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THE OPPOSITE OF LOVE

A biracial teen living in a Pennsylvania town makes a difference by fostering an abandoned Hispanic child. As the only black in a white town, 17-year-old Madge has felt like “the black button in the white button box.” An ex-con and illegal alien, Madge’s single-parent mom frequently disappears, leaving Madge to fend for herself with support from her Aunt Liz, her best friend Serena and her boyfriend Krishna. Madge’s skin has always made her feel like a pariah until she visits her cousin in New York City where she finds Timmy, a four-year-old brown-skinned boy who seems alone and at risk. Impulsively, Madge “rescues” Timmy, bringing him home to Pennsylvania. Madge soon realizes raising a child may be more than she can handle. As she becomes attached to Timmy, Madge learns that Timmy’s aunt in New York wants him back. In the end, Madge makes the right decision by refusing to be indifferent. Mature language and realistic life situations lend verisimilitude to this compelling drama of a young woman’s brave stand against abuse and intolerance. (author’s note) (Fiction. 13-17)

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2007

ISBN: 978-0-670-06135-8

Page Count: 304

Publisher: Viking

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2007

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GLORIA'S WAY

Fans of Cameron’s Huey and Julian stories (More Stories Huey Tells, 1997, etc.) are in for a treat as Gloria, their friend from those tales, gets a book of her own and graciously allows the two brothers to share it . In the first tale, Gloria makes a wonderful card for her mother, but the wind blows it away and it ends up in the cage of a cantankerous parrot. Thanks to Mr. Bates, Huey and Julian’s dad, the day is saved, as is the burgeoning friendship that Gloria and the boys have struck up with new neighbor Latisha in the story, “The Promise.” In another story, Gloria has to deal with a huge problem—fractions—and this time it’s her dad who helps her through it. Mr. Bates proves helpful again when the group trains an “obsessed” puppy, while Gloria’s mother is supportive when Gloria is unintentionally hurt by her three best friends. The stories are warm and funny, as Gloria, a spunky kid who gets into some strange predicaments, finds out that her friends and wise, loving adults are good to have around when trouble beckons. Great fun, with subtly placed, positive messages that never take center stage. (b&w illustrations) (Fiction. 8-12)

Pub Date: March 9, 2000

ISBN: 0-374-32670-3

Page Count: 93

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2000

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MY FRIEND AND I

A skirmish over a favorite stuffed rabbit nearly destroys a friendship and the toy itself, but well-timed physical and emotional bandaging saves the day. When a little boy moves in next door to a little girl they quickly becomes friends and start sharing toys. This works well for cars, trucks, bears, and balls, but when the boy shows up with a new stuffed rabbit, cooperation goes out the window. In the ensuing tug-of-rabbit, each child yanks on the poor bunny’s ears until the stitching gives way. Figuring out a way to repair the rabbit also eventually patches up the friendship. Minor battles rage in homes and preschools everywhere, so children and adults alike will appreciate this subtle example of a peaceful resolution to toy disputes. Jahn-Clough’s pleasantly stubby children convey both healthy loud-mouthed anger and substantial charm. (Picture book. 3-8)

Pub Date: March 1, 1999

ISBN: 0-395-93545-8

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1999

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