connections and love bring healing and joy to not only their own little family, but to those around them. I just wish Kadohata had made Conor 13 instead of 11, but the age doesn't really matter so I would recommend this for grades 5-8.

THE BENEFITS OF BEING AN OCTOPUS by Ann Braden

Realistic Fiction, Poverty, Families, Debate Teams

Description

From Follett

Seventh-grader Zoey Albro focuses on caring for three younger siblings and avoiding rich classmates at school until her fascination with octopuses gets her on the debate team and she begins to speak out.

NPR Best Book of 2018,

Bank Street List for Best Children's Books of 2019,

From the Publisher

Some people can do their homework. Some people get to have crushes on boys. Some people have other things they've got to do.

Seventh-grader Zoey has her hands full as she takes care of her much younger siblings after school every day while her mom works her shift at the pizza parlor. Not that her mom seems to appreciate it. At least there's Lenny, her mom's boyfriend--they all get to live in his nice, clean trailer.

At school, Zoey tries to stay under the radar. Her only friend Fuchsia has her own issues, and since they're in an entirely different world than the rich kids, it's best if no one notices them.

Zoey thinks how much easier everything would be if she were an octopus: eight arms to do eight things at once. Incredible camouflage ability and steady, unblinking vision. Powerful protective defenses.

Unfortunately, she's not totally invisible, and one of her teachers forces her to join the debate club. Even though Zoey resists participating, debate ultimately leads her to see things in a new way: her mom's relationship with Lenny, Fuchsia's situation, and her own place in this town of people who think they're better than her. Can Zoey find the courage to speak up, even if it means risking the most stable home she's ever had?

This moving debut novel explores the cultural divides around class and the gun debate through the eyes of one girl, living on the edges of society, trying to find her way forward.

My Comments

Five stars, truly fantastic, great book for reading groups and class discussions. This book offers a lot to think about and brings awareness to the fact that some students face tremendous obstacles everyday to succeed in school and life.

FOURMILE by Watt Key

Realistic Fiction, Family, Loss, Violence

228 pages
Teacher's pdf guide available

Description
"Twelve-year-old Foster lives with his mother on Fourmile, their Alabama farm. Foster is still struggling with the death of his father the previous year and the knowledge that he and his mother will have to sell Fourmile and go live in Montgomery. To complicate matters, Foster’s mother is dating Dax Ganey, a man Foster knows is deceitful and bad for her. When a mysterious stranger, Gary, arrives at the farm, Foster bonds with him and looks up to him, unknowingly trying to fill his father’s place in his life. When Foster’s mother spurns Dax, he becomes a dangerous enemy to Foster, Gary, and her. Eventually, Foster must face both Dax and his fears and come to terms with a new life that does not include Fourmile." (teacher's guide summary)

My Comments
I read this book in one sitting. Key's plot and characters keep you on the edge of your seat. Key describes emotions of grief and the fear of change. He also portrays the frustration of being at the mercy of adult decision-making. There is a lot to think about in this short book. One caveat is that there is a lot of violence and grief, but I am glad to have this book on the library shelf. This important book will be just the right match for some middle school readers.

DREAMLAND by Sarah Dessen

Realistic Fiction, Dating and Relationships, Abuse, Friendship, Families

250 pages
Alert: high school content

Booklist starred (November 1, 2000 (Vol. 97, No. 5))Gr. 8-10. Caitlin's life changes the day her sister runs away with her boyfriend instead of heading off to Yale. Cass has been the perfect child in the family, and now that she's gone, Caitlin feels her world spinning out of control. Knowing she can't take her sister's place, Caitlin follows a different, more dangerous path, one that leads her to the magnetic Rogerson Briscoe. Dessen writes with utter realism as she describes Caitlin's descent, first into drugs, then into sex, and finally into a relationship that turns violent, as she becomes Rogerson's punching bag. It's a tribute to Dessen that even though she has plotted the story carefully and shown Caitlin's disintegration inch by inch, she doesn't telegraph Rogerson's ultimate abuse. Readers will be as blindsided by the first punch as Caitlin is. Nor does Dessen offer an easy out; Caitlin is institutionalized after a breakdown and must work her way back to normalcy. It's not only the plot that's vivid; the characters are also intensely real, with each of the supporting characters as strong and indispensable as the leads. The subtext of dreams that pervades the story adds an emotional dimension that is as affecting as the action. Another pitch-perfect offering from Dessen.

My Comments

Sarah Dessen has been a favorite of mature middle-high school readers for years. She is excellent at portraying how situations develop, hard choices, and difficult secrets that young people may keep from their parents and friends. A powerful page-turner, but not recommended for most of my middle school population.

SHINE by Chris Grabenstein

Realistic Fiction, School, Friends, Family, Loyalty, Choices, Character

210 pages

From Follett
When seventh-grader Piper's father is hired by Chumley Prep, a school where every student seems to be the best at everything, she gets the chance to compete for the prestigious Excelsior Award.

From the Publisher
"Who do you want to be?" asks Mr. Van Deusen. "And not when you grow up. Right here, right now."Shine on! might be the catchphrase of twelve-year-old Piper's hero--astronaut, astronomer, and television host Nellie Dumont Frisse--but Piper knows the truth- some people are born to shine, and she's just not one of them. That fact has never been clearer than now, since her dad's new job has landed them both at Chumley Prep, a posh private school where everyone seems to be the best at something and where Piper definitely doesn't fit in.Bursting with humor, heart, science, possibilities, and big questions, Shine! is a story about finding your place in the universe--a story about figuring out who you are and who you want to be.

My comments

Great 6th grade read! Loved this! Piper has to make a series of choices that show character. The plot moved along quickly to a satisfying conclusion. This would be a great summer reading or book club choice. Highly recommend!

HONEST TRUTH by Dan Gemeinhart

Realistic Fiction, Cancer, Dogs, Runaways, Friendship, Haiku, Journaling
229 Pages

Description

Publishers Weekly (November 3, 2014)

Gemeinhart debuts with an emotionally hard-hitting survival story about 12-year-old Mark who, facing another bout of the cancer he's been fighting throughout his childhood, runs away with his loyal dog, Beau, to fulfill his dream of climbing Mount Rainer. Armed with cash, camera, notebook, and a pen for jotting down the haikus that come constantly to mind, Mark soon encounters distressing setbacks, culminating in the onset of a dangerous storm. His harrowing adventures are interspersed with brief third-person half-chapters focusing on his best friend Jessie, who knows where he is and the danger he is in, and struggles whether to keep his secret. Jessie's internal battle between her loyalty to Mark and her empathy for his frightened parents is nearly as intense as Mark's trip to the mountain and his attempt to climb it. Both children's reflections on dying ring very true, as do most of the secondary characters Mark meets. The many moments of heart-racing suspense, as well as the underlying gravity, may overwhelm faint-hearted readers; hardier ones will find it a gripping page-turner. Ages 8-12. Agent: Pam van Hylckama Vlieg, D4EO Literary. (Jan.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

My Comments

Accessible page-turner. Top choice for middle school realistic fiction. Emphasis on courage, friendship, loyalty, and relationship with a very special dog.

A DOG'S PURPOSE by Bruce Cameron

Reincarnation, Dogs, Friendship, Loyalty, Love

My Comments

Full disclosure: I love dogs and animals. This is a must read, a favorite among my students. Books are better than the movies! Five stars from me.

From Follett

"A Tom Doherty Associates book." Bailey, the canine narrator, offers an inside look at how a dog thinks, feels, and behaves, exploring the unique bond she has with her humans and the many benefits of owning a dog.

From the Publisher

A Dog's Purpose--the #1 New York Times bestseller and major motion picture--is a perfect gift to introduce dog lovers to this wonderful series.

Based on the beloved bestselling novel by W. Bruce Cameron, A Dog's Purpose, from director Lasse Hallstrom (The Cider House Rules, Dear John, The 100-Foot Journey), shares the soulful and surprising story of one devoted dog (voiced by Josh Gad) who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love.

The family film told from the dog's perspective also stars Britt Robertson, KJ Apa, John Ortiz, Peggy Lipton, Juliet Rylance, Luke Kirby, Pooch Hall and Dennis Quaid. A Dog's Purpose is produced by Gavin Polone (Zombieland, TV's Gilmore Girls). The film from Amblin Entertainment and Walden Media will be distributed by Universal Pictures. Screenplay by W. Bruce Cameron & Cathryn Michon and Audrey Wells and Maya Forbes & Wally Wolodarsky.

Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog's Purpose is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but also a dog's-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man's best friend. This moving and beautifully crafted story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose.

Bailey's story continues in A Dog's Journey, the charming New York Times and USA Today bestselling direct sequel to A Dog's Purpose.

A Dog's Purpose Series
#1 A Dog's Purpose
#2 A Dog's Journey
#3 A Dog's Promise

Books for Young Readers
Ellie's Story: A Dog's Purpose Puppy Tale
Bailey's Story: A Dog's Purpose Puppy Tale
Molly's Story: A Dog's Purpose Puppy Tale
Max's Story: A Dog's Purpose Puppy Tale
Toby's Story: A Dog's Purpose Puppy Tale
Shelby's Story: A Dog's Way Home Novel

The Rudy McCann Series
The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man
Repo Madness

Other Novels
A Dog's Way Home
The Dog Master
The Dogs of Christmas

Emory's Gift

SAVING WINSLOW by Sharon Creech

Realistic Fiction, Animals, Friendship
165 pages

Publisher's Description

"Louie doesn't have the best luck when it comes to nurturing small creatures-not even lightning bugs, worms, orgoldfish. So when his father brings home a sickly, newborn mini donkey, he's determined to save him. He names him Winslow. Taking care of him helps Louie feel closer to his brother, Gus, who is far, far away in the army. Everyone worries that Winslow won't survive, especially Louie's quirky new friend, Nora. But as Louie's bond with Winslow grows, surprising events prove that this fragile donkey-and Louie-are stronger than anyone could have imagined"--Publisher.

Horn Book Magazine (November/December, 2018)

Creech interweaves the stories of three fragile babies. Two strands are backstories, and one is front, center, present, and loud. Louie had been a premature baby. Now he’s eleven, but the family story of his infancy as “a pitiful, scrawny, struggling thing” has informed his outlook on life. He’s determined and optimistic. Newcomer-to-town Nora lost a baby brother (who, like Louie, had been born prematurely). This experience has left her angry, anxious, and prickly. The two children bond over Winslow, an orphaned baby donkey, a frail animal not expected to survive, whom Louie adopts. The main strand of the story involves the ups-and-downs of Winslow’s health and then the challenges of keeping a braying donkey in a residential neighborhood. In fine animal-hero style, the plot comes to a peak with Winslow saving the life of yet another baby—the baby next door. Woven into this narrative is a convincing portrayal of human growth and blossoming as Louie gains confidence and Nora finally allows herself to trust her present happiness. (Nora is a particularly original character about whom Creech tells us little and shows us much.) Set in an unspecified small-town past, largely free of adults and rich with unscheduled play time, the story is told simply but subtly, celebrating the unexpected strength of the vulnerable. Sarah Ellis

My Notes

Creech is a master author. She portrays insecurity, kindness, and love through a moving story line. Brilliant. Good for elementary and younger middle school students.

SONG FOR A WHALE by Lynne Kelly

Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly

Realistic Fiction, Deafness, Disabilities Whales, Electronics, Radios, Families, Determination - 303 pages

Publisher's Description

In the spirit of modern-day classics like Fish in a Tree and Counting by 7s comes the story of a deaf girl's connection to a whale whose song can't be heard by his species, and the journey she takes to help him.

From fixing the class computer to repairing old radios, twelve-year-old Iris is a tech genius. But she's the only deaf person in her school, so people often treat her like she's not very smart. If you've ever felt like no one was listening to you, then you know how hard that can be.
When she learns about Blue 55, a real whale who is unable to speak to other whales, Iris understands how he must feel. Then she has an idea: she should invent a way to "sing" to him! But he's three thousand miles away. How will she play her song for him?
Full of heart and poignancy, this affecting story by sign language interpreter Lynne Kelly shows how a little determination can make big waves.
"Fascinating, brave, and tender...a triumph." --Katherine Applegate, Newbery Award-winning author of The One and Only Ivan


My Comments
 My favorite book of the summer. My attention was riveted by Iris' ingenuity, the description of sound and whales, the aspect of fixing old radios, and Iris' ingenuity. Five stars!

DEEP BLUE by Jennifer Donnelly

Fantasy, Adventure, Friendship, Mermaids, Romance

324 pages

Waterfire Saga: Book One

Reviews

"A richly imagined novel. Themes of conquering fear and believing in oneself are woven throughout, along with an acknowledgment of humans' environmental impact on the sea and its inhabitants. Despite the high stakes and a few frightening moments, the story is never overserious; it's just right for readers who have grown up with, but aged out of, The Little Mermaid and the Disney Fairies franchise."

―Publishers Weekly

"A fantastic addition to the genre of mermaids, this book will also appeal to readers of action and those who appreciate usurped leaders taking back their kingdom. It starts with a common enough concept: a royal girl who is worried about her betrothal and about love. Donnelly then adds layers of complexity to the tale and weaves her story into that of Atlantis. Friendship, trust, and responsibility are major themes as Sera struggles to grasp that she is really her kingdom's only hope. Quick-witted, loveable characters and a well-planned fantasy world make this an all-encompassing book. Readers will eagerly await future volumes and the answers they will provide."―VOYA

My Comments
Fabulous middle school appropriate girl power mermaid adventure. Yes!

THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR

Romance, Immigration, Emigration, Poetry, Middle-High School



My Comments
A favorite! 5 Stars! This is more than romance and heartbreak; it portrays people who fight for their dreams in the face of obstacles completely out of their control, the importance of enduring self belief and love. This is high school, but appropriate for mature middle schoolers. The message is positive, the characters human and inspiring.

"Natasha is a girl who believes in science and facts. Daniel has always been a good son and good student. But when he sees Natasha he forgets all that and believes there is something extraordinary in store for both of them"--OCLC.

From the Publisher

Natasha: I'm a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I'm definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won't be my story.

Daniel:I've always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents' high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store--for both of us.

The Universe:Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?

***

A 2016 National Book AwardFinalist
A New York Times Notable Book
A BuzzFeed Best YA Book of the Year
A POPSUGAR Best Book of the Year
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
A Booklist Editor's Choice
A New York Public Library Best Book for Teens
An Amazon Best Book of the Year

"Beautifully crafted."--People Magazine

"A book that is very much about the many factors that affect falling in love, as much as it is about the very act itself . . . fans of Yoon's first novel, Everything Everything, will find much to love--if not, more--in what is easily an even stronger follow up." --Entertainment Weekly
"Transcends the limits of YA as a human story about falling in love and seeking out our futures."--POPSUGAR.com

★"An exhilarating, hopeful novel exploring identity, family, the love of science and the science of love, dark matter and interconnectedness--is about seeing and being seen and the possibility of love... and it shines."--Shelf Awareness, starred review 

★"Moving and suspenseful." --Publishers Weekly, starred review 

★ "Fans of Eleanor & Park and The Fault in Our Stars are destined to fall for Daniel and Natasha." --The Horn Book, starred review

★ "Lyrical and sweeping, full of hope, heartbreak, fate. . . and the universal beating of the human heart." --Booklist, starred review

★"Profound . . . both deeply moving and satisfying."--Kirkus, starred review

FISH IN A TREE by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Bullying, Learning Disabilities, Education, Friendship, Courage, Creativity

From the PublisherThe author of the beloved One for the Murphysgives readers an emotionally-charged, uplifting novel that will speak to anyone who's ever thought there was something wrong with them because they didn't fit in."Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid."Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there's a lot more to her-and to everyone-than a label, and that great minds don't always think alike.

Comments

A great book for class and reading circle discussions, this story portrays the complexities of middle school social life, self image, misunderstandings, and friendship. An engaging thoughtful book. Highly recommend for class discussion and summer reading lists.

BAD BOY: A MEMOIR by Walter Dean Myers

African American, Coming of Age, Racism, Family, Courage, Harlem Renaissance, Memoir

From the Publisher

In a memoir that is gripping, funny, and ultimately unforgettable, New York Times bestselling author Walter Dean Myers travels back to his roots in the magical world of Harlem during the 1940s and 1950s. Here is the story of one of the most distinguished writers of young people's literature today.

As a boy, Myers was quick-tempered and physically strong, always ready for a fight. He also read voraciously--he would check out books from the library and carry them home, hidden in brown paper bags in order to avoid other boys' teasing. He aspired to be a writer.

But while growing up in a poor family in Harlem, his hope for a successful future diminished as he came to realize fully the class and racial struggles that surrounded him. He began to doubt himself and the values that he had always relied on, attending high school less and less, turning to the streets and to his books for comfort.

My Comments

I disagree with the publisher's description as 'funny,' but it is definitely a powerful story set during the Harlem Renaissance period in New York City. Myers relates tales of terrible prejudice and despair as he begins to understand that despite being bright and going to an excellent school, his prospects are limited because of his race. This would be especially relevant to classes studying U.S. History, the Harlem Renaissance, prejudice, and civil rights. An incredibly powerful story that lends itself to discussion.

DRUMS, GIRLS & DANGEROUS PIE by Jordan Sonnenblick

Realistic Fiction, Cancer, Family, School, Romance

From the PublisherThirteen-year-old Steven has a totally normal life: he plays drums in the All-Star Jazz band, has a crush on the hottest girl in the school, and is constantly annoyed by his five-year-old brother, Jeffrey. But when Jeffrey is diagnosed with leukemia, Steven's world is turned upside down. He is forced to deal with his brother's illness and his parents' attempts to keep the family in one piece. Salted with humor and peppered with devastating realities, DRUMS, GIRLS, AND DANGEROUS PIE is a heart warming journey through a year in the life of a family in crisis.My CommentsA true favorite. This book can speak to a wide range of readers. A realistic fiction staple. Potential for a great class or small book group book discussion.

From the PublisherAn amazing sequel to the groundbreaking Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie.Jeffrey isn't a little boy with cancer anymore. He's a teen in remission. Even though the cancer should be far behind him, life still feels fragile. His parents still worry about him. His older brother, Steven, who has always been Jeffrey's main support system and confidant, lost it and took off to Africa to be in a drumming circle and "find himself." His best friend, Tad, is hatching some kind of secretive, crazy plan, which is driving him bonkers. And there is a girl who is way out of his league but who thinks he's cute.Profound, funny, and utterly original, After Ever After promises laughter and tears and characters who will live with readers long after the story is over.

My Comments

Just as good as Drums. It's rare to have a book you can recommend to so many different kinds of readers. 

SIMON VS THE HOMO SAPIEN AGENDA by Becky Albertalli

Realistic Fiction, Gays, Friendship, Secrecy, Schools

Hornbook Review 2015
"Sixteen-year-old Simon loves emailing Blue, an anonymous boy from school. But when another student sees the correspondence, the blossoming romance is threatened. Set in Georgia, this realistic coming-out story features a cast of unique, believable characters. Simon's humorous narrative alternates with his emails with Blue as Simon wonders, 'Don't you think everyone should have to come out? Why is straight the default?'"

My Comments
The beginning hooks you and sets the tone for Simon's anxiety at being exposed by another student. It also shows a high school boy who has close friends, is loyal, and has courage. This book shows the complexities of high school life and will speak to kids trying to navigate the social scene and family life.
 

GOODBYE, CHUNKY-RICE by Craig Thompson

Graphic Novel, Hero's Journey, Grief, Loneliness, Friendship, Courage

 

Important lessons about friendship, loss, and loneliness.

 

Kirkus Reviews (April 15, 2006)

 

"Though the title and the deceptively simple character drawings suggest a kids' comic, rarely are graphic novels aimed at adults as sweetly affecting as this.

Chunky Rice is a very cute turtle. Dandel, his girlfriend, is an equally adorable mouse deer (as identified by the book, though she appears more rodent-sized than cervine). Chunky must explore the world by water, for that is his nature. As he says, "My home is on my back." Dandel must remain on land, for that is her nature. Before his bittersweet but inevitable departure, the two construct an entire world of sand castles, and he proceeds to tell her a bedtime story, the tale of the doomed lovers of Greek mythology, Orpheus and Eurydice (or, as rendered by graphic-artist Thompson, "Or-fee-us" and "Yourid-uhsee"). It's unclear whether what follows the bedtime story is dream or reality, but Chunky seems to emulate the example of another mythological hero, Odysseus, as he makes his way to what looks to be an ocean-bound tugboat with a grizzled, mercenary captain. Chunky has brought all his prized possessions, including his collection of Motown records, but the country-and-western-loving captain tells him he must travel light for a life on the sea. His shipmates include female Siamese twins, whose different sizes and sleeping patterns complicate their attachment. As Chunky sails the ocean and Dandel drops love letters into bottles carried by the waves, not much happens to propel the narrative. Yet the artistic range displayed within the black-and-white drawings, as Thompson evokes the turbulence and majesty of the sea, shows a more sophisticated command of technique than he employs with his characters (who are almost Peanuts-like). Originally published in 1999, this reprint represents the debut of another promising artist within the Pantheon stable.

For characters who must pursue their own destinies, love is as boundless as the sea."

 

My Comments

Intriguing. Not an easy read, but incredibly creative. Put this out there and the right kids will find it.