Hollywood and Maine

February 1, 2009
Gr 6-9-This sequel to "Sweet Thang" (Delacorte, 2006) revisits the strong, supportive African-American Upshaw family. It's 1976, and 14-year-old Charmaine has an attic bedroom all to herself and a polite, smart, and cultured boyfriend, Raymond, who appreciates her beauty (entering her into a modeling contest) while being equally attracted to her brains. It's practically teenage bliss until Mr. Upshaw's musical, ex-con brother turns up. The rest of the family, especially precocious cousin Tracy John, wholeheartedly welcomes him. Initially, Maine distrusts Uncle E due to past indiscretions. Animosity increases when he's given the attic. Dreams of a possible modeling career (and its accompanying fame/wealth) cause a temporary lapse in Maine's judgment. She alienates Raymond, tries her family, and neglects her friends. Fortunately, she remembers who she really is and, after some snooping, realizes that she's misjudged her uncle. Second chances abound. Aside from her model good looks, Whittenberg's protagonist is witty, intelligent, self-possessed, and usually modest. Not infallible, Maine occasionally slips into self-consciousness or self-absorption. Endearingly cheeky, Tracy John is as fleshed out and worldly wise as his cousin. The family's personal trials, triumphs, individual growth, and many personalities are the book's focus and its heart. Zinger dialogue and clever narration promise laughs and an enjoyable read, but some readers might feel compelled to read "Sweet Thang" for better insight."Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2009
Grades 5-8 At the end of Sweet Thang (2006), life was looking up for Charmaine Maine Upshaw. She finally had her own bedroom and a potential love interest, and shed made peace with her angel-faced, smart-mouthed little cousin, Tracy John. In this novel, Maine is cast out of her new room with the sudden appearance of Uncle E, a newly reformed ex-con. She didnt like him before, but now she cant stand him or his constant guitar strumming. Whats worse, everyone else loves him! Seeing she cant win, she focuses her sights on Hollywood (well, modeling, and then Hollywood) after her adoring boyfriend enters her in a beauty contest. Her subsequent fame strains her new relationship when an old flame starts showing interest in her again. Mentions of Afros, winking references to future events (Couldnt somebody someday invent self-adhesive stamps?), and a general 1970s Black Is Beautiful message make Hollywood & Maine a solid throwback read for Black History Month or any other month.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)