From School Library Journal
Grade 7-10 Steve Michaels (Wart) is the unhappy son of an unhappy, unpopular science teacher whom the students have christened "Toad." The two live together in great tension three years following the accidental death of the boy's mother and younger sister. "The Toad" vents his frustrations onto his students, who in turn taunt his son. But Steve has other problems. He's the non-academic son of a demanding father. He wants to follow his natural bent and become a mechanic, the sole area where he is both happy and successful. Neither father nor son seems able to help the other. As Steve puts it, "We were connected by blood and the past, but no real lines of communication." The resolution of this problem, as well as several connecting story lines including a romantic angle, is nicely done. Carter is strong on characterizationreaders can connect with any of his readily recognizable peopleand Steve is a refreshing protagonist. Bewildered, afraid and sometimes angry, he comes far closer to reality than some of the overly-wise, sophisticated teenagers of many of today's novels and TV programs. Steve's first-person narrative is sprinkled with profanities; he is an unhappy young man expressing his frustrations realistically and in tune with his character. The father, with his faults uncovered, is nonetheless presented with empathy. In all, a good performance. Robert Unsworth, Scarsdale Junior School High Library, N.Y.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Card catalog description
Sixteen-year-old Steve's adjustment to high school is made more difficult by the unpopularity of his strict father, a biology teacher known as Toad.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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- More Rip-Roaring Reads for Reluctant Teen Readers: by Bette D. Ammon on page 34, page 87, and page 90
- Rip-Roaring Reads for Reluctant Teen Readers: by Gale W. Sherman on page 101, and page 104
- Literature of Delight: A Critical Guide to Humorous Books for Children by Kimerly Olson Fakih on page 21, and page 151
- The War of 1812: Second Fight for Independence (First Book) by Alden R. Carter in Back Matter
- No Easy Answers: Short Stories About Teenagers Making Tough Choices by Donald R. Gallo on page 293
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