Way to Go, Alex (Concept Books (Albert Whitman))
Kindergarten-Grade 2-Pulver has lost her usual deft touch in this story of a young boy's efforts in the Special Olympics. Carly longs for something to brag about and celebrate, but her brother has mental retardation and can't do things like most other kids. During the 50-meter dash, he stops short of the finish line, thinking that the ribbon means he should stop. In the end, Carly sees that Alex had the courage to try. The writing is stiff and almost self-conscious. The illustrations are stiff as well, and don't really show Alex as anything but slightly clumsy. As a result, both Carly's learning experience and her brother's victory have a hollow feel to them.Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, NYCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.