The Ballad of Knuckles McGraw

June 1, 2010
Grades 3-6 Kevin creates a fantasy identity as a tough, adventurous cowboy named Knuckles McGraw, which is far more satisfying than his actual one: a little boy abandoned by his mother and newly landed in foster care while authorities figure out what to do. He shares a room with a threatening, glowering teen named Ice and wonders why the girl at the house, Breezy, never talks. Foster parents Liddy and Joe provide emotional support, warmth, and the closest thing to responsible parenthood hes ever known during this time of upheaval, but thats still not the same as having a real parent and a home into which he was born and cherished from the start. Kevin retreats into cowboy daydreams and tells himself his mother will be back soon. While the arrival of Kevins grandparents prompts an overly neat resolution to this heart-tugging saga, readers will certainly be drawn to the plucky, appealing grade-schooler and the terrible plight he so bravely faces.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)