JUNEBUG AND THE REVEREND

Mead’s prose is fluid and rhythmic in this sequel to Junebug (1995). Reeve (nicknamed Junebug for his curiosity), his mother, and little sister Tasha have left the housing project, with its gangs and drugs. His mother has gotten a job as the residential manager of an apartment building for the elderly. While she and Tasha are both happy, Junebug is not. He is forced to walk with old Reverend Ashford every morning, he is beaten up by bullies when he comes to the aid of a boy they routinely torment, he has to join a summer soccer team to which the bullies belong, and his job at the boatyard is not without problems. As in the first book, Junebug is kind, intelligent, brave, and utterly compelling; he worries about doing the right thing, and his love for his sister is touching. With all this he never comes across as too perfect and the problems he faces are real. A fine follow-up. (Fiction. 8-12)