MONKEY SEE. MONKEY DO

by Barthe DeClements ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1990

In this unhappy sequel to Five Finger Discount (1989), Jerry learns that prison has not reformed his impulsive father. Out on parole after two years, Mr. Johnson quickly loses his new job and goes back to jail for 90 days after lending his car to thieves. Out again by Christmas, he loses another job and is nabbed, in front of Jerry and several classmates, for shoplifting. As Jerry sadly explains, Dad just never considers consequences. Their strong mutual affection is sorely tried as Jerry is pushed along an emotional roller-coaster, sometimes hating his father, sometimes hating his mother for getting a divorce, sometimes fighting in school and alienating his friends. Eventually, Jerry gets a new perspective on his parents and himself--thanks, in part, to some sage words about guilt and responsibility from his best friend Grace's father, a preacher. Relationships between DeClements's characters are believable, and she fleshes out her story with several school-related subplots. In the end, Jerry accepts his father's abject written apology but discovers that his mother is dating her sour, stingy boss--a discouraging development that opens the door to another sequel.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1990

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 160

Publisher: Delacorte

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1990

Categories: CHILDREN'S