In what is now almost historical fiction, Hobbs (Tender, 2001, etc.) poignantly evokes the turbulent sentiments of 1967–68, a time when the nation was not only at war against Vietnam, but also against itself. Even small-town Ojala, California, where the favorite pastimes are hanging out at the Frostee and drag racing, does not go untouched by the conflict. The year begins with death of 14-year-old Corin’s father; although a smoker and a drunk, he was a reassuring presence who answered all her questions. Cory’s older brother, Sonny, becomes her new confidant, but when he is called to duty, Cory and her mother must cope with their new lives—Cory surviving high school, her mother running the family café, and both constantly worrying about Sonny. Cory turns yet again to another man for support—her Jesus-sandals–wearing, longhaired, contentious-objector history teacher, known simply as Lawrence, who tries to raise awareness of the war, but upsets the school board in the process. Her infatuation with Lawrence leads her to a “peace” rally, where she discovers his true nature. This realization; Sonny’s letters filled with fear, despondency, and disillusionment; and a growing relationship with her mother lead Cory to question the lines that divide generations, love, peace and war, and heroes. Now she must find her own answers. Occasional divine interventions from Cory’s father ease her way and lighten the subject matter. The author shows what she does best, crafting a believable, multifaceted plot with vivid, well-rounded characters who learn to love each other—and themselves. Hobbs just gets better and better. (Fiction. YA)
Pub Date: Sept. 27, 2002
ISBN: 0-374-37136-9
Page Count: 224
Publisher: Frances Foster/Farrar, Straus & Giroux
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2002
An ode to the children of migrants who have been taken away.
A Mexican American boy takes on heavy responsibilities when his family is torn apart.
Mateo’s life is turned upside down the day U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents show up unsuccessfully seeking his Pa at his New York City bodega. The Garcias live in fear until the day both parents are picked up; his Pa is taken to jail and his Ma to a detention center. The adults around Mateo offer support to him and his 7-year-old sister, Sophie, however, he knows he is now responsible for caring for her and the bodega as well as trying to survive junior year—that is, if he wants to fulfill his dream to enter the drama program at the Tisch School of the Arts and become an actor. Mateo’s relationships with his friends Kimmie and Adam (a potential love interest) also suffer repercussions as he keeps his situation a secret. Kimmie is half Korean (her other half is unspecified) and Adam is Italian American; Mateo feels disconnected from them, less American, and with worries they can’t understand. He talks himself out of choosing a safer course of action, a decision that deepens the story. Mateo’s self-awareness and inner monologue at times make him seem older than 16, and, with significant turmoil in the main plot, some side elements feel underdeveloped. Aleman’s narrative joins the ranks of heart-wrenching stories of migrant families who have been separated.
An ode to the children of migrants who have been taken away. (Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: May 4, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-7595-5605-8
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Feb. 22, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Immersive and engaging, despite some flaws, and destined to capture imaginations.
Magic, mystery, and love intertwine and invite in this newest take on the “enchanted circus” trope.
Sisters raised by their abusive father, a governor of a colonial backwater in a world vaguely reminiscent of the late 18th century, Scarlett and Donatella each long for something more. Scarlett, olive-skinned, dark of hair and attitude, longs for Caraval, the fabled, magical circus helmed by the possibly evil Master Legend Santos, while blonde, sunny Tella finds comfort in drink and the embraces of various men. A slightly awkward start, with inconsistencies of attitude and setting, rapidly smooths out when they, along with handsome “golden-brown” sailor Julian, flee to Caraval on the eve of Scarlett’s arranged marriage. Tella disappears, and Scarlett must navigate a nighttime world of magic to find her. Caraval delights the senses: beautiful and scary, described in luscious prose, this is a show readers will wish they could enter. Dresses can be purchased for secrets or days of life; clocks can become doors; bridges move: this is an inventive and original circus, laced with an edge of horror. A double love story, one sensual romance and the other sisterly loyalty, anchors the plot, but the real star here is Caraval and its secrets.
Immersive and engaging, despite some flaws, and destined to capture imaginations. (Fantasy. 14 & up)Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-250-09525-1
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Review Posted Online: Sept. 18, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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