The Way It Works (Rapid Reads)
Gr 8 Up-Walter Davis is an industrious young man who has become homeless through no fault of his own. As he struggles to regain his footing after his mother's debilitating illness and death, the story explores the plight of the unemployed and inexperienced trying to make a living in difficult economic times. Especially intriguing are the details about how Walter maintains some respectability while living out of his car, and how other characters respond when they learn that he is homeless. The plot wraps up a bit too neatly, and some may find the overall tone a tad simplistic. Still, reluctant readers will be drawn to the fast-moving story with its modern, urban setting and sympathetic, true-to-life hero.-Eliza Langhans, Hatfield Public Library, MA (c) Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.