Reviews

Gr 4-8-This sequel to Josh: A Boy with Dyslexia (Waterfront, 1988) was worth the wait, for it has an extraordinary protagonist. When the 12-year-old's parents go to Europe, he and his gifted brother stay with their grandparent on an island in Maine. There, Josh struggles not only with his own learning disability but also with trying to enjoy a summer away from his home and friends. Elder brother Simon is forever giving him a hard time and his emotionally distant grandfather never seems to approve of anything Josh does. His grandmother is loving and supportive but can do little to help him. Throughout the summer, Josh's adventures on the island teach him skills that he doesn't realize he has learned until a critical emergency befalls his grandfather. Janover has created a real flesh-and-blood protagonist. Josh's life is not easy but his complaints and defeats never come across as whining or pathetic. He shows heroism every day as he struggles with his disability, so it is only his grandfather who is surprised when Josh acts to save him. A fine novel that happens to have a dyslexic hero.-Jane Halsall, McHenry Public Library District, IL Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.