Henrico Youth Book Awards 2014 discussion

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This story is about an 11 yr. old boy, who can throw a baseball faster than anyone else, but who also stutters. He should be in 6th but is “smart” enough to be in the 7th. The setting is Memphis, 1959. The boy is being raised by Mam, an African American maid. Mother goes to the Country Club and Dad works to manage people’s $. The boy learns a lot about himself as he takes over a vacationing friend’s paper route. He encounters, and has to communicate with, many types of people and experiences many life circumstances for the 1st time as he works the route. Very touching. Easy to recommend.

Though it starts a little slow, this is an important story. I like how Little Man finally forgives his own shortcomings once he begins to hold others accountable for their own.

Except for a couple of isolated moments, I thought this one felt more like a Newbery book than a Printz book. A good choice for someone looking for a quick historical fiction read.