Midget [Hardcover]

Tim Bowler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1995 | Age Level: 11 and up

Left under his older brother's care when his mother dies in childbirth, Midget, a physically challenged boy, is viciously abused by his brother throughout his first fifteen years, and Midget's only friend is an elderly boat builder.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

With its supernatural elements and cautionary moralizing, this British import might have been a Twilight Zone episode. Teenage Midget, abnormally small, can barely speak and has fits as a result of the secret abuse he suffers at the hands of his psychopathic older brother, Seb, who is to outward appearances utterly devoted. His one solace is to escape to the marina, where he watches Old Joseph restore a wooden sailboat. Before long Midget discovers that whatever he pictures comes true, whether it's his new therapist cutting himself on a letter opener or, after Old Joseph dies and wills him the boat (called The Miracle Man), besting Seb in a lengthily described sailing race. Seb almost murders Midget; in return, Midget wills him to be mortally injured. But Midget learns the meaning of Old Joseph's warning that evil comes from wishing for a "bad" miracle, and spares his brother, whose true colors are finally known to all. Even so, Midget is unable to forgive him and heeds Seb's girlfriend's plea to "sacrifice that part of you that hates" by sacrificing his whole self. There is no rule that successful YA novels must have a happy ending, but surely Bowler could have found a wiser resolution to this already creepy tale than having its hero walk into the sea just when his future starts to look brighter. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9?Fifteen-year-old Midget, who is physically handicapped, speech impaired, and subject to seizures, lives in fear of his 17-year-old brother, Seb, who blames him for their mother's death during childbirth. To everyone else, Seb appears to be a concerned, doting brother, but to Midget, he is a torturer whose death threats and physical abuse during the night induce the young man's uncontrollable seizures. Only daydreaming about sailing offers Midget peace. But when he inherits a boat from an unusual elderly man, he discovers that he can make things happen simply by visualizing them, which proves to be increasingly dangerous for Seb as his abusive acts fuel Midget's desire for revenge. As Midget explores the extent of his abilities, he learns that power comes at a price. Set in England's Leigh-on-Sea, this psychological thriller is immediately engaging, as readers witness one of Seb's nightly visits to Midget's room. Suspenseful and fast-paced throughout, the novel provides a chilling glimpse at sibling rivalry at its worst and the Jekyll and Hyde personality it precipitates in Seb. There's no predictable or happy resolution to the conflict; the ending hauntingly demonstrates the danger power poses to those who abuse it.?Kelly Diller, Humboldt High School, IA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry (October 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689801157
• ISBN-13: 978-0689801150
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #286,903 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Midget, January 7, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Midget (Paperback)

I can not recommend this book. I agree with the editorial review that the ending does *not* show any growth by the characters in this story and the british slang is difficult to translate. My son, age 16, was born with multiple birth defects and he was very disappointed in how Midgets' relationship to his family, school and community was so very stereotypical. The author shows very little understanding of persons who have disabilities. We weren't expecting a happy ending to this depressing book and still the ending chosen by the author is very disappointing.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excitement with new vocabulary for young readers., January 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Midget (Hardcover)

Danger, persecution, imagery, and struggle make this story attractive enough to motivate even a busy young reader to finish it ... probably in 3 days. Teachers will appreciate how its complexity invites variety in oral discussion and written analysis. Its practical length fits well into a typical week's cramped lesson plan.