Kelly 'n' Me [Paperback]

Myron Levoy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2000

Anthony, fifteen, helps his mother, a has-been actress, pay the bills by playing guitar in Central Park. One day he meets Kelly Callahan, a girl with a beautiful voice, singing in the park, and they work up an act together. They become successful street performers- and fall in love. But Kelly is not who she claims to be. When she reveals her true life, their friendship is severely tested. A great deal of action. Will appeal to thoughtful teens.School Library Journal Easy to read and lots of fun.The Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Hoping for donations, Anthony, 15, sings and plays his guitar in New York City's Central Park. He is outshone one summer day by Kelly, a 16-year-old with a remarkable voice. They ultimately team up and begin dating, although Kelly, who claims she's as impoverished as Anthony and his divorced, alcoholic mother, warns of her imminent move to San Francisco. Gradually, the girl tells about her former drug addiction and her contentious relationship with her wealthy parents. After meeting the snobbish couple, Anthony understands Kelly's need to escape. Readers, though, may be less sympathetic; Kelly's past promiscuity, drug arrests and runaway attempts have thoroughly exasperated her parents. She distributes food to the indigent and sees their plight firsthand, but the girl's general contempt for the privileged life renders her ungrateful. Levoy's misguided solution to Kelly's problems seems irresponsible. His dialogue, while natural, contains some profanity. Also, Anthony's breezy narrative grows turbulent in this presentation of two contrasting yet equally unhappy families. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 8-10-- Anthony Milano, struggling to earn money to help his mother pay for their necessities, meets Kelly, a girl who is also playing a guitar and singing outside the Central Park Zoo in New York City. They team up professionally and personally, quickly becoming close enough to share secrets. Anthony's problems are obvious (shy, low self-esteem, his mother drinks too much.) But Kelly is clearly more deeply troubled. She gives all of her earnings away to homeless people; lies about her identity; and eventually reveals that her family is wealthy, that she hates them, and that she wants to run away while they are in Europe. Stunned when her parents are about to make an early return, Kelly convinces herself to face them. She makes a botched attempt to convey her feelings, however, and is determined to leave. Ever thoughtful and loyal to both his mother and Kelly, Anthony is suddenly forced to choose between them. As quickly as things seem to happen in this story, the characters develop slowly and credibly. There is a great deal of action in the simple plot that will appeal to thoughtful teens. --Linda Tashbook, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 212 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (June 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595093566
• ISBN-13: 978-0595093564
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,810,588 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best LIBRARY Book I ever picked up, March 28, 2001

By 

Jenna (Punxsutawney, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kelly 'n' Me (Paperback)

This book is really good, I read the out of date version, cause thats all we basically have at our lousy school library. Anyway, this book portrays of a teenage girl who doesnt tell the truth of her life to a poor boy she falls in love with in Central Park while singing for the tourists to make money. I read this book in 2 days, and when I returned it the librarian said "was this a good book?" and i said it waz excelent and she said "well ok, i guess ill read it now too!". Ever since i returned it, i keep thinking bout it! I wish there was a sequel!!