It Was September When We Ran Away the First Time (Hardcover)

~ D. James Smith (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5–8—In this third tale about Paolo, now in junior high; his deaf cousin, Billy; and his younger brother, Georgie, the Red Scare has penetrated even California's Central Valley in 1951. This makes for fun spy-hunting on the town's residents, an entertaining alternative when the trio tires of running away part-time to their tree house, planning for the Monsignor's Halloween carnival, or training their giant dog to attack—or at least to bark on command. When Billy and his Chinese girlfriend hold hands around school and town, trouble quickly escalates from a thrown rock to a fire at the tree house to vandalism. The story is filled with colorful characters, richly evocative language, and episodes both poignant and charmingly funny. As Paolo learns lessons of tolerance and friendship during a time of burgeoning suspicion, sensitive readers will understand that their importance is timeless. Serve this slice of Paolo's hectic and colorful life to fans of Smith's The Boys of San Joaquin (2005) and Probably the World's Best Story about a Dog and the Girl Who Loved Me (2006, both S & S)—and anyone you might persuade to take a bite.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA
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From Booklist

Even those who have not read The Boys of San Joaquin (2005) and Probably the World’s Best Story about a Dog and the Girl Who Loved Me (2006) will enjoy this touching follow-up mystery. The playful, heartbreaking story is narrated by seventh-grader Paolo O’Neill, who lives with his large Italian Irish extended family in San Joaquin, California, in the early 1950s. When Paolo’s deaf cousin and best friend, Billy, gets close with Veronica, who is Chinese, local prejudice causes trouble. Who burns down the O’Neill kids’ tree house and sprays racist insults on their garage? Is it the poor, white Jensen brothers? And is the biology teacher on his ham radio a secret Commie? Paolo’s wry narrative is sometimes too adult. The plot twists and turns with real surprises, though, and the story is rooted in a strong sense of a diverse community consumed with cold war paranoia. Paolo’s scrappy bond with Billy is the heart of the story as they sign together about their anger, confusion, and sense of lasting friendship. Grades 5-8. --Hazel Rochman

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum; 1 edition (September 9, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416938095
• ISBN-13: 978-1416938095
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,609,498 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)