Author: Francisco X. Stork
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books. 314 pages
Copyright: Scholastic, Inc.
VOYA Review:
Marcelo—a teen who exhibits Asperger-like behaviors, including hearing a type of music no one else can—is offered an ultimatum by his father: unless Marcelo can successfully complete a summer job as a mail room clerk in his father's law firm, he have to attend a "regular" high school for his senior year instead of the specialized school he has attended for his entire academic career. It would mean giving up his cherished position as a stable boy working with Haflinger ponies and facing his reservations about the "real world." In the mailroom, Marcelo becomes involved in a mystery, which requires him to push his skills to a new level and make decisions about his beliefs, his family, and his future. Marcelo is a believable character in a situation with which teens can empathize. The narrative is consistent and caringly crafted, offering a compelling examination of Marcelo's challenges and successes. Because many of the character interactions center on feelings and Marcelo's social growth, it would have been easy for the conversations to become didactic or over-the-top, but the author is able to keep the text focused and carry the story well. The nicely balanced mystery elements add texture to the plot and will keep readers engaged, and well-built secondary characters help the story feel complete. This beautifully written, insightful book is sure to resonate with many readers facing their own version of the real world, and belongs in all collections serving young adults and those who work with them. Reviewer: Elsworth Rockefeller
Review:
A wonderful coming-of-age story featuring a memorable narrator on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum. Marcelo knows he is different from other kids -- he hears music no one else can hear, he lives in a treehouse, prefers to avoid small talk & casual social interactions as much as possible, and wants to spend most of his time pursuing his interests, namely tending ponies and learning more about God. But Marcelo's dad thinks Marcelo should start adjusting to the "real world" and has him help him at his law firm in preparation for his enrollment in another school. As Marcelo begins to develop relationships with two very different coworkers, Jasmine and Wendell, he learns firsthand about the rivalries and complex workplace politics that are blatantly alive at work when he is mistreated by Wendell. Later on, he discovers a photo of a disfigured woman and he is drawn into a very complicated situation where he has to make an important decision.
Regardless of whether they are autistic or not, I think many teens will relate to Marcelo's struggles to navigate and comprehend a bewildering new world where they are faced with tough decisions. Both Marcelo & Jasmine's characters are well-developed, sympathetic and intriguing. Despite the mystery sub-plot, this book really isn't about a central narrative driving the story along. You grow to love Marcelo & want to spend as much time listening to his unique and sometimes startlingly wise take on the world.
For me, the most special and unique aspect of the book was the religious aspect. Religion seem to be an unusual topic for YA fiction; the only examples I can think of are books about teenagers trying to break free of their families' religious practices, not seeking to understand them, or to develop their own. This was a wonderful book, both interesting and complex with a great protagonist. Definitely a must read. Highly recommended.
Reading Level: Intermediate
Notes about Audience: For mature readers, ages 15 and up.
Other books by Francisco X. Stork:
Favorite Lines: "I wanted you to have an image of this place in your mind because you need to know that it exists. People think a place like this is perfect. Living a simple life close to the land and all that. It isn't. There are mean people and alcoholics and medical bills to pay and depressed people galore. But some of us feel okay here, you know, despite all that."
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