With an election around the corner, this isn’t a bad way for young readers to view the political arena.
When 12-year-old Aidan Schroeckenbauer saves presidential candidate Bettina Brandon from a falling campaign sign and ends up the “Clarinet Hero,” he’s adopted by the campaign and hits the road.
Aidan brings good publicity, but it becomes a hard road when he endures attacks on his clarinet playing, his baseball prowess and even his age, as reporters say he might actually be older than 12, making him ineligible to play Little League. Even his mother, laid off from the local FreezeStar factory, has been accused of being a spy for a Chinese corporation. Partly a light satire on modern elections, Clark’s tale is mostly a fun romp, lightened by the contentious relationship between Aidan and Governor Brandon’s daughter Emma. Their often-humorous banter keeps the story on track as they become friends and learn to work together to keep the campaign rolling. Names of political figures and Brandon’s Fresh Idea Party are made up, and even the Democratic candidate is said to be a former Democratic vice president, Jack Mathias. (Though being fictional is just as well, since Aidan’s mother calls him an “out-of-touch idiot.”) Humorous dialogue, smart pacing and some dirty politics make for an engaging read.
With an election around the corner, this isn’t a bad way for young readers to view the political arena. (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Jan. 10, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-60684-101-3
Page Count: 192
Publisher: Egmont USA
Review Posted Online: Sept. 27, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2011
In simple, lyrical language, accompanied by richly colored paintings, newcomer Santangelo tells a story of how friendship and trust replaced fear and hatred. Once, a very long time ago, a lone wolf was “old and tired, and a new young leader had taken his place.” The wolf remained behind, near an Italian mountain village as his pack moved on. The next morning, to his surprise and good fortune, a young lamb strayed from its flock and appeared right in front of him. Gathering his last bit of energy the old wolf pounced and filled his empty belly. Over the next few weeks the wolf stole a lamb here, a goat there, and even wandered into the town. The town’s people didn’t see an ancient, wretched lone wolf. Their imagination and fear had created a monster so big and terrible that they could barely leave their homes. The baker grew tired of being afraid and set out for the village of Assisi, where a man named Francis lived. They had heard that Francis could tame the wildest of beasts. Santangelo creates unique illustrations by using ink and colored pencil on wood panels (bordered in gold leaf), laid out in a style reminiscent of segments of stained glass. Santangelo’s palette is slightly dark and muddy, which feels at odds with the reference to cathedral windows. However, the deep purples, greens, and blues are applied in a pattern of staining that allows the wood grain to show through, and the overall effect is quite lovely. A promising debut. No source notes. (Nonfiction. 8-10)
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2000
ISBN: 1-929766-07-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2000
Elaborate, richly detailed illustrations give this “Nightingale” a stately air; the Emperor’s porcelain palace is thick with ornaments and architectural frills, his gardens with solid masses of exotic flora, and most scenes are viewed through a bluish light that gives them a “willow plate” look. Other than dropping most of Andersen’s coy asides, Waters leaves the text more or less intact. It’s not the first picture book rendition of the tale—by a long shot—but it is one of the most handsome and readable ones. (Picture book. 9-12)
Pub Date: Nov. 15, 2000
ISBN: 0-7475-3559-0
Page Count: 26
Publisher: Bloomsbury UK/Trafalgar
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2000
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