by Marc Kornblatt ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2003
Unbalanced by his parent’s constant loud arguments, Henry can’t stop screaming; the psychiatrist validates his behavior, but agrees that a summer with his grandmother would be therapeutic. Henry’s inner turmoil finds no solace, because his beloved grandfather has died recently and his Grandmother’s overprotectiveness is not comforting. From his elderly neighbor, who exemplifies a quiet dignity in the face of family tragedy, Henry learns that sorrow can be managed. As he learns to calm himself by juggling, he recognizes that Mr. Fine channels his sorrow through violin practice in a one-room shed dedicated to the memory of his dead son. Henry begins to shake off his depression, as he learns that his efforts make a positive difference in his own life. Character-driven, Henry’s acceptance of what he can’t change will bring hope to those who feel their home lives are out of control. (Fiction. 8-10)
Pub Date: May 1, 2003
ISBN: 0-689-84639-8
Page Count: 128
Publisher: McElderry
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2003
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by Jacqueline Davies ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 23, 2007
Told from the point of view of two warring siblings, this could have been an engaging first chapter book. Unfortunately, the length makes it less likely to appeal to the intended audience. Jessie and Evan are usually good friends as well as sister and brother. But the news that bright Jessie will be skipping a grade to join Evan’s fourth-grade class creates tension. Evan believes himself to be less than clever; Jessie’s emotional maturity doesn’t quite measure up to her intelligence. Rivalry and misunderstandings grow as the two compete to earn the most money in the waning days of summer. The plot rolls along smoothly and readers will be able to both follow the action and feel superior to both main characters as their motivations and misconceptions are clearly displayed. Indeed, a bit more subtlety in characterization might have strengthened the book’s appeal. The final resolution is not entirely believable, but the emphasis on cooperation and understanding is clear. Earnest and potentially successful, but just misses the mark. (Fiction. 8-10)
Pub Date: April 23, 2007
ISBN: 0-618-75043-6
Page Count: 192
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2007
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by Jacqueline Davies ; illustrated by Cara Llewellyn
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by Jacqueline Davies ; illustrated by Julia Castaño
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by David Shannon ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1999
The poster boy for relentless mischief-makers everywhere, first encountered in No, David! (1998), gives his weary mother a rest by going to school. Naturally, he’s tardy, and that’s but the first in a long string of offenses—“Sit down, David! Keep your hands to yourself! PAY ATTENTION!”—that culminates in an afterschool stint. Children will, of course, recognize every line of the text and every one of David’s moves, and although he doesn’t exhibit the larger- than-life quality that made him a tall-tale anti-hero in his first appearance, his round-headed, gap-toothed enthusiasm is still endearing. For all his disruptive behavior, he shows not a trace of malice, and it’ll be easy for readers to want to encourage his further exploits. (Picture book. 5-7)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-590-48087-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 1999
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by David Shannon ; illustrated by David Shannon
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