Reviews of Chigger
Over the years, I've published many acclaimed non-fiction photo-essays for children and adults. But I've also published ghost stories and mysteries (The Fresh Grave, The Ghost of Honeymoon Creek, Shadow Island, and Dripping Blood Cave), which children love.
Recently, I've also published a sweet, humorous novel that appeals to children and adults—anyone who enjoys a "good read." Here are some of the positive reviews:
BOOKLIST
Chigger
Bial, Raymond (author).
Jan. 2012. 220p. Motes, paperback, $14 (9781934894385). Grades 4-6.
REVIEW. First published March 23, 2012 (Booklist Online).
It’s April 1959 when Chigger joins Luke’s fifth-grade class. For all her “fighting, cussing, and bragging,” she is tight-lipped about her personal life. Still, Chigger lets Luke know that she likes him. He is reluctant to befriend her but, over a long, eventful summer, finds her the best companion he has ever had. Swayed by rumors flying around their small Indiana town, Luke’s mother is reluctant to even let Chigger into the house, but gradually she opens the family circle to include this tough but needy girl. The characters are well drawn and consistent. While Luke’s first-person narrative has an episodic structure, Chigger’s closely held secret creates a tension that is relieved only near the story’s end. The story’s period setting stays sharply in focus throughout the book. Within that context, Chigger’s f-word “cussing” sounds even more shocking than it would today, yet the one time it’s used serves a purpose. Though the occasional tinge of memoir may resonate with adults more than with children, the story has broad appeal.
Carolyn Phelan
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
Chigger
By BIAL, RAYMOND
on AUGUST 1, 2012 | Grades 5-up
Gr 5–7—In the Roscoe, Indiana, of 1959, girls don't have names reserved for boys, they don't wear jeans, they would never defy a teacher's orders; they prefer jump rope over marbles-and of course, girls would never use profanity (nor would anyone). That is until Eddie Heck moves to town. Soon nicknamed Chigger by Buzz, one of a nasty trio of boys, she challenges standard expectations for behavior. Her colorful language is sometimes explicit but fitting for her character and experiences. As the summer before sixth grade starts, Chigger tenaciously befriends Luke Zielinski, also an outsider. He is a relative newcomer to Roscoe (his dad is in the Air Force), the family is Catholic in a primarily Protestant town, and his sensitivity to animals and people prevents him from enjoying horror movies and shooting rifles. His narration reveals the gradual evolution of his friendship with Chigger. Initial ambivalence grows into a deep friendship with both children maturing, questioning expectations, saving baby chicks, reveling in newfound newspaper celebrity, and revealing and ultimately confronting dangerous family secrets. Though this is a nostalgic look at a time gone by, the emotions remain true. While some adult characters simply move the plot along, others, such as Zeke's parents and the sixth-grade teacher, provide a refreshing look at the adult world and its sometimes indecipherable (at least to children) interactions. Ultimately, all ends in a satisfying and generally plausible way; Chigger reveals and embraces her given name without sacrificing her nickname, and there is a satisfactory comeuppance for her nemesis.—Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at Washington DC Public Library
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
Chigger
Raymond Bial
Motes
9781934894385, $14.00, www.motesbooks.com
Change brings the unknown, and the unknown can be frightening. “Chigger” is a novel set in the late 1950s as young girl who wants to be called Eddie comes into her town and finds a town suspicious of her. In her quest to blend in, Eddie faces many challenges and drives herself to succeed, in this heartwarming tale that is honest and not so honest about the fond memories of the 1950s. “Chigger” is an excellent and choice read, highly recommended.
LOCKET IN MY POCKET
Momma's been reading! And by Momma I mean me. I finished another book, which makes like five in the last nine months, which is really great considering I was in school last semester. Most recently I read Chigger by Raymond Bial. A local annual event called the SOKY Book Fest boasts dozens of authors, most of whom are from surrounding states, who set up shop signing and selling their work. It's lovely and dreadful all at the same time. On one hand, you can actually meet, discuss, and network with tons of talented people. But on the other hand, hopeful authors interpreting my interest level while I read summaries on the inside flap of their blood, sweat and tears is enough to send me out the door for fear of hurting someone's feelings. Mr. Bial was seated at one of the first tables I visited and as I skimmed the back of Chigger he proudly detailed the sweet story. Edwina, or “Eddie” as she goes by, is new to the small town of Roscoe, Indiana. She's a mouthy, spirited tomboy and soon acquires the nickname “Chigger.” She is befriended by Luke Zielinski and they hastily tear into Roscoe {more Chigger dragging him}, leaving the small 50's town wondering where in the world this little girl came from? The book is hysterical and heartwarming. Bial weaves his words so intricately and simply all at the same time. The relationship between time period details and personal experiences blend so closely that I feel as if I lived them myself. Chigger is perfect for all ages, so seriously go buy it and share it with all of your friends!
JACKETFLAP
Chigger by Raymond Bial is a well-written book with a touch of humor about a new girl moving into town (in Southern Indiana) in the 1950s, and she is not readily accepted, especially moving in April and starting school “about seven months late.” She insists on being called Eddie and on wearing jeans to school, and she cusses (word of warning–read this book before your children/students to make sure you are okay with language or want to talk to them about it), and fights. So, she’s not your typical girl, which makes her a great literary character! The point of view character has a great voice–he’s a fifth-grade boy, Luke, so this book will appeal to boys (it’s probably more upper mid-grade or tween), and he kind of likes this new girl, which makes him a great character, too. She gets the nickname Chigger from a humorous character, Buzz, because “you’re just a dang bug and you sure get under my skin.”
This book has some serious issues in it and is inspired by actual events. Chigger is obviously poor and always hungry, although she is super independent. She and her mom are running from an abusive father. She is picked on and ostracized for being different and new. It also explores friendship and standing up for what’s right. I see this as the perfect book for a parent and child to read together and discuss because it will bring up issues that the child may be dealing with in a non-threatening way!
Margo Dill
Recently, I've also published a sweet, humorous novel that appeals to children and adults—anyone who enjoys a "good read." Here are some of the positive reviews:
BOOKLIST
Chigger
Bial, Raymond (author).
Jan. 2012. 220p. Motes, paperback, $14 (9781934894385). Grades 4-6.
REVIEW. First published March 23, 2012 (Booklist Online).
It’s April 1959 when Chigger joins Luke’s fifth-grade class. For all her “fighting, cussing, and bragging,” she is tight-lipped about her personal life. Still, Chigger lets Luke know that she likes him. He is reluctant to befriend her but, over a long, eventful summer, finds her the best companion he has ever had. Swayed by rumors flying around their small Indiana town, Luke’s mother is reluctant to even let Chigger into the house, but gradually she opens the family circle to include this tough but needy girl. The characters are well drawn and consistent. While Luke’s first-person narrative has an episodic structure, Chigger’s closely held secret creates a tension that is relieved only near the story’s end. The story’s period setting stays sharply in focus throughout the book. Within that context, Chigger’s f-word “cussing” sounds even more shocking than it would today, yet the one time it’s used serves a purpose. Though the occasional tinge of memoir may resonate with adults more than with children, the story has broad appeal.
Carolyn Phelan
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
Chigger
By BIAL, RAYMOND
on AUGUST 1, 2012 | Grades 5-up
Gr 5–7—In the Roscoe, Indiana, of 1959, girls don't have names reserved for boys, they don't wear jeans, they would never defy a teacher's orders; they prefer jump rope over marbles-and of course, girls would never use profanity (nor would anyone). That is until Eddie Heck moves to town. Soon nicknamed Chigger by Buzz, one of a nasty trio of boys, she challenges standard expectations for behavior. Her colorful language is sometimes explicit but fitting for her character and experiences. As the summer before sixth grade starts, Chigger tenaciously befriends Luke Zielinski, also an outsider. He is a relative newcomer to Roscoe (his dad is in the Air Force), the family is Catholic in a primarily Protestant town, and his sensitivity to animals and people prevents him from enjoying horror movies and shooting rifles. His narration reveals the gradual evolution of his friendship with Chigger. Initial ambivalence grows into a deep friendship with both children maturing, questioning expectations, saving baby chicks, reveling in newfound newspaper celebrity, and revealing and ultimately confronting dangerous family secrets. Though this is a nostalgic look at a time gone by, the emotions remain true. While some adult characters simply move the plot along, others, such as Zeke's parents and the sixth-grade teacher, provide a refreshing look at the adult world and its sometimes indecipherable (at least to children) interactions. Ultimately, all ends in a satisfying and generally plausible way; Chigger reveals and embraces her given name without sacrificing her nickname, and there is a satisfactory comeuppance for her nemesis.—Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at Washington DC Public Library
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
Chigger
Raymond Bial
Motes
9781934894385, $14.00, www.motesbooks.com
Change brings the unknown, and the unknown can be frightening. “Chigger” is a novel set in the late 1950s as young girl who wants to be called Eddie comes into her town and finds a town suspicious of her. In her quest to blend in, Eddie faces many challenges and drives herself to succeed, in this heartwarming tale that is honest and not so honest about the fond memories of the 1950s. “Chigger” is an excellent and choice read, highly recommended.
LOCKET IN MY POCKET
Momma's been reading! And by Momma I mean me. I finished another book, which makes like five in the last nine months, which is really great considering I was in school last semester. Most recently I read Chigger by Raymond Bial. A local annual event called the SOKY Book Fest boasts dozens of authors, most of whom are from surrounding states, who set up shop signing and selling their work. It's lovely and dreadful all at the same time. On one hand, you can actually meet, discuss, and network with tons of talented people. But on the other hand, hopeful authors interpreting my interest level while I read summaries on the inside flap of their blood, sweat and tears is enough to send me out the door for fear of hurting someone's feelings. Mr. Bial was seated at one of the first tables I visited and as I skimmed the back of Chigger he proudly detailed the sweet story. Edwina, or “Eddie” as she goes by, is new to the small town of Roscoe, Indiana. She's a mouthy, spirited tomboy and soon acquires the nickname “Chigger.” She is befriended by Luke Zielinski and they hastily tear into Roscoe {more Chigger dragging him}, leaving the small 50's town wondering where in the world this little girl came from? The book is hysterical and heartwarming. Bial weaves his words so intricately and simply all at the same time. The relationship between time period details and personal experiences blend so closely that I feel as if I lived them myself. Chigger is perfect for all ages, so seriously go buy it and share it with all of your friends!
JACKETFLAP
Chigger by Raymond Bial is a well-written book with a touch of humor about a new girl moving into town (in Southern Indiana) in the 1950s, and she is not readily accepted, especially moving in April and starting school “about seven months late.” She insists on being called Eddie and on wearing jeans to school, and she cusses (word of warning–read this book before your children/students to make sure you are okay with language or want to talk to them about it), and fights. So, she’s not your typical girl, which makes her a great literary character! The point of view character has a great voice–he’s a fifth-grade boy, Luke, so this book will appeal to boys (it’s probably more upper mid-grade or tween), and he kind of likes this new girl, which makes him a great character, too. She gets the nickname Chigger from a humorous character, Buzz, because “you’re just a dang bug and you sure get under my skin.”
This book has some serious issues in it and is inspired by actual events. Chigger is obviously poor and always hungry, although she is super independent. She and her mom are running from an abusive father. She is picked on and ostracized for being different and new. It also explores friendship and standing up for what’s right. I see this as the perfect book for a parent and child to read together and discuss because it will bring up issues that the child may be dealing with in a non-threatening way!
Margo Dill
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