6-321

In 1963 Queens, New York, Marc is just trying to get through sixth grade as effortlessly and unobtrusively as possible. But school, family, and world crises interfere with his plan. He must deal with an ugly interclass feud, school bullies, the imminent breakup of his parents’ marriage, a first crush, and the assassination of President Kennedy. Along the way he discovers that he must look beyond the appearance of things to the truths underneath. He emerges, if not triumphant, at least more self-assured and less self-absorbed. Laser is careful to refrain from imposing an adult perspective by allowing Marc to tell his own story with just the right amount of introspection and maturity. He successfully provides a genuine, non-sentimental evocation of a particular time and place as well as an understanding that growing up is an awkward, sometimes painful process no matter where or when. (Fiction. 11-14)