Yes, I Know the Monkey Man
Grade 4-7–Life with her irresponsible father has left 13-year-old T.J. wary and independent. She must come to terms with the fact that the father she loves allowed the rest of her family to spend 10 years believing she was dead. When she reluctantly goes to visit the mother and twin sister who are effectively strangers to her, it is painful and awkward for everyone. Picking up roughly whereDo You Know the Monkey Man?(Peachtree, 2005) left off, this narrative switches from Samantha's to T.J.'s point of view. The events of the first book are well-integrated, allowing T.J.'s story to stand alone or to be read as a sequel. While the plot revolves around developing relationships and shifting perspectives, the pace is quick and there is enough action and tension to make this a good candidate for reluctant readers. The implausible backstory won't bother kids, nor will the other minor flaws, including a rather abrupt resolution. They'll find it highly readable, and it might even make them think about the effect of parents' behavior on who one becomes.–Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, ILCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.