From: Christine Hill <chill>
Date: Tue, 05 Dec 2000 13:34:26 -0500

I also thought Joey Pigza Loses Control was superb, just as good as the first book. It was a real tour de force of point of view, as Joey's perceptions changed from wacky but well-intentioned, to impetuous and scattered to completely wired as his "meds" wore off. The subtle changes from chapter to chapter were wonderfully rendered. The other thing I admired was that although Joey's father's alcoholism was shown realistically, the book was not the tiniest bit sensationalized, or reduced to a
"problem novel." Every turn of the plot grew out of the characters' interactions, including Joey's.

My other favorite middle grade novels of the year were: Walking to the Bus Rider Blues by Harriet Robinet- Alfa's is the most distinctive and appealing narrative voice since Bud's. The Girls by Amy Goldman Koss- Koss has middle school down cold. I think she is the best school story writer since Louis Sachar stopped doing them.

Christine M. Hill Willingboro Public Library One Salem Road Willingboro, NJ 08046 chlill at willingboro.oeg
Received on Tue 05 Dec 2000 12:34:26 PM CST