Synopses & Reviews
Is the grass greener on the other side of the train window? Even a brief brush with a stranger can change our lives. Its 1970, and Perry feels adrift in turbulent times: his father is missing in action in Vietnam, his mother is studying to become a nurse in the city, his older sister has become a peacenik in college. Traveling between his hometown, where he lives with his grandmother, and his mothers house in Cincinnati, Perry notices Steve, whose farm lies on the B&O railroad line. Steve likes to race the train as it blows by his fields; Steve skillfully sends his collie after an escaped cow; Steve watches the Cincinnatian, longing for its speed, longing for adventure. In alternating voices, Michael J. Rosens poems weave a tale of two boysone wishing for the stability of home, the other yearning to traveland the unexpected impact of their fleeting encounter.
Review
"A thoughtful, beautifully image-laden tale of learning how to appreciate what one has." --Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Rosen's poetry, mostly blank verse, circles contemplatively around themes of powerlessness, longing, and growing up. The novel travels at a satisfying hum." --Publishers Weekly
About the Author
Michael J. Rosen earned an MFA in poetry from Columbia University. His many books for children include The Cuckoo’s Haiku, which was a Kirkus Best Book, a VOYA Poetry Pick of 2009, and was named to the NCTE’s list of 20 Notable Poetry Books of 2009. He lives in Glenford, Ohio.