Brooklyn, Bugsy, And Me [Hardcover]

Lynea Bowdish (Author), Nancy Carpenter (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 31, 2000 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

Sam gets used to a new home and an old relative

In the summer of 1953, nine-year-old Sam and his mom move to Brooklyn to live with his grandfather. Mom has lost her job and has no prospects back home in West Virginia. So Sam leaves his friends and his fishing and his fabulous countryside and squeezes into Gramps's small, hot, noisy apartment with Mom -- and Dad (in an urn, where he's been since dying in the war). Right away, Sam feels unwelcome. And what's to like about Brooklyn? Then he meets Tony and discovers egg creams and stickball and even a wonderful new kind of fishing. Above all, he finds that his grandfather is not a "cold, unfriendly" man -- and that it was up to Sam to reach out to him, and to figure out why people call him Bugsy.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Nine-year-old Sam narrates Bowdish's (Living with My Stepfather Is Like Living with a Moose) slice-of-life novel set in Brooklyn in 1953. "Don't step on your father," warns Sam's mother in the book's opening line. Right away readers know that she does things a bit differently, including talking to his father's ashes (kept in an urn; he died in WWII) as if she expected an answer. As the novel begins, Sam and his mother are en route from West Virginia to Gramps's Brooklyn home because she has lost her job. Once there, Sam gradually discovers that his seemingly aloof grandfather is not what he appears to be; he is beloved by the neighborhood. Bowdish peppers the narrative with descriptions of August days in the city when kids could still play stickball in the streets, pause for the occasional passing DeSoto and break for an egg cream. The author subtly weaves in the boy's growing insight into Gramps via such supporting characters as Tony, the chatty neighbor boy, and a smiling soda jerk; even the playground bully adores "Bugsy," as they call him. This quiet tale of adapting to a new home will likely offer comfort to readers faced with unexpected change. Final artwork not seen by PW. Ages 7-11. (Mar.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-4-Sam begins his story on the train from his home in West Virginia headed to New York, with his mother and the urn containing his father's ashes. His dad died in World War II just after Sam's birth, but his wife has never fully accepted his death. After losing her job, she decides to move with her nine-year-old son to her father's apartment in Brooklyn. The boy fears that he'll miss the great outdoors and be beaten up by a gang, and he's especially worried about getting along with Gramps, who seems gruff and unapproachable. Slowly, Sam's eyes open to the possibilities for friends, fun (stoopball, stickball, egg creams), and even fishing in the ocean. He gains a new point of view about Brooklyn, and about "Bugsy"-as his grandfather is affectionately known in the neighborhood. Sam's introspective voice rings true for his age and background. His mature understanding of his mother's situation as well as the 1950s setting give this beginning chapter book a slightly sophisticated tone. Bowdish includes many period details, which are reinforced by Carpenter's frequent black-and-white illustrations. An excellent choice.
Pat Leach, Lincoln City Libraries, NE
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); 1st edition (March 31, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374309930
• ISBN-13: 978-0374309930
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,358,464 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Chapter Book, March 26, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Brooklyn, Bugsy, And Me (Hardcover)

This story is a gem not to be missed. Kids will relate to the timeless theme of adapting to a new environment, and they'll cheer for Sam as he learns that "different" can still be "great." Wonderful chapter book for kids in 2nd or 3rd grade. Brooklyn, Bugsy, and Me has more heart than the typical series chapter book produced for this age group. Kudos to Lynea Bowdish!

3.0 out of 5 stars BACK TO THE FIFTIES!, March 31, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Brooklyn, Bugsy, And Me (Hardcover)

A pleasant story about living in Brooklyn in the 50s. Bugsy overcomes his fear of moving to the city -- especialy his fear of all the "delinquents" lurking there. A new friend helps him get to know his own grandfather better. A man who everyone likes -- a man of few words but a good listener.