Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck

1. Bibliography

Peck, Richard. 2007. Here Lies the Librarian. Puffin: New York. ISBN 978-0545046619.

2. Plot Summary

PeeWee McGrath lives with her older brother Jake and works in the garage with him in 1914. PeeWee acts and dresses like a boy and fully plans on working on cars for the rest of her life. That is until four women show up at their garage one day and changes everything for PeeWee. The four women want to become the librarians in the town library and cause quite a stir in the small town. PeeWee befriends the women and begins to realize that being female is not the worst thing that could happen. She even gets her first taste of driving a new car. Life becomes more exhilirating with these four women in her life.

2. Impressions

I bought this book because it was about a librarian. I had never read a book by Richard Peck. I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The story was lighthearted. There were many times where I laughed out loud. The characters in the book had such personality. Peck really draws the reader into this small town and into the lives of the characters.

Most young adults will enjoy reading this book. The story is humorous and fun to read. Young girls will be particularly drawn to this story as it shows young women how being a strong, vocal woman does not mean giving up your femininity. The four librarians in this story are very strong women and the most feminine women that PeeWee has ever seen. This is an issue that she struggles with throughout the story. How to meld the expectations that come with being a woman with the strong bond she feels with her brother and her love of working on cars. While girls today don't have the same problems to deal with, they will enjoy reading a story about one of the early warriors in the war between the sexes.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was an easy and fun read. Richard Peck does a superb job of bringing this story to life. While older teens may find this a little young for their tastes, it is a not to be missed book. I will certainly be reading more from this author.

3. Reviews

Reviews taken from http://www.amazon.com/Here-Lies-Librarian-Richard-Peck/dp/0142409081/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228173591&sr=8-1

From School Library Journal Grade 6-9–Richard Peck seems determined to create his own sub-genre: nostalgic fiction. Just like A Long Way from Chicago (Dial, 1998) and A Year Down Yonder (Dial, 2000), this title (Dial, 2006) is a keeper. Set in rural Indiana, circa 1914, tomboy PeeWee works with her adored older brother Jake. The automobile is replacing the horse and buggy and the young brother and sister run a fledgling gas station. When a tornado rips through town and tears up the defunct library, the town elders are shamed into re-opening it. Irene Ridpath and three of her sorority sisters fresh out of library school arrive and set the small town on its ear. Motherless PeeWee has never encountered women with such sophistication, and she begins to re-examine her own femininity. Jake is determined to win a rough and tumble automobile race, but when hes injured, PeeWee jumps in and finishes the event. Peck is a master at creating enchanting characters—even his dead librarian has personality. The setting is vivid—listeners can almost hear the sound of those first automobiles chugging up the road. Narrator Lara Everly brings the story to life with great charm. Listeners will enjoy this well-done audiobook that weaves in facts about rural life in the early 20th century, feminism, and automobile history.–Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist Gr. 5-8. Stubborn, fearless, and loyal, 14-year-old Peewee (Eleanor) McGrath, who dresses like a boy, lives with her brother, Jake, in Indiana, "way out in the weeds." Together, they run a struggling garage, where Jake is building a racecar. It's 1914, and the electric self-starter has made automobiles more accessible to women. One day, four female drivers, library students all, arrive in a Stoddard-Dayton in need of repair; later, they return to reopen the town library. With these young women as role models, Peewee comes to realize that being female and being independent aren't mutually exclusive. Peck's one-liners, colorful physical comedy, and country dialect, prominent in most of his recent novels, are great as usual. And his characters, if not fully developed, are wonderfully quirky. Yet even with some exciting scenes of old-time dirt-track racing, the pace lags, and the story is choppy. Young fans of Danica Patrick, today's "Queen of the Road," may want to read this, but it will probably be librarians who'll have the most fun. Peck recounts an incident in an endnote in which one of the characters appears at the Indianapolis 500 with Janet Guthrie; unfortunately, there's not enough explanation to know whether or not it's all true. Stephanie Zvirin Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

The Mediator: Shadowlands by Meg Cabot

1. Bibliography
Cabot, Meg. 2000. The Mediator: Shadowlands. Avon Books: New York. ISBN 0-06-072511-7.

2. Summary
Suze feels different from other kids her age. That is because she is a mediator. She has a "gift" that enables her to see dead people and help them crossover. She doesn't feel blessed to have this ability. Because of this, Suze doesn't have much of a social life and not many friends. Unfortunately, her mother has remarried and they are moving from New York to California. Suze is happy for her mother, because she seems to really be happy for the first time since Suze's dad died. Suze has a chance to start over in a new place with brothers. However, when she moves into her new house she finds her room is inhabitated by a very good looking, young ghost. To make things even worse, there is the angry spirit of a young girl who has recently committed suicide and she is not happy with Suze. Suze finds herself in the position of trying to save lives and send spirits to the "other side" all the while trying to control her feelings for the dead guy who lives in her room. This is book 1 in the mediator series.

3. Impressions
I have read other books by Meg Cabot. I enjoyed the Princess Diary series, however I was really impressed by this book. I thought the premise sounded interesting, but this is an idea that has been overdone as of late. But the story was really good. The story of the young girl, jilted in love and committing suicide only to come back as an angry poltregeist bent on revenge made the story unique. The idea of a mediator is different also. Not only can Suze see dead people, she must help them in order for them to get where they are suppose to go (i.e. the afterlife). She is plagued with requests from the dead that she feels obligated to fulfill. She even has frequent visits from her dead father. All the while, her poor mother fears that she does not have enough friends or much of social life. If only she knew!
While I did enjoy the story, I was disappointed in the writing. It seemed very juvenile. Also, there was a point in the story where it seemed the author thought the story had gone on too long and just ended it. Suze was convinced that she needed to run for class Vice President. She doesn't have many friends and she has only been in the school for one week. She reluctantly agrees that she might do it and then the next day she is called and told congratulations, you won. She never ran and there was never an election. It just seemed the author stuck that in and then saw the story was running too long and left some parts out. I was confused at the end of the story.
I think that most young adults would enjoy this story, especially girls. This is another story that shows the power and strength that girls possess. It might seem a little creepy to some girls that Suze has feelings for a dead guy, but that really seems to fit with who she is. I really look forward to reading the rest of this series.


4. Reviews

These reviews taken from http://www.amazon.com/Shadowland-Mediator-Book-Meg-Cabot/dp/0060725117/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228188886&sr=1-2

From Publishers Weekly The inaugural installment of The Mediator series introduces high school sophomore Suze, who, in her words, has "this unfortunate ability to communicate with the dead." As a "mediator," the girl helps ghosts put unresolved issues to rest so they can move on to the next world. When her mother remarries, Suze moves from New York City to California, where she and her three stepbrothers attend a Catholic academy headed by a priest. Conveniently, the priest is also a mediator (the first of her kind that Suze has ever met). During the course of this rather repetitious and intermittently sluggish caper, Suze encounters two ghosts: a handsome young man from the 19th century who haunts her bedroom and a girl who was a student at the academy until she killed herself when Bryce, her boyfriend, broke up with her. As Suze attempts to protect Bryce from the angry apparition's wrath, the ghostly girl grows determined to get revenge on both her former beau and Suze. Suze finally resorts to an exorcism to get rid of her. As a narrator this teen is a bit too tough-talking and cocky to be credible. Still, the intriguing premise of a 16-year-old with a sixth sense may stand more than a ghost of a chance at snaring teen readers. Ages 14-up. Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc

Cirque du Freak: Trials of Death by Darren Shan

1. Bibliography
Shan, Darren. 2003. Cirque du Freak: Trials of Death. Little Brown and Company: New York. ISBN 0-316-60367-8.

2. Summary
Darren is a vampire's assistant. He is really only considered a half vampire, but in order to be accepted into the vampire family, Darren must travel to Vampire Mountain and endure the Trials of Death. This is 5 tests that he must either pass or die. While many are in his favor, there are some who do not want Darren to pass the trials. One by one, Darren goes through the trials until something goes terribly wrong. Then Darren uncovers a deception that could be the demise of the vampires.

3. Impressions
I am a fan of vampires. I love to read the books by Anne Rice and I like to watch movies about vampires. However, I was not pleased with this book. This book is the fifth book of the series and I was very confused when I started reading it. There were so many characters introduced in the first two chapters that the reader has a hard time keeping them straight. I almost didn't finish after reading the first few pages. But I muddled through and actually became interested in the story. Darren's tests that he must pass were painted in vivid detail. However, the author tried to put too much in this book. At the end, there were so many questions that I had, like what about the spiders that they found deep within the cave? How did those ever come into play? And what about the strange humans who are the keepers of the dead?
I think that young adult males would enjoy these stories. However, I feel like you must start with the first book in the series. Starting with the fifth book left me not understanding much of what was happening in the story. I plan to go back and read the first book to see if I get a better understanding of what was happening in this story. I think that might make me enjoy this book more.

4. Reviews


Reviews taken from http://www.amazon.com/Cirque-Du-Freak-Trials-Darren/dp/0316000957/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228190128&sr=1-1

From School Library Journal Grade 4-7-This is the fifth novel in the continuing saga of the youthful half-vampire assistant to Larten Crepsley, a full vampire. Crepsley has brought Darren to Vampire Mountain to undergo the Trials of Death, an elective ritual periodically undergone by vampires in order to bond with the clan and prove their worth. As a half-vampire, Darren is in more danger of failing the trials than the others who usually participate, but he is determined to go ahead. The penalty for failing without dying is execution. In the background a new conflict looms, involving the vampaneze, purple-skinned killers who resemble vampires but who are nothing like the beings whom Darren has come to respect and admire. When it appears that he will not survive the trials, his vampire friends urge him to escape. Escorting him out through the mountain's underground tunnels, they run smack into an incoming vampaneze invasion. In the final pages, the plot and action finally pick up to fever pace as Darren is caught between invaders, defenders, and possibly a traitor in the ranks of the faithful. Characters are mostly one-dimensional, and the plot plods along until the final conflict heats up the action. Although the story stands on its own, there isn't much reason to read this one aside from following the series. Susan L. Rogers, Chestnut Hill Academy, PA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Forever by Judy Blume

1. Bibliography



Blume, Judy. 1975. Forever. Simon Pulse: New York. ISBN 978-1-4169-3400-4.

2. Summary



Katherine has very little experience with guys. She is awkward and shy around boys until she meets Michael at her friend Erica's cousin's New Years Eve party. They start to date and their relationship blossoms into young love. Katherine is not sure exactly how far she wants to go with Michael, but she is sure that she loves him. Her parents, while supportative of her first romance, don't want her to get too involved with the relationship. They understand how first love goes and how it usually doesn't last forever. Katherine is sure their love will last and wants to change her college plans so that they can be together. Her parents will not let her. Katherine finally makes a trip to Planned Parenthood and she and Michael begin their love affair. However, as their senior year draws to a close they begin making plans for the summer. Katherine's father wants her to take a job as a tennis instructor at her sister's summer camp. In fact he insists on it. Katherine is furious, but does as her parents say. While away at summer camp, life becomes complicated when she realizes that maybe her first love won't last forever.

3. Impressions



This book is one of the books that is banned from many schools. I can definitely see why. The story is sweet. The ups and downs of teenage love are so evident in this novel. However, the story seems to center more on the sexual relationship between Katherine and Michael and less on the feelings and emotions that come with first love. I know that as a parent I would not want my young daughter reading this book. While I don't have a problem with open and honest discussion about sex with young people, this book is not like that. There are many scenes in which sex is described in detail and seem a bit inappropriate for young adults. I am not naive enough to think that teens don't know about sex or even watch it on television or even do it. However, I think for a young adult novel, this could have been handle in a more appropriate way.
I did like the book. It was well written and easy to read. I read it in one sitting. I can see that older teens would be drawn to this book. They would enjoy the fast pace of the novel and the story is interesting. I could feel Katherine's pain of being separated from her boyfriend for a summer and her fear of what might happen if they are apart for a prolonged period. I think older teens could relate to how Katherine is feeling and her confusion when she goes to camp and starts to have feelings for someone else. I don't think it is for younger teens, but older young adults can definitely relate to this novel.





4. Reviews


Reviews taken from http://www.amazon.com/Forever-Richard-Jackson-Books-Blume/dp/0689849737/ref=pd_bbs_sr_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228256984&sr=8-7

Amazon.com Review "Going all the way" is still a taboo subject in young adult literature. Judy Blume was the first author to write candidly about a sexually active teen, and she's been defending teenagers' rights to read about such subjects ever since. Here, Blume tells a convincing tale of first love--a love that seems strong and true enough to last forever. Katherine loves Michael so much, in fact, that she's willing to lose her virginity to him, and, as the months go by, it gets harder and harder for her to imagine living without him. However, something happens when they are separated for the summer: Katherine begins to have feelings for another guy. What does this mean about her love for Michael? What does this mean about love in general? What does "forever" mean, anyway? As always, Blume writes as if she's never forgotten a moment of what it's like to be a teenager.

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

1. Bibliography

Krakauer, Jon. 1996. Into the Wild. Anchor Books: New York. ISBN 0-385-48680-4.

2. Summary

This is the unbelievable story of Chris McCandless. He came from a very well to do family. He was well educated and had the whole world in front of him. However, when he graduated from college, he sold everything he had, gave all of his money to charity, and left on a cross country trip to live as a rambler. He traveled all across the midwest and western seaboard. He met many people along the way that were living like he was. He told them his name was Alex. He lived for several months, moving from place to place, taking odd jobs when he needed the money, but never staying in one place too long. His ultimate destination was to go to Alaska and live in the wilderness alone. He finally made it to Alaska, but it was his final destination. His body was found in an old bus that had been used as a hunting retreat for people. No one could understand what happened to him or how he ended up like this. The author retraced his steps, talking to people that had crossed Alex's path, hoping to get a better understanding of why this educated man would want to live this way.

3. Impressions

I thought this book was very interesting. Why would someone that had there whole life ahead of them and had a seemingly good life give up everything and take on the life of a drifter? He gave up everything, even his money. He lived alone and didn't make many connections with people. He nearly starved to death many times before he ever made it to Alaska. What could his family have done to alienate him so? The book was intriguing, but I must say that I had a hard time reading this book. It had so much information in that it made the book a very slow read. I can read almost anything and I didn't want to finish this book. I could only read it in small spurts. I can only imagine how a young adult would read this. I only finished it because the story was interesting. The writing style was not great. I don't think that many teens today would understand or connect with Alex. Teens today would never consider giving up everything and heading out to live off of the land. I don't think that they would like this novel much. The style is too textbook to really interest them. I would have to say that this was my least favorite book that I have read in a while.

4. Reviews

Reviews taken from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0307387178/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

From Library Journal In April 1992, 23-year-old Chris McCandless hiked into the Alaska bush to "live off the land." Four months later, hunters found his emaciated corpse in an abandoned Fairbanks city bus, along with five rolls of film, an SOS note, and a diary written in a field guide to edible plants. Cut off from civilization, McCandless had starved to death. The young man's gruesome demise made headlines and haunted Outside magazine contributing editor Krakauer, who saw "vague, unsettling parallels" between McCandless's life and his own. Expanding on his 1993 Outside article, Krakauer traces McCandless's last two years; after his graduation from Emory University, McCandless abandoned his middle-class family, identity, and possessions in favor of the life of "Alexander Supertramp," wandering the American West in search of "raw, transcendent experience." In trying to understand McCandless's behavior and the appeal that risky activities hold for young men, Krakauer examines his own adventurous youth. However, he never satisfactorily answers the question of whether McCandless was a noble, if misguided, idealist or a reckless narcissist who brought pain to his family. For popular outdoor and adventure collections.--Wilda Williams, "Library Journal" Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly After graduating from Emory University in Atlanta in 1992, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandoned his possessions, gave his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhiked to Alaska, where he went to live in the wilderness. Four months later, he turned up dead. His diary, letters and two notes found at a remote campsite tell of his desperate effort to survive, apparently stranded by an injury and slowly starving. They also reflect the posturing of a confused young man, raised in affluent Annandale, Va., who self-consciously adopted a Tolstoyan renunciation of wealth and return to nature. Krakauer, a contributing editor to Outside and Men's Journal, retraces McCandless's ill-fated antagonism toward his father, Walt, an eminent aerospace engineer. Krakauer also draws parallels to his own reckless youthful exploit in 1977 when he climbed Devils Thumb, a mountain on the Alaska-British Columbia border, partly as a symbolic act of rebellion against his autocratic father. In a moving narrative, Krakauer probes the mystery of McCandless's death, which he attributes to logistical blunders and to accidental poisoning from eating toxic seed pods. Maps. 35,000 first printing; author tour. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc

The Same Stuff As Stars by Katherine Paterson

1. Bibliography

Paterson, Katherine. 2002. The Same Stuff as Stars. Harper Trophy: New York. ISBN 0-06-055712-5.


2. Summary

Angel does not have the best family. Her mother is raising two kids while Angel's dad is in jail. Angel is actually the most responsible one in the family. She takes on the job of raising her younger brother, Bernie. One day after visiting their father in jail, Angel's mother makes them come home and pack whatever they can fit in one suitcase. This is no surprise to Angel. It happens all the time. Verna never likes to live in one place for too long. They end up in a small town in Vermont, in a crumbling old farmhouse with Angel's great grandmother. To Angel's surprise, her mother is gone the next morning. They have been abandoned. Angel decides to try to make the best of the situation until her mother comes back for her. She has found a mysterious man out in the field at night. He is teaching her all about the stars and heavens. She has also made a friend in the old librarian in town. Angel spends many nights outside with the mysterious "Star Man" learning all about astronomy but never knowing who he is. Angel and her brother are enrolled in school and one day Verna shows up at Bernie's school and takes him away, but leaves Angel. Angel is so confused, she calls her father. He escapes from jail to come and take her away, but she doesn't go with him. She realizes that to her, she is just a way to get back at Verna for taking his son. She learns that she loves her grandma and that they really need each other.



3. Impressions


Katherine Paterson is one of my favorite authors. Her books are so easy to read. They always have hidden meanings deep down in them that really make you think. I picked this book off of my shelf because it was one of her books I had never read before. I really enjoyed it. Angel's life was so different from my own. She had to be an adult at a very young age. She had to learn to do with out so her brother could have. Her only selfish act is getting up every night and going to find the "StarMan." To her the universe is so beautiful and boundless, which is so unlike her life. Her life is so restrictive and hard. But the heavens are so endless and beautiful and mysterious. She cannot fathom the endlessness of it. It takes her away from the hopelessness of her own life.

I think that young adults will find this book very interesting. It is a very easy read, but there is so much hidden beneath the surface. It leaves the reader thinking and wondering. Readers can relate to Angel and how she longs for something more than what she has. I really liked this book.

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4. Reviews

Reviews taken from http://www.amazon.com/Same-Stuff-as-Stars/dp/0060557125/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228263042&sr=1-1

From Publishers Weekly Few authors explore the theme of what defines a family with more compassion and sensitivity than Paterson (The Great Gilly Hopkins; Flip-Flop Girl), as she demonstrates once again in this contemporary novel set in rural Vermont. Eleven-year-old Angel Morgan, despite her youth, is the head of her family. With a father in jail for robbery and murder, and Verna, her mother, too preoccupied with herself to care for anyone else (she once "forgot" her children in an all-night diner), Angel looks out for her seven-year-old brother. She keeps a house key around her neck and taxi money in her sock, "just in case." Before long, Verna proves Angel's fears well founded, when she drops the children off at their great-grandmother's house and leaves in the night. Paterson enters Angel's consciousness through a third-person narrative, revealing, for example, how the girl rationalizes Verna's erratic behavior ("How could anyone expect her to know about being a good mother? She couldn't remember having a mother of her own") as well as the way Grandma's (as they call her) ramshackle house transforms into a welcoming haven with a nearby library and a pasture with a view of the night sky. At the novel's center is Angel's blossoming friendship with a mysterious "star man" whom Grandma calls "Santy Claus." He leaves food and chopped wood at the door, and introduces the heroine to galaxies beyond their own. Angel's intelligence and abiding trust in the direst of situations will convince readers that, despite the unresolved ending, she will rise above her circumstances. Ages 10-13. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc

From School Library Journal Grade 5-8-Paterson has once again crafted a beautifully written, wonderfully told story that exposes some of the most disturbing parts of our society while at the same time teaching the value of each and every person. She returns to rural Vermont in this tale of Angel who, in her nearly 12 years, has attended eight schools and twice been in foster care. She is more a parent to her seven-year-old brother, Bernie, than their frequently drunk and unreliable mother or their father, whom they visit weekly in jail. Their mother abandons Angel and Bernie at the ramshackle farmhouse of their great-grandmother, who is too aged and poor to care for children, and when she returns for just Bernie, Angel's loneliness is as immense as the night skies that a kind stranger teaches her about. The man turns out to be her Uncle Ray, a Vietnam vet whose life has been damaged by drugs and jail time, yet who convinces her that she is made of the same elements as the stars. The enchanted night sky gives Angel perspective on her life; it becomes a metaphor on many levels in the novel. As always, Paterson conveys great respect for the poor, and for preadolescents in tragic circumstances who have the resiliency to transform themselves. A new novel by Katherine Paterson is cause for great celebration and this one more than measures up. Angel Morgan will take her place in readers' hearts right next to Lyddie, Gilly, Lupe, and Jip. Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

The Misfits by James Howe

1. Bibliography


Howe, James. 2001. The Misfits. Aladdin: New York. ISBN 978-0-689-83956-6.



2. Summary


Bobby has a hard time in junior high. He really has to help out at home since the death of his mother, so he has to get a job as a tie salesman. He is also really smart. But school for him is not that much fun, except for his small group of friends. The are all outcasts of sorts. Bobby is fat, Addie is tall (and extremely outspoken), Skeezie is perceived as a hooligan, and Joe is gay. Addie decides that the four of them should form a third party in the upcoming school election. They decide that their platform will be to represent the "losers." They run into all sorts of problems. But finally they make a splash by using their slogan "Sticks and Stones may break our bones, but names will break our spirit." Bobby breaks out of his shell and he gets behind the movement and truly finds out who he is in the process. He sees that there is more to everyone, even the popular kids, than meets the eye.



3. Impressions

This book really spoke to me. There are not too many people that can say they went through school without getting called some kind of name. Adults see that it is happening, but they don't try to do anything about it. This group of kids decides to take a stand and do something about it. They risk a lot by coming out like this, but they do it anyway. They see that they are not the only ones, everyone struggles with this. Howe's writing style makes the book easy to read and the story is good. You really want the kids to win and you find yourself cheering for Bobby as he makes his first speech in front of the whole school.
I think that young adults will connect with the characters in this book. There is a character in this story for everyone. It will help kids see that they are not alone.




4. Reviews

Reviews taken from http://www.amazon.com/Misfits-James-Howe/dp/0689839561/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228263353&sr=1-1


From Publishers Weekly What do a 12-year-old student who moonlights as a tie salesman, a tall, outspoken girl, a gay middle schooler and a kid branded as a hooligan have in common? Best friends for years, they've all been the target of cruel name-calling and now that they're in seventh grade, they're not about to take it any more. In this hilarious and poignant novel, Howe (Bunnicula; The Watcher) focuses on the quietest of the bunch, overweight Bobby Goodspeed (the tie salesman), showing how he evolves from nerd to hero when he starts speaking his mind. Addie (the outspoken girl) decides that the four of them should run against more popular peers in the upcoming student council election. But her lofty ideals and rabble-rousing speeches make the wrong kind of waves, offending fellow classmates, teachers and the principal. It is not until softer-spoken Bobby says what's in his heart about nicknames and taunts that people begin to listen and take notice, granting their respect for the boy they used to call "Lardo" and "Fluff." The four "misfits" are slightly larger than life wiser than their years, worldlier than the smalltown setting would suggest, and remarkably well-adjusted but there remains much authenticity in the story's message about preadolescent stereotyping and the devastating effects of degrading labels. An upbeat, reassuring novel that encourages preteens and teens to celebrate their individuality. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


From School Library Journal Gr 4-8-Howe's versatility, gift for wordplay, and distinct brand of humor have produced books that create an emotional connection with a wide range of audiences. Regrettably, this novel is a misfit. Bobby Goodspeed, an overweight seventh grader who lives with his underachieving father, narrates the book. He works part-time as a tie salesman in a department store. He and his unpopular friends, known as the "Gang of Five," decide to run for student council on an alternative platform called the "No-Name-Party." The candidates must face-off with the administration and opposing parties, and convince their fellow classmates of the damage caused by name-calling. In the process, members of the group learn about love, loss, and the true meaning of diversity. Unfortunately, The Misfits rambles rather than flows. Bobby's long-winded narration is written in a passive voice and sprinkled with only occasional dialogue. When the characters do speak, their formal dialogue (presented as minutes from the friends' Floating Forum meetings) goes on for pages on end, lacking any commentary from Bobby. It is not until the last third of the novel that readers begin to identify with the characters and bask in the success of Bobby's political partners.Louie Lahana, New York City Public Schools
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.