Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy (original 2004; edition 2006)

I learned about Malaga Island while in Maine recently and put the book on hold. Only when I had it my hands did I realize Gary Schmidt wrote it. I expect it to be harrowing and great.

And it was, although Schmidt really has to cease with the magical subversive octogenarian. I loved the whales, though. They're never just a trope. And the wind's antics, and the moon rising from the sea and casting aside her silver nightclothes.

Trying to recollect where I read about Malaga Island while in Maine, I realized it was most likely the book I happened to be reading, Mark Kurlansky's Food of a Younger Land, for clam bakes and racism, not from anything in Maine itself. If I remember to, I'll find the Kurlansky and check its index.

I really stretched this out. This is one of the best books I've read. I loved his writing style. It's a great story that didn't, and probably couldn't, end the way I wanted it to. I want to go run with the sea breeze and meet a whale. ( )

Blown away by the poetry of Schmidt's writing. Just heard him speak and his moral compass is true; the story shines with it, too. A role model for me. ( )

Another Printz title that I started out annoyed with but grew to like. Big issue with the narrator on this one. Blog post to come. ( )

This book gave me...feelings. Rather strong ones. I thought it was depressing. Why do all these people have to die? I suppose it is historically accurate, but wow. I'm not sure I would have chosen to stay in Phippsburg. Also, it made me wonder, after having read some of this other books, if Schmidt isn't writing some version of the same thing over and over (which is not to say it is bad; quite the opposite: Wednesday Wars and Okay for Now are two of my favorites). However, all three seem to feature a dad that is kind of a jerk who somewhat reforms at the end, with a stoically sweet mom. There are crazy (in a good way) adults in the male children's lives who make them feel better, and a female sidekick turned potential love interest. Although this book did make me want to drive down the coast to Phippsburg, I was quite horrified by what actually happened on Malaga Island--bad Maine! This book wasn't as strong for me as his later works. Too depressing. ( )