He believes his father is the great jazz player Herman E. Calloway. Although it is the Depression, and Bud has no money, he does have some good things going for him. He's savvy, funny, and spirited - and he has a knack for adventure and finding happy endings. Nat Field, still suffering from his father's suicide, finds escape in his talent for acting. He is thrilled when selected to be part of an American summer drama troupe asked to play in the new replica of Shakespeare's Globe theater.
Time travel can be tricky, but transitions here are smooth and effective.
The history, adventure, and fine cast of characters are well-honed story ingredients that make for entertaining reading. The well-told story is full of outrageous humor. But it is a tale that has a serious side and will make youngsters think about the consequences of one's actions. We meet author Katherine Paterson's, irrepressible protagonist, Robbie, as he and his close friend hoist Mabel Cramm's bloomers up the flagpole on Decoration Day. Robbie, uncertain where he fits into his good and wise family and also confused about his relationship to God, decides he should stop trying to please the Almighty.