Available:*
Material Type | Library | Call Number | Suggested Age | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Book | Searching... Williamson Public Library | JF ADL | Young Adult | Searching... Unknown |
Bound With These Titles
On Order
Summary
Summary
In helping his new friend and classmate Marla solve her problems with her unpleasant home life, eleven-year-old Willie finds a greater acceptance of and by his perfectionist father.
Author Notes
C. S. Adler is the author of many novels for young readers, including the recent One Unhappy Horse and Winning. She lives on Cape Cod and in Arizona.
Reviews (5)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-6-Willie is a likable fifth grader who has trouble concentrating, especially in school. He's somewhat naive, a bit of a joker, but consistently honest and loyal. His father is temporarily home full time after a dispute with his boss and has apparently just become aware of his son's shortcomings. The boy's poor academic performance and his dog's lack of training become primary targets of his father's criticism. Then, a new girl moves to the area. Marla is shy, quiet, and leery of Willie's overeager attention. His persistence and kindness win out, and eventually Marla learns to trust him. Their friendship is short-lived but the boy succeeds in helping her through a hard time in her life and in accepting yet another move. Willie's interactions with his parents, particularly his father, are important throughout the short novel, and in the end he does earn the man's praise. However, this story is primarily about his relationship with Marla. Although the plot is rather thin and some of the characters are not fully developed, Willie shines through as a believable child who is wise beyond his years.-Marilyn Long Graham, Lee County Library System, Fort Myers, FL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
In spite of his best intentions, fifth-grader Willie never seems to measure up to the expectations of either his humorless teacher or his exacting father, who merely wants Willie to ``concentrate.'' Even Marla, the new girl, is reluctant to respond to Willie's friendly overtures because, as she explains, ``You don't fit, and people won't like me if they see me with you.'' Only his indulgent mother seems to appreciate Willie's ample good qualities, but she also comes across as immature and weak. Ultimately Willie does win Marla over and in the process makes a dent in his relationship with his father, but these small triumphs are hard-earned--and Marla almost immediately moves away. The lack of sympathetic, strong adults and Willie's naive vulnerability are not an entirely credible combination, much less a comfortable one. Ages 9-12. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
Tenacious and kindhearted fifth-grader Willie Feldman feels determined to overcome his difficulty concentrating on school and home-related tasks. Despite tension at home and the disappointing move of a new friend, Willie matures and begins to feel more confident. Realistic characterization and a compelling plot make for a good read. From HORN BOOK 1994, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Unlike protagonists in such Adler novels as Goodbye, Pink Pig (1985), who escape into fantasy when the going gets tough, Willie Feldman, 11, faces his problems head on--but keeps getting distracted. Only child of a May-December marriage, he's indulged by his mother and constantly criticized by an overbearing father whose protest against company policy has resulted in an extended leave from his job. Willie, class clown, does poorly in school; his beloved dog Booboo misbehaves, raising Dad's ire and threats of a return to the pound. Still, Willie's problems seem minor compared to those of Marla Carter, whose malcontent father has repeatedly moved her and her ailing mother, with resulting financial hardship and social isolation. Their friendship has hardly had a chance to blossom when Marla's dad announces another move, prompting her to run away and giving Willie his chance to be a ``prince'' by finding her and convincing her that this move, close to her mother's family, will be a good one. Willie's innocent wisdom shines through as he speculates to Marla about their parents: ``We have to keep trusting them even when they mess up, because they're the adults and we need them.'' Readers will warm to the endearing pair even as they recoil at (and perhaps recognize from experience) their parents' weakness and ineptitude. (Fiction. 9-11)
Booklist Review
Gr. 4-7. Willie is having a hard time, both in the fifth grade and at home with his dad. He doesn't concentrate in school, choosing instead the role of class clown. He can't do anything right at home either, and his too-strict dad gives him very little credit for what he does accomplish. Willie's irresponsibility and his dad's irrationality almost cause the loss of Willie's beloved dog, Booboo. Though Willie is only 11, his relationship with his dad will speak to slightly older YAs as well. Willie feels powerless under his dad's influence and, at times, questions whether his dad loves him at all. It is through Willie's reaching out to befriend his old pal Jackson and the new girl Marla that Willie comes to believe in his own worth. This is a story of friendships and difficult relationships. Willie's developing sense of self-worth and insight into his father as a person make this book a good read for the thinking preteen. ~--Susan DeRonne
