From School Library Journal
Grade 2-6-In this photographic picture book, a boy narrates the story of how his family used to be happy, but now, his parents are arguing more and more. Hand-tinted, black-and-white photographs show him playing and doing some household jobs, but continually worrying about the tensions in his home. He says he's scared, mad, and sad, all at the same time. The text is brief, one to four sentences per page, with the pictures dominating the presentation. The ending is not neatly resolved: "I guess children can't fix grown-ups' problems." This is not a "divorce" book, per se, but rather an interesting approach to an issue not often explored in juvenile nonfiction. This title may provide points to ponder or discuss for youngsters in the same predicament.
Linda Beck, Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, PA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Linda Beck, Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, PA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Ages 5-8. In this fictional photoessay, a young boy describes the impact of his parents' marital problems on his feelings. As he tries to understand, his emotions swing wildly from bewilderment to fear to anger. Ultimately, he realizes "children can't fix grownups' problems" and that although some things change, some things (like his parents' love for him) stay the same. The parents' problems are not detailed: the emphasis is on the boy--his feelings and questions, from "Is this my fault" to "How can I help?" The firstperson narrative is simply presented, and handtinted photos capture the boy's changing emotions --when he's alone, with family and friends, or engaged in familiar daily activities. Snapshots lend a sense of realism to the text, but the photos may confuse some younger children who may forget that the book is fiction. Still, the presentation of how parents' marital problems can diversely impact children may provide a stepping stone to family discussions. Shelle Rosenfeld
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
