Protecting Marie

September 2, 1996
A girl struggles to win the acceptance of her father, an aging artist; in a starred and boxed review, PW said that Henkes "affirms the resiliency of the creative spirit and the transcending power of love." Ages 12-up.

Starred review from May 1, 1995
Gr 5-7-Frustration, love, and sensitivity underscore the dynamics of family life for Fanny Swann, 12, the main character in this absorbing, well-crafted novel. Henkes has created strong and believable characters in Fanny; her artist father, Henry; and Ellen, her nurturing mother. Henry is having problems dealing with aging and doubts about his talents. When he goes off by himself rather than attend his own 60th birthday party, Fanny is angry and guilty at the same time, thinking that she is the cause of his behavior. While she loves and admires him, she also fears him and feels that he doesn't understand her. There has also been a rift between them since he gave away her incorrigibly rambunctious puppy months before. Despite his moodiness and unpredictable nature, a deep, strong love holds this family together. Fanny has an enviable relationship with her mother, who acts as a buffer between father and daughter. A new older and calmer dog is the catalyst for all of them to ultimately discuss their feelings, accept criticism, and try to change their behavior. In a time when dysfunctional families get center-stage in fiction for this age group, it is refreshing to find a novel that celebrates the family without being pedantic or unrealistic. A book that has much to say about admitting mistakes, facing consequences, and granting forgiveness.-Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

March 15, 1995
Gr. 5^-7. Fanny Swann, 12, is always tense around her moody artist father. She knows he loves her, but he's short tempered and obsessive, especially when his work isn't going well, especially now that he's turning 60. When he gives her a big, friendly dog at Christmas, it's as if her deepest wish has come true, but she's terrified she won't be able to keep her pet. Can she trust her father? Always, she's watching, listening. Will the dog disturb Dad's work? Will Dad be in a bad mood? Fanny's mother is a wise and perfect background figure, but the father is achingly real in his love and his anger. Fanny's viewpoint is sometimes too adult, and the Snow Queen metaphor for inner transformation seems added on to the story. But, like Henkes' picture books, his novel gets the physicalness of the domestic scene and the child's powerlessness in a world run by unpredictable grown-ups. Best of all is the pet story, "hot and loamy and sweet-stinky and comfortable." Fanny's love for her dog is there in all its trembling particularity. ((Reviewed Mar. 15, 1995))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1995, American Library Association.)