In this sequel to Lockie Leonard, Human Torpedo (1992), Winton continues to chronicle the tempestuous life of 13-year-old Lockie, Australian surfer kid and lover. Lockie keeps falling in love, this time with a girl who’s a better surfer than he is, and who, to his embarrassment, is 11. He is responsible when his unlikely new best friend and minister’s son, Egg, gets into metal music and all-black clothing. The ostensible plot involves Lockie and Egg’s attempts to prod their indifferent town into cleaning up the nauseating pollution in their harbor. That easily won environmental battle is the only part of the book that doesn’t work, but Winton’s quirky characterizations fuel the real thrust of the book: laugh-out-loud scenes as Lockie struggles with being 13. Winton knows surfing, understands adolescence, and exhibits great comic pacing; he’s a flat-out good writer, and this is a flat-out funny book. (Fiction. 8-13)
Pub Date: June 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-689-82247-2
Page Count: 140
Publisher: McElderry
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
paper 1-57505-442-6 This entry in the On My Own Biography series provides a serviceable introduction to running star Rudolph, once considered “the fastest woman in the world.” The facts of her story will fascinate this age group: she was the 20th of 22 children; she contracted polio yet became a runner; she won multiple gold medals at the 1960 Olympics. Colorful illustrations are used throughout, and a single photograph is provided in the afterword, which follows Rudolph through college, marriage, parenthood, and her support of other African- American athletes. The short sentences and plentiful illustrations will help make this biography accessible; Sherrow offers more information than Kathleen Krull’s Wilma Unlimited (1996) while her book is easier to read than Tom Biracree’s Wilma Rudolph (1988). The brief chronology indicates that Rudolph died on November 12, 1995, while all other sources indicate she died on that day in 1994. Despite that hitch, readers will find this an inspiring story. (Biography. 8-12)
Pub Date: Feb. 21, 2000
ISBN: 1-57505-246-6
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Carolrhoda
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2000
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
How a tightly wrapped fourth grader discovers that life doesn’t have to be completely predictable in order to be enjoyable makes for an entertaining and funny journey of self-discovery from Freeman (The Polyester Grandpa, 1998, etc.). Dexter’s well-ordered life receives a seismic jolt at the hands of Mr. Ditzwinkle, a teacher whose curriculum includes standing on his head and distributing jelly beans as part of math class. A nine-year-old who seems to be permanently attached to his “dweebacious” briefcase (even when trick-or-treating, dressed as a Secret Service agent), Dexter is a creature of habit, most comfortable in familiar surroundings and following a highly structured routine—and all that is about to change. Freeman’s prose is spare but witty; few class weirdos have made the transition to hero so well, and readers will cheer as Dexter transforms himself into a colorful character, with plenty of new friends along the way. (Fiction. 8-12)
Pub Date: Dec. 15, 1999
ISBN: 0-8234-1460-4
Page Count: 147
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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