From Publishers Weekly
Alternating the points of view of shy, small-town Glory and outspoken Marvalene, Wood (When Pigs Fly) writes a poignant story about friendship and discontent. The two girls, both 13, meet on the fairgrounds where Marvalene and her parents work as "carnies." Glory, painfully self-conscious of a large birthmark on her face, wishes she could be as confident as Marvalene; Marvalene, tired of living in a trailer and helping to sell corn dogs, longs to be as rooted as Glory. While they come to the unsurprising conclusion that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, the lesson is hard for them to learn, punctuated by betrayal and disillusionment. The protagonists are unconventional enough to be interesting and complex enough to be believable, and Wood respects them; she does not trivialize their problems with pat solutions. Colorful minor charactersAincluding the reclusive new boarder in Glory's grandma's house, who Marvalene suspects is actually Glory's allegedly dead motherAadd an extra dimension to the novel; so do details about "carnie" life and Glory's grandmother's second-hand shop. Readers may not want to trade lives with either heroine, but they will enjoy vicariously experiencing the warmth of their growing camaraderie. Ages 10-14. (Sept.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Grade 6-9-An intriguing plot, abundant dialogue, and rich inner monologues intricately portray the negotiation of friendship between two 13-year-olds, both longing for a different lifestyle, in the outskirts of Turnback, MO. Glory has lived with her Gram since the death of her single mother 10 years earlier. When Marvalene and her carnival family come to the fairgrounds across the highway, Glory is determined to overcome shyness and shame over a large facial birthmark, to make friends with the girl. Outgoing, impulsive Marvalene is desperate to make friends with a town girl. Throughout the story, they work through their personality differences, as well as the mutual prejudices of their communities, often meeting secretly. In the end, both girls come to realize that they have what they need and want-loving, supportive families. Many of the characters have suffered significant loss, yet live with hope and have a positive outlook, including Marvalene's mother, who, no longer able to dance because of a debilitating stroke, works hard as a fortune-teller. Several subplots are skillfully woven into the plot, but none of the ends are neatly tied up, leaving room for thought and discussion. Adolescents who are questioning their lives and looking beyond appearances will appreciate this contemporary story. It's as satisfying as a hot, crisp corn dog at a carnival.
Laura Scott, Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
