The Manny (His Theories of American literature ; v. 2) [Hardcover]

Sarah L. Thomson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 5, 2005 | Series: His Theories of American literature ; v. 2

Justin Blakewell has the perfect summer job: he’s a manny—a male nanny— in the Hamptons.You say girls are nannies? That’s right. What better way to meet and impress them? Justin’s mission: to date rich, bikini-clad beauties all summer long.Taking care of four- year-old Aspen causes some hilarious mishaps, but all goes as planned—until Justin falls for the wrong girl. Liz isn’t rich or beautiful. But she might teach Justin a few things about wooing women . . . and growing up. Justin’s sidesplitting narrative of his comic misadventures makes this breezy novel the hottest thing on the beach.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7-10–Justin is a mostly typical NYC teen, perhaps a little more mature than some; his widowed mother has tried to teach him respect, and he understands the importance of ironing before an interview. Justin has also realized something that most guys don't know–baby-sitting is tough but lucrative–and that's why he is summering in the Hamptons. He plans to spend five hours a day baby-sitting and the rest of the time impressing girls with his caring, sensitive side. But things don't work out; the romance with wealthy Serafina is expensive and fizzles out, and when Justin realizes he likes down-to-earth local girl Liz, it may be too late (although room is left for a sequel). This is a breezy read, but like Melissa de la Cruz's The Au Pairs (S & S, 2004), there are moments of social commentary regarding the way the wealthy neglect their children (which plays out dramatically with Liz's unpleasant employer) and the gap between the haves (summer people) and have-nots (hired help and locals). Justin is an engaging narrator–his too-good-to-be-true sensitive guy nature is nicely played off by his cluelessness in dealing with girls and his mom's blossoming romance–and even Serafina and Liz, cast in stock roles, feel real. This is not quite a soap opera–partying is minor and romance is kissing–but it is satisfying summer fun that will appeal to girls who wish there were more guys like Justin and want their beach reads reasonably clean.–Karyn N. Silverman, Elizabeth Irwin High School, New York City
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Review

A fun, light read. -- Children’s Literature --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
  
• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile; 1st edition (May 5, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525474137
• ISBN-13: 978-0525474135
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,660,226 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Sarah L. Thomson is the author of Stars and Stripes: The Story of the American Flag, a Nebraska Golden Sower Award finalist; all the Wildlife Conservation Society I Can Read Books, including Amazing Tigers!, winner of an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award; and What Lincoln Said, written with "admirable simplicity" (ALA Booklist). Sarah lives in Portland, Maine.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great summer fun, May 31, 2005

By 

Joseph P. Corbett "Library Man" (St. Louis, MO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Manny (His Theories of American literature ; v. 2) (Hardcover)

I am a elementary school librarian, and I just finished this book. It is perfect summer reading for ages 5th through 8th and above. It has all the elements kids are looking for in a book starting with humor. The main character, Justin, has just the right voice to carry the book off as he takes a job as a nanny but being a guy he is a "manny." Romance that isn't cheeseball, dialogue that is realistic, situations that seem all too real and an ending that works just as it should. A winner all the way around.