THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF THE SB

by Elizabeth Scarboro ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 1990

The ways children communicate with each other--sometimes without speaking--is the understated theme of this sensitive, sensible story about foster families. ""SB"" days are the ones when Adam finds clues that ""something big"" is going to happen to him or his family. He's seldom wrong, though sometimes all he has to go on are ""small changes and strange feelings"" in their normal routine. But no previous experience has prepared Adam for the SB day when his parents tell him that Susan, a Taiwanese orphan, will be staying with them until a foster home can be found for her. To Adam, Susan seems odd: she speaks little English and doesn't seem to appreciate that, for the first time in his life, he is having to share his parents. But Susan wins Adam's respect when she excels at soccer; and she finds a supportive confidant in Adam when her difficulties with English threaten to sink her at school. Susan is placed in a foster home by the story's close, a realistic ending to an emotionally flawless tale. Adam's own growth is genuine--his bond with Susan sweet and almost intangible, a discovery as rare and fleeting in real life as it is in books.

Pub Date: June 1, 1990

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 120

Publisher: Viking

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1990

Categories: CHILDREN'S