by Gary D. Schmidt ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1996
In Schmidt's sensitively written first novel, Cole and his widower father journey to his maternal grandparents' home in Albion, N.H. The Emersons offer a haven for their grandson and son- in-law at their old farmhouse, crammed full of handmade furniture, the rich smells of Grandma's home-cooking, and the sounds of laughter. Grandpa's spicy crustiness and Grandma's boundless good humor work like a balm on Cole's spirit, involving him in Albion's church and fair, nudging him toward friendships. Cole's father, however, withdraws in his grief from family meals and conversations with his son. Cole becomes intrigued with local stories about the Sin Eater, a man who ate the breads baked by neighbors that supposedly contained their sins. When his father kills himself on Christmas Eve, Cole becomes his own sin eater, nurturing the memory of his mother, while forgiving and cherishing the father who found life unbearable without his spouse. Schmidt imbues the grandparents with the wisdom to keep Cole fed and focused, but does not pretend that they can fill the gaps left by the boy's parents. A work laden with atmosphere and meaning, this is a promising debut from an author who captures with admirable accuracy both the dark and light of life. (Fiction. 10- 14)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1996
ISBN: 0-525-67541-8
Page Count: 192
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1996
Share your opinion of this book
More by Gary D. Schmidt
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
by Phyllis Root & Gary D. Schmidt ; illustrated by Melissa Sweet
BOOK REVIEW
by Gary D. Schmidt & Elizabeth Stickney ; illustrated by Jane Manning
by John Boyne ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 12, 2006
Certain to provoke controversy and difficult to see as a book for children, who could easily miss the painful point.
After Hitler appoints Bruno’s father commandant of Auschwitz, Bruno (nine) is unhappy with his new surroundings compared to the luxury of his home in Berlin.
The literal-minded Bruno, with amazingly little political and social awareness, never gains comprehension of the prisoners (all in “striped pajamas”) or the malignant nature of the death camp. He overcomes loneliness and isolation only when he discovers another boy, Shmuel, on the other side of the camp’s fence. For months, the two meet, becoming secret best friends even though they can never play together. Although Bruno’s family corrects him, he childishly calls the camp “Out-With” and the Fuhrer “Fury.” As a literary device, it could be said to be credibly rooted in Bruno’s consistent, guileless characterization, though it’s difficult to believe in reality. The tragic story’s point of view is unique: the corrosive effect of brutality on Nazi family life as seen through the eyes of a naïf. Some will believe that the fable form, in which the illogical may serve the objective of moral instruction, succeeds in Boyne’s narrative; others will believe it was the wrong choice.
Certain to provoke controversy and difficult to see as a book for children, who could easily miss the painful point. (Fiction. 12-14)Pub Date: Sept. 12, 2006
ISBN: 0-385-75106-0
Page Count: 224
Publisher: David Fickling/Random
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2006
Share your opinion of this book
More by John Boyne
BOOK REVIEW
by John Boyne
BOOK REVIEW
by John Boyne
BOOK REVIEW
by John Boyne
More About This Book
SEEN & HEARD
SEEN & HEARD
by Marina Budhos ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 1, 2006
Illegal immigrant sisters learn a lot about themselves when their family faces deportation in this compelling contemporary drama. Immigrants from Bangladesh, Nadira, her older sister Aisha and their parents live in New York City with expired visas. Fourteen-year-old Nadira describes herself as “the slow-wit second-born” who follows Aisha, the family star who’s on track for class valedictorian and a top-rate college. Everything changes when post-9/11 government crack-downs on Muslim immigrants push the family to seek asylum in Canada where they are turned away at the border and their father is arrested by U.S. immigration. The sisters return to New York living in constant fear of detection and trying to pretend everything is normal. As months pass, Aisha falls apart while Nadira uses her head in “a right way” to save her father and her family. Nadira’s need for acceptance by her family neatly parallels the family’s desire for acceptance in their adopted country. A perceptive peek into the lives of foreigners on the fringe. (endnote) (Fiction. 10-14)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2006
ISBN: 1-4169-0351-8
Page Count: 176
Publisher: Ginee Seo/Atheneum
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2005
Share your opinion of this book
More by Marina Budhos
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.