The Best Man

Starred review from May 30, 2016
Markedly more contemporary than many of Peck’s previous novels, this drolly narrated coming-of-age story traces milestones in Archer Magill’s life from first to sixth grade while deftly addressing a variety of social issues. The first scene—depicting a “train wreck” of a wedding in which six-year-old Archer performs ring bearer duties in a pair of muddy, too-tight shorts that have split open in the back—sets the stage for other hilarious mishaps. Whenever Archer flounders, there are people (usually the influential men he “wanted to be”) ready to help: his father, as good at fixing problems as he is at restoring vintage cars; his stylish Uncle Paul; and his dignified grandfather Magill. In fifth grade, Archer finds he can depend on someone new: his student-teacher Mr. McLeod, who accidentally causes a lockdown when he shows up at school in his National Guard uniform. Archer gains some wisdom on his own (after befriending a visiting student from England, he concludes: “We thought he was weird. He thought we were weird. It was great. It was what multiculturalism ought to be”), but the most profound lessons about prejudice, conflict resolution, and gay rights are taught by his mentors, all-too-human heroes, whom readers will come to admire as much as Archer does. It’s an indelible portrait of what it looks like to grow up in an age of viral videos and media frenzies, undergirded by the same powerful sense of family that characterizes so much of Peck’s work. Ages 9–12.

Starred review from June 1, 2016
Male role models aren't a scarce commodity for Archer Magill, but when two of them fall in love, what does that mean for his comprehension of the weird world of adults? Then there's all that impending puberty stuff.Bookending his tale with two weddings (one a YouTube'd pants-splitting disaster and one a heartfelt finale with a fabulous new suit), Archer recounts his traverse from first grade to sixth, navigating family ties, school, bullies, death, marriage, and au courant political hot topics. He has a dedicated father, endearing grandfather, doting uncle, and awesome male student teacher, but that doesn't mean he's entirely sure-footed in following their confident strides. In fact, he's pretty clueless in general, something his fiery best friend, Lynette, reminds him of perpetually. It's this cluelessness that makes his journey so easy to empathize with. There's another layer to this lighthearted coming-of-age book that makes it special in the current sociopolitical climate. Said doting uncle is in love with aforementioned student teacher: it's Peck's intent to spark a discussion for young readers about same-sex marriages, a topic that standardized testing and textbooks haven't caught up with yet. Bravo. A middle-class white cast in the Midwest populates the pages, but the base of the story--navigating boyhood with positive reinforcement from friends, family, and faculty--is a broad one. A nostalgic slice of Rockwell Americana with a contemporary filling. Delicious--take a bite. (Fiction. 8-12)

COPYRIGHT(2016) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from July 1, 2016

Gr 4-6-The inimitable Peck frames his latest novel with weddings. Opening with a flashback to a hilariously disastrous wedding when Archer Magill was in first grade, the book closes with a significantly more staid one that occurs when he is in sixth grade. Most of the story, though, takes place between these two events, during Archer's fifth grade year. A military-based student teacher both disrupts Archer's class and enriches it, as does a new student who uses a wheelchair and comes from a British aristocratic background. High jinks abound, but so does serious content; in response to antigay bullying, Mr. McLeod gives the students a lecture in which he publicly outs himself, a particularly poignant moment. Outside school, Archer also shares daily adventures with his car-loving father, his grandfather (an elderly architect whose work is all over town), and his uncle Paul, whose romantic interest in Mr. McLeod might just well lead to another wedding. Here, the Newbery Award-winning author explores what it means to love and what it means to be a man. VERDICT A modern, funny, and realistic tale featuring strong, nuanced, and unforgettable characters. An essential addition for middle grade collections.-Jill Ratzan, Congregation Kol Emet, Yardley, PA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

sanper1617 - Have you Ever Wondered what it feels like being the Best Man? Well in this book you know, Richard Peck the Author of The Best Man The Protagonist is Archer is dealing with a lot of issues is Grandpa dies in towards the end of the book and his His teacher Mr. Mcleod reveals he's gay after bullies write on a kids head GAY, Uncle Paul and his Teacher Mr. Mcleod get married and are Same Sex Marriage that's what the book is about him being the best man of his Uncle's Wedding. The Setting takes place at the School and at Archer’s House. The Antagonist is A bully named Jackson when he threatens Archer in the first grade by pulling a knife on Archer in the Boys Bathroom because he wanted to cut the Chigago cubs logo on Archer's Jersey that day but never did after he got caught. The first conflict is When we find out that Grandpa died The Second Conflict is when Mr. Mcleod and Uncle Paul get Married. The Turning point in the Book is when Archer I recommend this book to People who are interested in gay marriage and people who like suspense I Like this book because it's really interesting and shocking especially when Grandpa dies and Mr. Mcleod and Uncle Paul get Married.

Starred review from July 1, 2016
Grades 4-6 *Starred Review* Two weddings bracket this amusing and ultimately moving novel narrated by 12-year-old Archer. In the first ceremony, he's a 6-year-old ring bearer suffering from an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction. In the second, he's the best man, resplendent in his first elegant suit. The episodic story covers all six years in between, though it focuses on the last two: fifth grade (featuring three different teachers and a lockdown with cops at school) and sixth, which brings a death and a wedding in the family. In two satisfying scenes, school bullies are brought low by adults. The novel's distinctive characters are so believable that their lives seem to go on beyond the book. Always two steps behind his friend Lynette in comprehending what's going on around him, Archer has a stout heart, an open mind, and good intentions. For years, he tends to parrot others' opinions, but when he finally puts his own ideas together and speaks from the heart, his words and his timing couldn't be better. This intergenerational story unfolds with a refreshing lack of sentimentality, and an emphasis on fathers and other male role models. Archer's dad, his grandfather, and his gay uncles are portrayed with particular affection and respect. A witty, engaging novel from a master storyteller. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Peck is one of the most celebrated living writers of kid lit, and he's even mounting a tour for this one.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)