Fans of the first will probably be disappointed; at best, it’s a desperation read-alike for Big Nate or Wimpy Kid.
Can Hal survive Camp Jamestown or will he becometh history?
Having completed sixth grade, Hal Rifkind was happy to put Mr. Tupkin’s time-capsule journal project behind him, but now he starts a new journal addressed to some future person (or alien) as a form of solace when his history-obsessed father sends him to Camp Jamestown, where it’s always 1607. Camp owner Mr. Prentice is nice enough, but he says “ye” and “thee” instead of “you” and won’t stop calling on Hal despite Hal’s lack of historical knowledge. Of course Ryan, who tortured Hal last year, is also at the camp. Thankfully, Hal makes new friends, and they have a treasure map of camp that may pay off. Also, skilled pioneer camper Cora seems interested in being friends…maybe history camp won’t be so bad. Without the time-capsule conceit of the previous book, the journal format in Campbell’s second Cartboy title falls flat. Doodles, timelines and photos again extend the story, but the clichéd appearance of the bully from home, Hal’s dad’s lack of character growth, and the coincidences and logic leaps that characterize the treasure hunt make this sophomore effort truly sophomoric. Even the ample fart humor can’t save it.
Fans of the first will probably be disappointed; at best, it’s a desperation read-alike for Big Nate or Wimpy Kid. (Graphic/fiction hybrid. 9-12)Pub Date: June 10, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-7653-3327-8
Page Count: 224
Publisher: Starscape/Tom Doherty
Review Posted Online: April 15, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
This sensitive coming-of-age tale compassionately explores prejudice and multiculturalism.
Lily, an orphaned 12-year-old who lives in a small eastern Maine town, becomes fast friends with Salma, a Latina migrant worker who has come with her family to pick blueberries.
At first glance the distance between the pair seems vast, but they share some common interests, including finding a way to help Lily’s elderly, blind dog, Lucky, regain his eyesight. Lily, who lives with her caring Franco-American grandparents, is plucky and determined; she’s painting special houses for native mason bees to sell to raise money for expensive though risky surgery for Lucky. She’s also dealing with the apparent unwinding of her BFF status with Hannah, reigning Downeast Blueberry Queen, a role that comes with a big monetary prize. Against all odds, including Lily’s own incipient prejudice, Salma decides to run for queen, and, unexpectedly, Hannah offers useful assistance. Lord tenderly explores Lily’s growing understanding of her own emotional boundaries, defined by her frustration over never having known her mother, fear of expressing her individuality, and wariness of change—all aspects of her personality that Salma gently reveals to her. Lily’s likable voice believably discloses her maturing awareness of the limitations she’s built around herself while also offering an accurate and appreciative depiction of a unique setting: the blueberry barrens of Downeast Maine.
This sensitive coming-of-age tale compassionately explores prejudice and multiculturalism. (Fiction. 9-12)Pub Date: May 26, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-545-70027-6
Page Count: 192
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: March 2, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Amusing, enlightening, and ideal for a final read just before middle school.
Augusta is starting middle school—and dealing with her parents’ recent divorce as well.
Gus tells the story as a letter for her younger sister, Louisa, to read later. This useful narrative tool also enables her to gradually discover and reveal that Lou is having lots of trouble coping with the parental breakup too even though Gus is initially too wrapped up in herself to notice. Gus encounters lots of new people in middle school, as well as some whom she previously knew but who have remade themselves in not-always-pleasant ways. Among these are her former BFF, Layla, who’s attending a different school, and the previously annoyingly clingy Marcy, who has now attached herself to a couple of unkind and remarkably condescending other girls. From the Binaca breath spray–addicted Mr. Smeed to Nick, whom Gus has known for years but who is now becoming interesting in a novel, unexpected way, characters are believably well drawn, as are the humiliations and the ultimate redemption that Gus discovers. Some of the episodes, like Gus’ Binaca-based gambling pool, are laugh-out-loud funny. While Mahoney’s road map to middle school won’t become required reading, it’s a fine and highly recommended travelogue for those just entering that uncharted territory. Gus presents white on the cover; though she’s surrounded by a multiracial cast there, descriptors within are few.
Amusing, enlightening, and ideal for a final read just before middle school. (Fiction. 9-12)Pub Date: Aug. 6, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-5247-6513-2
Page Count: 304
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: May 7, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2019
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