A variety of issues—death, love, Christianity, and homosexuality—reside uncomfortably in this YA novel. Amy, 16, has recently lost her mother, to whom she was extremely close. Amy’s father, a pastor, is busy mending other lives, finding it too agonizing to examine his own grief or his daughter’s intense sorrow. As closed off from her father as she is from his church, Amy no longer soothes herself with thoughts of heaven and hope. She relies instead on her friendship with Sara, a more sophisticated and lively character, for emotional sustenance. Eventually however, Sara’s burgeoning friendship with newcomer Anita becomes impossible to ignore. Amy is stunned when she sees them holding hands in a theater, and turns to Peter, waiting in the wings, a church-going, charming, gentle young man who helps rebuild her trust in others. Torres opens a dialogue on the church’s views of homosexuality, timidly suggesting that although the church and its members frown on same-sex relationships, in real life, personal bonds may be more powerful than belief systems. She succeeds in enveloping readers in the nuances of young love, self-doubt, and the pain of losing a parent; depending on readers’ own levels of innocence, Amy’s ingenuousness and her clinging behavior will either be credible or simply dismaying. (Fiction. 12-14)
Pub Date: Nov. 15, 1999
ISBN: 0-8234-1464-7
Page Count: 171
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
A wondrous occurrence, an ancient tradition, and an elderly nun’s abiding faith are the basis of this moving Chirstmas tale from dePaola (26 Fairmount Avenue, p. 629, etc.). Sister Angie is overjoyed when her niece Lupe and her husband are selected to play Mary and Joseph—here, Maria and José—for Las Posadas, the reenactment of the journey into Bethlehem. When Sister Angie becomes ill and Lupe and Roberto become stranded in a heavy snowstorm, it seems as if the celebration will be delayed. However, a couple arrives just in time to take the place of the missing players. The whole village participates in the procession, from the singers who follow Mary and Joseph, to the “devils” who attempt to prevent the weary travelers from finding lodging. After several rebuffs, the couple arrives at the gates of the courtyard; these open and the entire assembly enters to celebrate. When Lupe and Roberto finally show up, the other couple is nowhere to be found. The story takes a supernatural twist when Sister Angie discovers that the figures in the church’s manger scene have come to life, temporarily, for the procession. The mysteries and miracles of the season are kept at bay; this simple narrative spells everything out, resulting in a primer on the tradition. Richly hued, luminescent illustrations radiate from the pages; an introduction and author’s note provide additional information. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-399-23400-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1999
Gerstein (Absolutely Awful Alphabet, 1999, etc.) retells the tale of Queen Esther’s plight, making the origins of Purim and its lessons shine. The well-known events of the tale are well told: When the wealthy king of Persia selects the beautiful Esther as his new wife, her cousin Mordecai warns her not to tell the king she is Jewish; Haman concocts his devious plan; Mordecai saves the king from poisoning, etc. Unlike Cathy Goldberg Fishman’s On Purim (2000), which makes the origins of Purim secondary to the preparations for the celebration, Gerstein offers in-depth portrayals of the principal characters. He rounds out the story in the depiction of Esther’s devotion to Mordecai, the king’s growing affection for his queen, and his gullibility at the hands of the villainous prime minister. Colorful illustrations shimmer with the vibrant hues of Persia, with lush purple, orange, and yellow mingling to vivid effect. Eminently readable, this biblical tale of evil vanquished and innocence saved contains an important message about strength of character that speaks to all children, regardless of their faith. (Picture book. 5-10)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-689-81372-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2000
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
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.
bookshelf
