Watcher

February 1, 2010
Gr 7 Up-Porter Delancey, 16, is eager to put his marijuana use and other aspects of his troubled past behind him. Lately, particularly after following his probation officer's advice, life seems a bit brighter. Although his mother has filled his head with tales of his supposedly abusive father's behavior toward the family, Porter has little memory of events prior to the man leaving years earlier. He and his pal Tack walk the Toronto streets, talking and waiting for life changes, and Porter senses that he is being watched and followed by his father. He haltingly tells Lavender, who has captured his heart, and the two confront the ever-present stranger. The somewhat suspenseful first-person narrative moves at a deliberate pace, but readers will be intrigued to discover the truths along with the protagonist. A likable guy who comes a long way over the course of the book, Porter learns that family can have several meanings and that not everything is exactly as he perceives it. Even reluctant readers may enjoy becoming acquainted with this troubled youngster."Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CA"

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