It’s 1914 and Alex, 11 and a fairly recent immigrant from Russia, is left alone to take care of himself and his younger sister when their widowed mother disappears. Set in the tenements of New York City and on the infamous Blackwell’s Island, this might have been a fascinating historical fiction or, as an adventure, it could have been a thrilling tale. Unfortunately, it is neither, falling instead into the Goosebumps style of manipulated excitement. Alex is kidnapped with several other young people and sent to one of the Island’s harsh workhouses. The place is a hell, ruled by a criminal with political pull and his sadistic cronies. Alex and some of his new companions overturn the reign of evil, his sister rescues his mother, a murderer must face the music of the courts and all ends happily. With endless cliffhangers, a mystery key, outlandish coincidences, the possibility of ghosts and other menacing creatures and über kids to the rescue, this simply never jells, and a terrific idea for a setting is wasted. (Fiction. 10-11)
Pub Date: April 12, 2005
ISBN: 0-385-74670-9
Page Count: 192
Publisher: Delacorte
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2005
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
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A skirmish over a favorite stuffed rabbit nearly destroys a friendship and the toy itself, but well-timed physical and emotional bandaging saves the day. When a little boy moves in next door to a little girl they quickly becomes friends and start sharing toys. This works well for cars, trucks, bears, and balls, but when the boy shows up with a new stuffed rabbit, cooperation goes out the window. In the ensuing tug-of-rabbit, each child yanks on the poor bunny’s ears until the stitching gives way. Figuring out a way to repair the rabbit also eventually patches up the friendship. Minor battles rage in homes and preschools everywhere, so children and adults alike will appreciate this subtle example of a peaceful resolution to toy disputes. Jahn-Clough’s pleasantly stubby children convey both healthy loud-mouthed anger and substantial charm. (Picture book. 3-8)
Pub Date: March 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-395-93545-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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