From Publishers Weekly
Danziger celebrates New York City in this story of a teenage girl (the only one of her gang spending the summer in the city), her brother Oscar (O. K.to his friends, age 10) and Frank Lee (he's 15, from a Wisconsin farm), who all embark on a six-week-long scavenger hunt devised by their parents. The threesome, nicknamed The Serendipities, are being offered, according to their parents, "an absolutely, wonderful, marvelous educational experience in which they will search for objects, facts, people, and places." If they complete the contract, the grand prize is a trip to England for the two families. With characteristic humor, tart language and quick phrasing, Danziger's teenagers not only share a summer getting to know each other but also explore the riches of a city often perceived as dirty and dangerous. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Grade 6-9 Kendra Kaye, 14, is not looking forward to spending the summer in New York City with her bratty little brother, Oscar (O.K.)until her parents announce that a 15-year-old farm boy from Wisconsin is going to live with them for the summer. Both sets of parents scheme up a scavenger hunt for the three kids which forces them to explore all of Manhattan. Frank turns out to be a good-looking guy (with a girlfriend back home), and the three set out to have a good time seeing the sights of New York City. By the end of the summer, Frank's girlfriend dumps him, and his and Kendra's friendship has grown to a very close relationship. Danziger has scored a hit again with her realistic characters, believable dialogue, and smooth style. As in This Place Has No Atmosphere (Delacorte, 1986), she makes good use of puns and seems to have fun in developing her characters. It's refreshing to read a book whose characters develop a special friendship without the subject of sex intervening. Readers will also learn many facts about New York City (through the scavenger hunt); Danziger incorporates these into the story without making it too heavy. An entertaining story. Bonnie L. Raasch, C.B. Vernon Middle School, Marion, Iowa
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.