Tigerheart

March 15, 2008
This is a barely veiled revisiting of the Peter Pan storyThe Boy and Gwenny live in The Anyplace, with their pixie friend Fiddlefix and their nemesis Captain Hack (and his twin sister, Captain Slash). Paul Dear, a young boy in modern-day London, can talk to The Boy through his mirror, but his mother has never been the same since his week-old sister Bonnie died, and she refuses to listen to his fancies. A doctor gives him pills that seem to keep him from seeing The Boy, so he decides to escape to The Anyplace and find his mother a new baby. Adventure ensues. But the problem with this tale by an author of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" novelizations is that it can't decide what it wants to be. Is it an adult novel? A children's book? A dashing tale of adventure? A commentary on a beloved classic? An exploration of what it means to grow up? The book tries to be all of these things but doesn't really succeed at any of them, and David's rather forced imitation of the narration in the original "Peter Pan" doesn't help. Not recommended.Jenne Bergstrom, San Diego Cty. Lib.

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2008
Adult/High School-With its infusion of originality, Davids admirable pastiche of James Barries "Peter Pan" will have readers of all ages clamoring for a copy. London-dweller Paul Dear is a sensitive boy who relishes his fathers stories of Anyplace and its inhabitantspirates, pixies, wild Indians, and, of course, The Boy, whom Paul encounters one night via the mirror in his bedroom. After a family tragedy, Paul is unnerved by his mothers sorrow and seeks a resolution in Anyplace, where he meets incarnations of many of Barries characters, such as Fiddlefix (Tinkerbelle) and Captain Hack (Hook). The one exception is the marvelous snow tiger that practically steals the limelight and gives the book its title. David provides everything readers could possibly desire: suspense, swashbuckling adventure, tenderness, anguish, a dash of wit and sarcasm, and a perfect ending. Adults will see "Tigerheart" as an excellent choice for a book discussion group and/or as a useful tool in enhancing cultural literacy, and will appreciate its superior writing, appealing characters, depiction of familial love, and accomplished themes. Teens may view it as an exciting story about a courageous boy who rode a great white tiger, consorted with Indians, and battled pirates. They will all be right. This is a worthy purchase for both school and public libraries."Dori DeSpain, Fairfax County Public Library, VA"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.