A Small Free Kiss in the Dark

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This book was beautifully well written. It's ostensibly about a war in a rich, western country, but the back cover of the book does the story a disservice by focusing on this plot point. In actual practice, I only cared about the war aspect of the story because of the story that was already there—because of how quickly I had come to care about what happened to the main character, Skip, a talented young runaway, and Billy, an old homeless man who helps him.

Even before the war (which you never get any details about, because Skip is not on the side of the Good Guys or the Enemy, but on a third side) these characters are living the lives of war refugees, because of their social status and the personal show more wars they've already been through. I think this way of looking at homelessness may have been the author's real point. At least, it was what stuck with me the most.

I highly recommend this book. show less

A book that explores the effects of war on the most marginalized of society--the homeless, young runaways, orphans. Narrated by Skip, the 13 yr. old protagonist, in a somber, yet hopeful tone as he struggles to survive with the "family" he has picked up along the way: Billy, an old homeless man Skip knew from the city; Max, a small boy found in the ruins of the library; and Tia, a teenage dancer discovered at a theme park along with her baby, Sixpence. While the city's bombing and enemy occupation are what propel the action in the story, this is a more meditative study on a desperate situation and the lengths one goes to ensure survival and a sense of hope.

I read this book because it was a recommendation. I checked out the reviews before I read it and was unsure as the first review rated the book quite low, however I was pleased I did read it.
I enjoyed the narrative writing style as it reminded me of the thoughts and fears of childhood, I felt it was real. I could totally relate to Skip and how he interacted with all the other characters as well as find his own space by dreaming of being a famous artist.
I thought the author wrote around the character of Tia in a succinct way without dismissing the subject 'false sense of security'.
A great book that evoked emotional reactions, re Tia's death and the weak, sickly Sixpence (her child). Great finish and tie in with the 'Third side' as a show more survival strategy for the main characters, Billy, Skip and Max. show less

A dystopian novel, a complex and haunting exploration of life on the edge and what it takes to triumph over adversity. A story about the indomitable nature of hope and relationships.
Two young boys, an old tramp, a beautiful teenage dancer, named Tia, and her baby, they are survivors of a sudden war. They form a fragile family, hiding out in the ruins of an amusement park. As they scavenge for food, diapers, and baby formula, they must stay out of sight of vicious gangs and lawless solders. At first they rely on Billy, the only adult in the group. But as civil life deteriorates, Billy starts to fall apart. Skip, who is barely into his teens, must take over and lead them on a search for sanctuary. A sad story of the lengths a person will show more go to to survive, I felt especially sad for Tia who had to make mind damaging decisions to survive. I felt that there were many ways to interpret the story dependent on your own life experiences. I would read this book again show less

This book is beautifully written and has some lovely characters in it - old Billy, Skip, Tia, her baby, Sixpence, and little Max (who is personally my favourite). Although we never understand why war starts, it brings together these five characters who become a 'family' with their home being an abandoned fun fair. Skip narrates the story and I enjoyed his artistic view of the world (light, colour, shadows) and his strong need to protect those in his care. This is a touching story of hope and survival with an ending I was not expecting.

Millard, Glenda. (2010). A Small Free Kiss in the Dark. New York: Holiday House. 180 pp. ISBN 978-0-8234-2264-7 (Hard Cover); $16.95.

War is hard. For Skip, living on the streets, war should be death. However, an older man, Billy, moves Skip and a very young boy, Max, to an abandoned amusement park to outlast the war.

The dichotomy between an amusement park and bombs serves as a rich foundation for reading a story about war and family. Skip’s dumpster explodes one day and he is thrust into the path of Billy, a wily and homeless man. Billy helps Skip avoid the bombs and then takes in a very young orphan, Max. Once they reach the amusement park, they adopt Mia, a teen mother who has a different definition of survival. I love that this war show more is not named, which allows readers to envision details of wars they know about, study in school, or see in the media. While Mia engages in behavior that is, perhaps, not suitable for younger students, the descriptions are in the background, which makes this book perfectly suitable for middle school students who may see military recruiters in their community. Mia forces Skip to think about our actions and what they say about our humanity in the face of a conflict so un-amusing that we sometimes need to force ourselves to find the humor and beauty in life despite our circumstances. The description of Billy from Skip’s perspective is nicely balanced by the reader’s more complete understanding that Billy is terrified and far from perfect. Another notable element to this book is its understanding of the power of art, both visual art and performance art. The outsider art element to this book is especially unique and important and interesting. Another plus for this book is its FABULOUS cover. show less

Skip is a runaway and an artist who's learning to live on the streets with help from Billy, an older homeless man. When war breaks out over their city, they band together with six-year-old Max to escape and somehow survive. Outside of the city, a teenage mother and her baby join their odd family. But with bombs and soldiers everywhere, do they have a chance to survive?

Why I picked it up: I'm a fan of all types of survival stories. I think a person's true character is revealed when things are going wrong.

Why I finished it: I loved the characters and how their back stories were leaked a little at a time over the course of the book.

Who I'd give it to: anyone who enjoys realistic fiction, survival stories, or war stories.

Favorite moment: show more when Billy finally, finally lets Skip into his heart. They need each other. show less