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SECRET IN ST. SOMETHING

Name: SECRET IN ST. SOMETHING
Author: Barbara Brooks Wallace
ISBN: 0-689-83464-0

by Barbara Brooks Wallace ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2001

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Positively Dickensian in its melodramatic twists and turns, but not in its length, Wallace’s (Ghosts in the Gallery, 2000, etc.) latest page-turner grabs and holds attention. Robin, a slight nine, fears and dreads his stepfather, who beats him and sends him out to collect rents from the miserable New York City tenements they inhabit. When the drunk and loutish Doaks threatens Robin’s baby brother Danny, however, Robin screws up his courage and takes all their clothing, as much milk as he can carry, and a locket from Doaks’s stash of pilfered goods and he runs away with Danny. But what to do? He already knows the taverns, workhouses, and alleys are no place for himself, let alone a baby. Creeping into a church cellar, he finds as neat a pack of lost boys as ever populated a story. Spider, Duck, Piggy, and Mouse, who survive by their wits and shoe-shining, take Robin into their band, teach him their trade, and leave the crippled Piggy as babysitter. Robin in turn begins to teach them to sew (which he learned from his mama) and to read. But Doaks hasn’t given up on finding Robin, and Robin doesn’t feel at all safe or sure. A thrilling dénouement involves deathbed confessions, that purloined locket, and an incredibly joyous ending for Robin and the boys. (Fiction. 10-14)

Pub Date: June 1, 2001

ISBN: 0-689-83464-0

Page Count: 160

Publisher: Atheneum

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2001

Categories:

CHILDREN'S MYSTERY & THRILLER | CHILDREN'S HISTORICAL FICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
MISS SWITCH ONLINE
by Barbara Brooks Wallace

- BOOK REVIEW
GHOSTS IN THE GALLERY
by Barbara Brooks Wallace

- BOOK REVIEW
SPARROWS IN THE SCULLERY
by Barbara Brooks Wallace

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THUNDER ROLLING IN THE MOUNTAINS

by Scott O'Dell & Elizabeth Hall ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1992

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Seen through the eyes of Chief Joseph's daughter, Sound of Running Feet, O'Dell's last novel (coauthored and completed after his death by his wife) recounts the circuitous, tragic journey of the Ne-mee-poo (Nez Perce) from their Oregon home to the Lapwai Reservation in Idaho. Wisely recognizing that there's no way to fight the entrenching whites, Chief Joseph counters calls to war from dissenting tribal leaders and agrees to lead his people on what becomes an epic ordeal. Attacked by settlers en route, they win some battles against the "Blue Coats,"but the decimated tribe makes it into Crow territory only to find that their former allies are in league with the Army. Heading for refuge with Sitting Bull in Canada, they're caught in a surprise attack that leaves no choice but surrender. Bringing this bleak historical episode to life in spare, supple prose that echoes Joseph's own dignified words, the authors offer a fascinating look at the heroism of ordinary people. While the strong-willed narrator, her father, and her brave betrothed at first seem larger than life, it is quickly apparent that they don't consider themselves as such; and though she wishes she could fight, the girl dutifully takes her place caring for the young and the infirm. The authors don't tone down war's violence; they simply present it with unembellished clarity that is certain to leave a lasting impression, ending on a memorable note of reconciliation. A fitting end to a distinguished career. (Fiction. 10-14)