In Lane Three, Alex Archer (1989) introduced a thoughtful, independent-minded champion swimmer. Now Alex, still not quite 16, is representing New Zealand in the 1960 Olympics, where- -against her own expectations—she wins a bronze. Despite a conscientious chaperon she calls Bulldog, she also makes friends with another ``Kiwi,'' a 23-year-old singer who studies in Milan but is temporarily in Rome. Tom, a clever impersonator as well as fine baritone, has the rest of the team convinced that's he's an accommodating Italian; but, in the briefer alternating chapters he narrates, it's clear that his growing affection for Alex is genuine. Here, Duder re-creates the 1960's, the Roman ambience, and the Olympic experience in vivid, authentic detail, while Alex's narrative beautifully captures her heightened perceptions and sense of unreality as—disoriented in mind and body by the tension—she trains and swims to win. Meanwhile, she's wary of Tom but charmed by him; in turn, he's enchanted with her, for the right reasons. Divided, in the end, by geography and career plans as well as age, they have exchanged just one chaste kiss and are not devastated by their parting; yet they are so nice, well suited, and ultimately sensible that it's hard to imagine they won't find each other eventually. Alex frequently refers to events and characters in the first book; reading it would enrich this one, but it also stands well on its own. Well crafted and satisfyingly romantic. A scrupulous note separates fact from fiction—the protagonists only seem real. (Fiction. 12-16)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-395-62879-2
Page Count: 166
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1992
Certain to provoke controversy and difficult to see as a book for children, who could easily miss the painful point.
After Hitler appoints Bruno’s father commandant of Auschwitz, Bruno (nine) is unhappy with his new surroundings compared to the luxury of his home in Berlin.
The literal-minded Bruno, with amazingly little political and social awareness, never gains comprehension of the prisoners (all in “striped pajamas”) or the malignant nature of the death camp. He overcomes loneliness and isolation only when he discovers another boy, Shmuel, on the other side of the camp’s fence. For months, the two meet, becoming secret best friends even though they can never play together. Although Bruno’s family corrects him, he childishly calls the camp “Out-With” and the Fuhrer “Fury.” As a literary device, it could be said to be credibly rooted in Bruno’s consistent, guileless characterization, though it’s difficult to believe in reality. The tragic story’s point of view is unique: the corrosive effect of brutality on Nazi family life as seen through the eyes of a naïf. Some will believe that the fable form, in which the illogical may serve the objective of moral instruction, succeeds in Boyne’s narrative; others will believe it was the wrong choice.
Certain to provoke controversy and difficult to see as a book for children, who could easily miss the painful point. (Fiction. 12-14)Pub Date: Sept. 12, 2006
ISBN: 0-385-75106-0
Page Count: 224
Publisher: David Fickling/Random
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
SEEN & HEARD
SEEN & HEARD
Despite some missteps, this will appeal to readers who enjoy a fresh and realistic teen voice.
A teenage, not-so-lonely loner endures the wilds of high school in Austin, Texas.
Norris Kaplan, the protagonist of Philippe’s debut novel, is a hypersweaty, uber-snarky black, Haitian, French-Canadian pushing to survive life in his new school. His professor mom’s new tenure-track job transplants Norris mid–school year, and his biting wit and sarcasm are exposed through his cataloging of his new world in a field guide–style burn book. He’s greeted in his new life by an assortment of acquaintances, Liam, who is white and struggling with depression; Maddie, a self-sacrificing white cheerleader with a heart of gold; and Aarti, his Indian-American love interest who offers connection. Norris’ ego, fueled by his insecurities, often gets in the way of meaningful character development. The scenes showcasing his emotional growth are too brief and, despite foreshadowing, the climax falls flat because he still gets incredible personal access to people he’s hurt. A scene where Norris is confronted by his mother for getting drunk and belligerent with a white cop is diluted by his refusal or inability to grasp the severity of the situation and the resultant minor consequences. The humor is spot-on, as is the representation of the black diaspora; the opportunity for broader conversations about other topics is there, however, the uneven buildup of detailed, meaningful exchanges and the glibness of Norris’ voice detract.
Despite some missteps, this will appeal to readers who enjoy a fresh and realistic teen voice. (Fiction. 13-16)Pub Date: Jan. 8, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-06-282411-0
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Oct. 14, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2018
BOOK REVIEW
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