From: Steven Engelfried <sengelfried>
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 10:10:40 -0800

I just this week finished two of the funniest books of the year. "Jack Adrift" is kind of a prequel to Jack Gantos' other "Jack" books, and he's just as funny in fourth grade. There's some terrific dialogue, especially with his father, and several situations that made me laugh out loud, such as when Jack decides to choose a steamy romance novel for his fourth grade book report. Ann Fine's "The True Story of Christmas" has an extended family full of eccentric adults and obnoxious kids
(well, some of the adults are pretty obnoxious too) getting through a couple chaotic days of Christmas. The chapter called "Sorry," in which Mum explains in great detail what she goes through every Christmas and all Dad can get in is a few pathetic "sorry's" is great. Great Granny is a wonderful curmudgeon and every other character also has a distinct personality, depite the shortness of the book. Not your typical heartwarming holiday tale, but very funny.

- Steven Engelfried, Head of Youth Services
 Beaverton City Library
 12375 SW 5th Street
 Beaverton, OR 97005
 503R6%99
 sengelfried at ci.beaverton.or.us
Received on Thu 18 Dec 2003 12:10:40 PM CST