Absolutely Almost

Starred review from April 21, 2014
Half-Korean 10-year-old Albie is being forced to switch from his private New York City school to P.S. 183. His new school gives him more specialized attention, but it also means dodging a name-calling bully and making friends other than his buddy Erlan, whose family is starring in a reality TV show. Because of Albie’s academic struggles (especially in spelling and math), his mother hires Calista, a college art student, to tutor and spend time with him. Albie isn’t happy about these and other developments, and his matter-of-fact observations are often both humorous and poignant: “I didn’t think the book was for babies at all, because for one thing babies can’t read,” he thinks after his mother tells him he’s “way too old” for Captain Underpants and hands him a copy of Johnny Tremain. Graff’s (A Tangle of Knots) gentle story invokes evergreen themes of coming to appreciate one’s strengths (and weaknesses), and stands out for its thoughtful, moving portrait of a boy who learns to keep moving forward, taking on the world at his own speed. Ages 8–12. Agent: Stephen Barbara, Foundry Literary + Media.

November 1, 2014

Gr 3-7-In short, conversational chapters, fifth grader Albie introduces listeners to his absolutely ordinary life in New York City and demonstrates that sometimes a person's value is measured by the wrong standards. Albie has difficulties with reading, has never aced a spelling test, and is confused by math. He is not popular at school, can't play sports or draw, and he is often the target of bullies, but Albie is kind, sympathetic, and eager to defend others against the same bullies. While his parents attempt to accept his shortcomings and are often oblivious to his unhappiness, Albie finds support in his unconventional babysitter, Calista, an artist who listens to him and offers him ways to cope. Noah Galvin voices Albie's naivete and frustration with a simplicity and wonder that fit his character. Graff (A Tangle of Knots) does not solve all of Albie's problems or even allow him to excel at anything. Instead, Albie is presented as a hero in his own right, one who defines his own goals and successes. Youngsters accustomed to "almost" succeeding will identify with Albie; others will learn what it means to struggle just to be average.-MaryAnn Karre, Binghamton, NY

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