Synopsis: When Jamie saw him throw the baby, saw Van throw the little baby, saw Van throw his little sister Nin, then they moved. Nin's okay - Jamei know that because his mom was there to catch her. And then Jamie and his mom and Nin moved to Earl's little trailer in the middle of nowhere. They don't have a lot of money, and sometimes the car doesn't start, but Jamie has his mom and Nin and, most of all, his magic tricks. Things are fine....as long as no one gets too close. Review: As a Newbery book, I had high hopes. But I admit I didn't get it. The book touches on deep themes, abuse, poverty, family and loss. But the resolution lacks something. Jamie and his mom confront Van, but nothing changes - no move to a better life, no lesson learned. It felt flat and loose. While this wasn't a bad book, it felt incomplete. I would be interested in other's opinion.
Bookmarks: 6 of 10
Awards: Newbery Honor, 1996
Date Finished: 9-6-2012
Pages: 126
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