IMPORTANT: condition descriptions provided by eBay in their 'item specifics' template shown above my listings are likely incorrect due to limitations of the software listing program. MOST of my books are either VERY GOOD or GOOD condition.
From Publishers Weekly Willy Palmer, 14, has always been slow in school, but
has assumed he would catch up. It comes as a shock when he is assigned to a
special-education class near the end of the term. Realizing he will always be
different, Willy quits school and begins to retreat from the world. Summer in
his ghetto neighborhood seems even more bleak than usual until Willy becomes
friends with his neighbor's visiting niece. By focusing on his assets rather
than his limitations, Kathleen inspires Willy to achieve his full potential.
Without labeling or analyzing his deficiencies, the novel reflects Willy's
childlike innocence and conveys the depth of his confusion. In her first work,
Brown convincingly portrays a young man's changing outlook and inner growth
while challenging accepted notions about the learning-disabled. Sensitive
readers will respond to her innovative and thought-provoking ideas. Ages
12-up. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. Read more From School
Library Journal Grade 6-9-- In her first novel, Brown illuminates the heart
and emotions of one of those children who spend their lives in the back of the
classroom failing in silent despair. Willy, 14, can't read. His mother,
overwhelmed by supporting them alone, can't give him the sustained attention
he needs. His Brooklyn school succeeds only in pinpointing his failure; when a
special class is suggested, Willy simply stops going to school. His
overwhelming sense of worthlessness is crystalized in the book's opening scene
in which, despite his height, he is laughed off a local basketball court
because of his lack of skill. It is only when a neighbor's visiting niece
takes an interest in him that things begin to change. Kathleen seems attracted
to him, believing in his ability to change. She tutors him as the summer
begins, and a tentative relationship ensues. Kathleen's abrupt departure, when
she is called home to the West Indies, throws Willy for a loop, but his
persistence in saving a young child from physical abuse improves his self
image. In the end, he takes another shot at basketball, a symbol of his taking
control of his life. This is an impressive debut. Brown brings Willy to life,
vividly sharing his pain with readers. Her use of street language in dialogue
and narrative brings rhythm and passion to her prose. There are structural
weaknesses in the plot, and the characterization is uneven. Nevertheless,
Brown has a steady grasp of the essence of her protagonist, and has created a
strong and compelling book in the process. --Christine Behrmann, New York
Public LibraryCopyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. Read more
We will ship all orders within 1 business days of payment.
Delivery
We do not ship outside of the USA, **except** via eBay Global Shipping Program. [however, for postcards and other lightweight paper items, we DO ship internationally ourselves.]
Feedback
We take our reputation seriously, we buy and sell online, so we understand the value of trust. If you are unsatisfied with your order, please contact us and we will work with you to resolve it to your satisfaction. PLEASE be aware that if there is just ONE photo in our listings, it means it is a GENERIC STOCK PHOTO. If there are TWO OR MORE PHOTOS, they are photos of the EXACT ITEM YOU WILL RECEIVE.
IMPORTANT: condition descriptions provided by eBay in their 'item specifics' template shown above my listings are likely incorrect due to limitations of the software listing program. MOST of my books are either VERY GOOD or GOOD condition.
About Us
PLEASE NOTE: WHILE WE DO NOT SHIP INTERNATIONALLY OURSELVES, WE DO GLADLY USE EBAYS GLOBAL SHIPPING PROGRAM SO PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ORDER FROM US NO MATTER WHERE IN THE WORLD YOU LIVE. IF EBAY GLOBAL SHIPPING PROGRAM SHIPS TO YOUR COUNTRY THEN SO DO WE!
