ACE AND THE MISFITS

A young immigrant from Uganda struggles to find his place in Canada.

Patrick “Ace” Katumba isn’t sure how to fit in with his new grade eight classmates in Toronto. Back home in Kampala, Ace had good friends, like soccer teammates Rodney and Ronan, to help him keep up his spirits, especially after his father passed away from cancer. Without those two by his side, school is much harder. There’s a popular boy, Jamie, who isn’t always friendly and makes ignorant, taunting statements about Africa, but he might be the key to Ace’s blending in, just like in the American movies he’s seen. Potential friends Dwayne, Lutti, and Ericksen warn Ace about Jamie, but Ace doubts that the popular kid could be that bad. Meanwhile, his mother and older sister, Olive, worry that Ace focuses too much on socializing rather than studying. With pressures mounting at home and at school, Ace worries that he’ll never be good enough for anyone. Kawooya’s debut novel flows smoothly and is full of charming personalities. The banter between Rodney and Ronan mirrors the playful teasing between Dwayne and Lutti. Many different characters among the multiracial cast offer Ace bits of wisdom that he benefits from. Although his mother sometimes seems like a one-note character, her story adds depth and realism that reflect the plight of many immigrants today.

A heartwarming journey.