The years of puberty and growing up are full of confusing and unpredictable feelings, especially for a girl who lives her whole life in the shadow of her musically gifted twin sister. While everyone dotes over the delicate, sweet, and talented Caroline, the tomboyish Louise—known as “Wheeze” to her friends—feels cursed by God and forsaken by man. The pressures she feels are not at all relieved by life on an isolated island in Chesapeake bay, where the men follow the water and the women are almost fanatically religious, where her demented grandmother lives downstairs and the one thing Louise wants—to be able to go crabbing with her father in his boat—is denied her because she is a girl.

This story is a revealing look at a sometimes harsh, often exhilirating, way of life amid the waters of Chesapeake bay. At the same time, it is like a very frank confession, revealing the innermost (and often not the prettiest) passions of a troubled, teenaged heart. But some good does come out of her bottled-up anger and frustration. Louise gradually moves out of Caroline’s shadow, accepts the kind of love her parents cherish for her, and follows her own stars. It is a passionate and colorful journey, full of beauty, laughter, sorrow, and the painful but rewarding experience of growing up.

Ms. Paterson’s other works include another Newbery Medal book (Bridge to Terabithia), a Newbery Honor book (The Great Gilly Hopkins), and two books that won the National Book Award. I gather from the brief bio at the end of this book that her life is at least as interesting as the fictional worlds she has created. Nevertheless, a book, not a life, can be read. I think you will enjoy this one.

Robbie Fischer
USA

Recommended Age: 12+

5/4/2005

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