Reviewed by Sara Rozen, 14, Grade 8, Fairfield Middle School, Fairfield, IA

Greenwillow Books, Copyright 1989

This powerful and unforgettable story of a boy who is not exactly perfect, excellently portrays the life anyone might have to lead. Crutcher introduces new feelings and emotions that you never knew could take place from reading a book. In this particular story, you hear about a boy named Angus, and his life, in his own words. You feel what he's thinking and laugh because it's so funny, but on the other hand, it's sad because sometimes he can't help being in the situations that he is in. He has to walk the same rugged territory of life everyday. He is extremely fat, his parents are homosexual, and he likes a girl who doesn't like him. That's a feeling that any reader can relate to, and Crutcher incorporates that very well. Angus gets in a fight and he shows his bravery by stopping and not wasting his time on such an obviously immature person. I love the way Crutcher mixes such serious feelings with hilarious comments. He has a really great sense of humor which should immediately attract all readers.

Language Arts Teacher: Virginia Broz, Fairfield, IA

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