by Ted M. Dunagan ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 1, 2014
A preachy, condescending tone makes this one a disappointing episode in an otherwise successful series.
Set in rural Alabama in 1949, this is another episode in the adventures of two young boys, Ted and Poudlum, who have forged a friendship across the racial divide (Trouble on the Tombigbee, 2011, etc.).
The two set out on a camping trip to train Poudlum’s dog to hunt squirrels, and when the dogs go missing, Ted and Poudlum quickly decide that spooky Miss Lucretia, the voodoo queen living deep in the forest, must be to blame. The boys wind up chained up in her cabin, where they confirm that Miss Lucretia has in fact been well-trained in voodoo, which is presented here as part sham and part devilry. After just a little kindness and conversation, Miss Lucretia bursts out, cringe-inducingly: “Praise de Lawd for sending dese young angels to save my po’ soul.” Once the boys have saved Miss Lucretia’s soul, they proceed to save the rest of her—delivering her from the clutches of an evil relative and helping her to recover some lost buried treasure. As in previous volumes, the boys’ friendship feels authentic, and their exploits are entertaining. Unfortunately, the narrative is unforgivably dismissive of Miss Lucretia, a mature, knowledgeable and obviously powerful African-American woman.
A preachy, condescending tone makes this one a disappointing episode in an otherwise successful series. (Historical fiction. 9-12)Pub Date: July 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-58838-293-1
Page Count: 192
Publisher: NewSouth
Review Posted Online: May 13, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2014
Share your opinion of this book
More by Ted M. Dunagan
BOOK REVIEW
by Sheela Chari ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 30, 2017
A quick, agreeable caper, this may spark some discussion even as it entertains.
Myla and Peter step into the path of a gang when they unite forces to find Peter’s runaway brother, Randall.
As they follow the graffiti tags that Randall has been painting in honor of the boys’ deceased father, they uncover a sinister history involving stolen diamonds, disappearances, and deaths. It started long ago when the boys’ grandmother, a diamond-cutter, partnered with the head of the gang. She was rumored to have hidden his diamonds before her suspicious death, leaving clues to their whereabouts. Now everyone is searching, including Randall. The duo’s collaboration is initially an unwilling one fraught with misunderstandings. Even after Peter and Myla bond over being the only people of color in an otherwise white school (Myla is Indian-American; mixed-race Peter is Indian, African-American, and white), Peter can’t believe the gang is after Myla. But Myla possesses a necklace that holds a clue. Alternating first-person chapters allow peeks into how Myla, Peter, and Randall unravel the story and decipher clues. Savvy readers will put the pieces together, too, although false leads and red herrings are cleverly interwoven. The action stumbles at times, but it takes place against the rich backdrops of gritty New York City and history-laden Dobbs Ferry and is made all the more colorful by references to graffiti art and parkour.
A quick, agreeable caper, this may spark some discussion even as it entertains. (Mystery. 10-12)Pub Date: May 30, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-4197-2296-7
Page Count: 272
Publisher: Amulet/Abrams
Review Posted Online: Feb. 19, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2017
Share your opinion of this book
More by Sheela Chari
BOOK REVIEW
by Sheela Chari
BOOK REVIEW
by Sheela Chari
BOOK REVIEW
by Sheela Chari
by Aaron Hawkins & illustrated by Aaron Hawkins ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2010
Horticulture pays off for an enterprising teen. If almost-14-year-old Jackson can bring his neighbor’s apple orchard back to life, he can keep any profits over $8,000 and become the owner of the orchard. Because Mrs. Nelson has reneged on promises in the past, this time he insists on a signed and witnessed contract. Of course, Jackson hasn’t the least idea how to grow apples. With a helpful library book, some timely advice, weeks of arduous work and the (mostly) willing assistance of his cousins and sisters, Jackson, with intense determination, attempts to produce a healthy crop, overcoming myriad obstacles along the way. With its 1980s-era rural New Mexico setting, complete with many references to contemporary popular culture, the ambience is that of an earlier time. Jackson tells his own story, at once trusting and skeptical, optimistic and despairing. Hawkins has created an enormously appealing character and an engaging plot. He includes detailed diagrams and perhaps more technical information than absolutely necessary, but readers will root for Jackson to win the day. Surprising and absorbing. (Historical fiction. 9-12)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-547-27977-0
Page Count: 304
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Review Posted Online: Aug. 2, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2010
Share your opinion of this book
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
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.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.