Synopses & Reviews
Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech's inspired novel tells the story of a boy who fantasizes about who he is in order to discover who he will become. Now with fresh and gorgeous new cover art, this touching tale has received many starred reviews, and was called a "warm, funny, philosophical novel" by
Kirkus Reviews.
With the backdrop of a large family and a theater as its frame, this is a story about twelve-year-old Leo, who has a talent for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. That's why he's called "fog boy." He's always dreaming, always replaying things in his brain. As an actor in the school play, he is poised and ready for the curtain to open. But in the play that is his life, he is eager to discover what part will be his.
With the universal theme of finding one's true identity, and set amid a loud, noisy, memorable family, Leo's story is one that all kids will relate to. And there's a full play at the end of the book that kids and teachers can perform!
Review
"Just the thing for readers with a burgeoning interest in poetryand#8212;or angling."
and#8212;Publishers Weekly
"A playful verse narrative of the joys and perils of a family fishing trip. . . . This tender, well-crafted sibling story should hook many readers."
and#8212;Kirkus
"Engaging verse that's just the right depth and length for chapter-book readers. . . A solid, entertaining story to hook children on poetry."
and#8212;Booklist
"All of Sam's episodes take the form of poems, each discreetly labeled by its poetic form, which is then defined at the end of the book. . . most will enjoy the notion that there are as many ways to tell a tale as to catch a fish."
and#8212;Bulletin
"This novel in verse successfully builds a story filled with anticipation, family humor, and sibling rivalry. . . . Wissinger deftly plies her craft to ensure that the use of poetry enhances the readability of the story"
and#8212;School Library Journal, starred review
Synopsis
Leo's papa stood in the doorway, gazing down at him. "Leo, you make gold from pebbles," and the way he said it, Leo could tell that this was a good thing.
He may have been given a bit part in the school play ... but Leo dreams he is the biggest star on Broadway.
Sure, his big, noisy family makes him feel like a sardine squashed in a tin ... but in his fantasy he gets all the attention he wants.
Yes, his papa seems sad and distracted ... but Leo imagines him as a boy, tap-dancing and singing with delight.
That's why they call Leo "fog boy." He's always dreaming, always replaying things in his brain. He fantasizes about who he is in order to discover who he will become. As an actor in the school play, he is poised and ready for the curtain to open. But in the play that is his life, Leo is eager to discover what part will be his.
Synopsis
Leo's papa stood in the doorway, gazing down at him. "Leo, you make gold from pebbles," and the way he said it, Leo could tell that this was a good thing.
He may have been given a bit part in the school play ... but Leo dreams he is the biggest star on Broadway.
Sure, his big, noisy family makes him feel like a sardine squashed in a tin ... but in his fantasy he gets all the attention he wants.
Yes, his papa seems sad and distracted ... but Leo imagines him as a boy, tap-dancing and singing with delight.
That's why they call Leo "fog boy." He's always dreaming, always replaying things in his brain. He fantasizes about who he is in order to discover who he will become. As an actor in the school play, he is poised and ready for the curtain to open. But in the play that is his life, Leo is eager to discover what part will be his.
Synopsis
All the world's a stage . . . what part will you play?
L eo may have been given a bit part in the school play . . . but he dreams he is the biggest star on Broadway. His big, noisy family makes him feel like a sardine squashed in a tin, and they call him "fog boy" because he is always replaying things in his head. As an actor in the school play, he is eager for the curtain to open. But in the play that is his life, Leo is ready to discover what part will be his.
Synopsis
Join nine-year-oldand#160;Catfish Sam as he captures a day of adventure in his netand#8212;and in verse and#8212; in this unique middle grade novel told through poems and comic illustrations.
Synopsis
Nine-year-old Sam loves fishing with his dad. So when his pesky little sister, Lucy, horns in on their fishing trip, heand#8217;s none too pleased: and#8220;Whereand#8217;s my stringer? / Somethingand#8217;s wrong! / The princess doll does not belong!and#8221; All ends well in this winsome book of poemsand#8212;each labeled with its proper poetic form, from quatrain to tercet. Together the poems build a dawn-to-dusk story of a father-son bond, of sibling harmony lost and foundand#8212;and most of all, of delicious anticipation. Charming line drawings animate the poetry with humor and drama, and the extensive Poetand#8217;s Tackle Box at the end makes this the perfect primer to hook aspiring poets of all ages.
About the Author
Sharon Creech is the author of the Newbery Medal winner Walk Two Moons and the Newbery Honor Book The Wanderer. Her other work includes the novels The Great Unexpected, The Unfinished Angel, Hate That Cat, The Castle Corona, Replay, Heartbeat, Granny Torrelli Makes Soup, Ruby Holler, Love That Dog, Bloomability, Absolutely Normal Chaos, Chasing Redbird, and Pleasing the Ghost, as well as three picture books: A Fine, Fine School; Fishing in the Air; and Who's That Baby? Ms. Creech and her husband live in Maine.