HANK

by Jim Sauer ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1990

Winner of the Delacorte contest for a first YA novel, Sauer's story is narrated by Richard, a self-centered, sarcastic 16-year-old who is oblivious to his effect on others and mystified by his little brother Hank's altruism and generosity. Hank makes friends with Emily, an odd child who is unaccountably disturbed by some trauma; he collects cans for the homeless who pass by their Billings, Montana, home and even invites one of them (Arthur) to a family picnic. Meanwhile, Richard chases Susan, who's interested only in his dad's Lincoln, and fails to recognize his feelings for Emily's nice sister. When Hank catches meningitis from Arthur and dies (very near book's end), Richard is overcome by anger before realizing that the best memorial to his brother is to ""do something the way Hank would've liked."" There are some minor flaws here: Richard narrates from an indeterminate time, neither foreshadowing nor firmly in the present. The book's first half, focusing on Richard, is overlong, and he makes himself so obnoxious that other characters' affection for him isn't always plausible. That aside, the self characterization of a cocky kid who lets the reader in on his faults, and even his hidden strengths, without himself being aware of them is only one of the splendidly drawn, memorable portraits here. In all: a warm, often funny novel about a family growing in love and wisdom through a particularly poignant loss. A very fine debut.

Pub Date: April 1, 1990

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 260

Publisher: Delacorte

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1990

Categories: CHILDREN'S