Customer Reviews

Finding Stinko

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You know those books that are great stories but the writing is sort of lame? (You know which ones I mean). And then there are books that have really good prose and thoughtful turns of phrases, but they require a shock-collar-zap to make you turn the page because they are dullsville. And then there are books like "Finding Stinko."
DeGuzman's short novel has the right touch of thrifty prose and fast-paced plot, hitting the target exactly with fine writing and a fine story line. In it, the lifer foster-kid, Newboy, makes a break from his latest loveless foster home at the Knox's, who "made a business of their boys". Newboy hasn't been able to talk for years, probably because it wasn't worth the trouble. But once he's on the run, he finds a ratty ventrilaquist dummy in a dumptster, and names him Stinko. To Newboy's surprise and delight, Stinko does all the talking for him.
In this urban quest for freedom and family, Newboy and Stinko must elude bullies and crooks, cops and caretakers. The chase is on, and there is hardly a second for Newboy to feel sorry for himself, or the street kids who become his friends and enemies. "Stinko" is gritty without being profane. Its backdrop is hard but not hopeless. In the end, when Newboy sticks out his thumb with his two new buddies and a dummy, I was sure he was hitching to a far better place, and it was the beginning of something good.

A destitute teen mother abandons her infant in an apartment building, leaving a note with him, printed in childish block letters. "His name is Newboy. He is one week old. Please take care of him. I can't."

By the time Newboy is twelve years old he has stopped talking, and after a series of uncaring foster homes, he is sent to the worst one yet. Medical examinations and testing do not reveal a cause for his silence, but for Newboy, life is just easier that way. The Knoxes keep their flock of foster children on a very rigid schedule and all Newboy can think about is escaping to a freedom that he imagines will be much better.

When he does escape, he takes refuge in a garbage bin where he finds a foul-smelling and damaged ventriloquist's dummy. He names the doll "Stinko." Newboy is able to talk through the dummy and express himself for the first time in several years. Newboy meets other runaways like himself living on the dangerous streets and they form alliances that help them survive. Mr. and Mrs. Knox are relentlessly searching for him...after all, the State pays them for his care.

This is a touching story of hardship, survival, and the friendships of children struggling against nearly insurmountable odds. Newboy's innate sense of right and wrong and his moral values remain intact in spite of his troubles and the young hoodlums that confront him.

de Guzman keeps the tempo fast-paced and exciting, with a cast of wonderful, compelling characters, as Newboy dodges his foster parents and young thugs that mean him harm and races toward a satisfying climax. I highly recommend this book...the short length and rapid pace will make it especially attractive to reluctant readers.

Reviewed by: Grandma Bev