I Want Answers and a Parachute [Hardcover]

P.J. Petersen (Author), Anna DiVito (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up

As Matt and Jason fly to San Francisco to see their father and his new wife, Matt warns his inquisitive younger brother not to ask too many questions or else Dad will be sorry they came.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-Unanswered questions plague Matt and his little brother, Jason, during their first visit to their father since his remarriage. On the airplane ride to San Francisco, Matt wonders if an old family can be discarded like an old shoe, while Jason loudly worries about each and every new experience. Matt spends the weekend trying to be perfect, and must constantly remind Jason to behave. Blissfully unaware of his sons' concerns, Dad rushes them from one planned activity to the next. It is only after Jason runs away-and is found- that both Matt and his father learn to communicate their true feelings. Similar in style, use of humor, and subject matter to Petersen's I Hate Camping (Dutton, 1991), this book relates real childhood concerns and fears in a nonthreatening manner. Yet it is this light style that creates one-dimensional, overwrought characters. Jason's repeated questioning becomes an irritating whine, and the adults appear insensitive. DiVito's cartoon illustrations depict many of the story's humorous moments and nicely complement this quick read.
Bonnie Siegel, Westacres Public Library, West Bloomfield, MI
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-6. Petersen's lively story has a poignant sweetness that really sneaks up on you. Matt's little brother, Jason, has always been a worrier, and he's more anxious than ever as the brothers set off for a two-day visit with their father. Can people get their money back if they decide not to fly? Will the airplane crash? What about a parachute? But this time, it's not just Jason who's apprehensive. Matt is scared, too, because their father will be meeting them with his new wife and four-year-old daughter, Cathy, and Matt wants to be sure that everything is perfect. As it turns out, nothing goes right--until Jason disappears, forcing Dad and Matt (along with Jason, who didn't go far) to confront questions about love and family they've all lacked the courage to ask. A warmhearted story with strong child characters, this tackles a complicated topic with humor and integrity. Jason may be asking for a parachute, but what he really wants is some honesty, respect, and a reassuring hug. Stephanie Zvirin

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (October 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671865773
• ISBN-13: 978-0671865771
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,061,543 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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