Orphaned Bo is invited to visit his estranged relatives in the Mojave dessert. A generations-old feud involving a legendary “black gold” mine has kept the Gammages and Martinkas apart. Now, Bo isn’t sure if his invitation is an honest one, or just more family intrigue. His quirky, same-age cousin “Mzzz Mad,” a 12-year-old who drives her own truck, just makes things worse, until they both get caught up in a very real and dangerous mystery. Fleischman is at his best here—his characters and setting come to life instantly, in a lightning-quick plot that is nevertheless rich with tension. He pulls off both slapstick humor and heartfelt drama in a genuine and appealing way. Walking the line expertly between tall-tale and believability, he will delight readers with his “Author’s Secrets” note at the end, which not only lends credence to his story, but might just inspire a few young would-be writers. The books’ short length and quick pace make this a perfect choice for older, struggling readers; but don’t pass on this because it looks easy—this is pure good reading. (Fiction. 8-14)
Pub Date: April 30, 2001
ISBN: 0-06-029397-7
Page Count: 112
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2001
A nostalgic slice of Rockwell Americana with a contemporary filling. Delicious—take a bite.
Male role models aren’t a scarce commodity for Archer Magill, but when two of them fall in love, what does that mean for his comprehension of the weird world of adults? Then there’s all that impending puberty stuff.
Bookending his tale with two weddings (one a YouTube'd pants-splitting disaster and one a heartfelt finale with a fabulous new suit), Archer recounts his traverse from first grade to sixth, navigating family ties, school, bullies, death, marriage, and au courant political hot topics. He has a dedicated father, endearing grandfather, doting uncle, and awesome male student teacher, but that doesn’t mean he’s entirely sure-footed in following their confident strides. In fact, he’s pretty clueless in general, something his fiery best friend, Lynette, reminds him of perpetually. It’s this cluelessness that makes his journey so easy to empathize with. There’s another layer to this lighthearted coming-of-age book that makes it special in the current sociopolitical climate. Said doting uncle is in love with aforementioned student teacher: it’s Peck’s intent to spark a discussion for young readers about same-sex marriages, a topic that standardized testing and textbooks haven’t caught up with yet. Bravo. A middle-class white cast in the Midwest populates the pages, but the base of the story—navigating boyhood with positive reinforcement from friends, family, and faculty—is a broad one.
A nostalgic slice of Rockwell Americana with a contemporary filling. Delicious—take a bite. (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 20, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3839-3
Page Count: 240
Publisher: Dial Books
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
PROFILES
Dominican lore brings a fresh perspective to a thrilling tale.
A gutsy tween faces mystical dangers to protect the ones she loves and bring peace to the island of Zafa for good in this duology closer.
It’s been almost a year since Pilar Ramirez, now 13, defeated demons and escaped from Zafa, the magical world inhabited by Dominican legends and influenced by the ruthless real-life dictator Rafael Trujillo. Unsure of how and when to break the news of the reappearance of her cousin Natasha, who had been missing for 50 years and presumed dead, Pilar is still grappling with the terror of what she experienced in Zafa while learning to hone her newly acquired bruja powers. Pilar is excited to tag along on a trip to the Dominican Republic with her family and her sister’s professor (who played an instrumental role in the previous volume), hoping to find more answers about her heritage and abilities there. It’s no relaxing vacation however, as Pilar immediately begins experiencing unsettling visions and is soon contacted by Carmen, her dear Zafan friend who happens to be a ciguapa, a mythological being from Dominican folklore. Up against terrifying new enemies, Pilar returns to Zafa to find the answers she’ll need to protect her family from sinister supernatural danger. Pilar celebrates her Afro-Latina heritage and is open about her desire to improve her Spanish; she uses Spanish words and phrases liberally throughout the story, adding to the text’s delightful rhythm and flavor.
Dominican lore brings a fresh perspective to a thrilling tale. (Adventure. 9-13)Pub Date: Feb. 28, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-250-77412-5
Page Count: 272
Publisher: Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: Dec. 13, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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