Billy’s voice is distinct and engaging as he relates his story of being left as an orphan at the Guardian Angel Home for Boys, even though he gets postcards from his father regularly. Friendship with the cook Peggy, his own reputation for communication with the spirit world and an ability to eavesdrop give him the edge as events at the end of the 19th century unfold. Rufus, whose Pa is in jail, starts a “Robbers Club,” which helps spark that distrust of authority Billy needs to survive. Rescued from the home by the propitious appearance of a long-lost uncle, Billy ends up in a mining town in West Virginia with a chance for schooling and a healthy family life. As Billy’s life is propelled by events, his energy and cheerful outlook are balanced by his fear of the unknown and his beliefs about his past and his connection to the departed. His values and courage are tested by the reappearance of his father just as Billy takes up circus life. Learning what makes life worth living and how to cope during a time when child labor seemed to be expected gives this historical narrative impact and charm. (Fiction. 9-12)
Pub Date: July 1, 2007
ISBN: 978-0-06-077570-4
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Joanna Cotler/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2007
A briskly paced, amusing fantasy adventure with light characterization.
“Life don’t bring you strawberries.”
Nine is an orphaned thiefling who roams the streets looking for easy marks to help her earn her keep with the Fagin-like gang-master, Pockets. One day, she manages to steal an ornament that is, in fact, the bewitched home of the pretentious High Wizard, Flabberghast, who’s been trapped inside and drained of his power following a spat with a witch. This confinement, along with sundry other magical inconveniences, makes life vexing for the house’s other occupants, including gentle troll housekeeper Eric and the alchemist spoon who’s aptly named Dr. Spoon. Nine agrees to help them escape in exchange for a jewel that would change her fortunes. The unlikely quartet must break the curse before the clock strikes 15—or the house will shrink until everyone within ceases to exist. Readers seeking a plot-driven story that moves at a steady clip will enjoy this work: The anthropomorphic house has an entertaining, fun-house feeling with surprises behind every door—and even magicked into doorknobs. The charming chapter-header spot-art illustrations tease events in the adventurous plot. This series opener, which works as a stand-alone, emphasizes magical elements to a point that leaves little room for the characters’ emotional arcs, rendering the team dynamic between Nine and the house’s residents feeling shaky; a supporting character’s subplot is also underdeveloped. Human characters read white.
A briskly paced, amusing fantasy adventure with light characterization. (Fantasy. 9-12)Pub Date: March 18, 2025
ISBN: 9781665971874
Page Count: 240
Publisher: McElderry
Review Posted Online: Dec. 14, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A strong depiction of both the struggles of refugees and the resilience and love one girl finds within herself.
In this long-awaited sequel to Inside Out & Back Again (2011), Hà’s story of adjusting to life outside of Vietnam continues.
Since coming to the United States from Vietnam as a refugee, she has changed and grown in her new country. After finally settling into school and making a friend, Hà is excited to experience an American birthday party. But then her mother announces her plans to move the family from Alabama to Texas in search of new opportunities. Twelve-year-old Hà dreads the thought of starting over once again, but she is eventually outvoted. In Texas, her mother and brother find jobs, and Hà, determined to help, has her own plans to grow and sell plants. At the same time, she navigates the trials of a new school, casual racism and prejudice, and puberty. Through its verse structure, the narration allows Hà’s humor and determination to shine through. As she continues to strive to be true to herself, she finds that this means walking an entirely new path, something different from what her mother imagined but also different from the paths of her classmates. Addressing the challenges of making a new life after trauma and war while also exploring the powerful bonds that shape a family, this is a frank and beautiful continuation of Hà’s story that is also accessible to readers meeting her for the first time.
A strong depiction of both the struggles of refugees and the resilience and love one girl finds within herself. (Verse fiction. 9-12)Pub Date: May 9, 2023
ISBN: 9780063047006
Page Count: 256
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Feb. 7, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2023
PERSPECTIVES
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