Ratfink [Hardcover]

Fifth-grader Logan's new and all-consuming worry is that his friends will find out about his embarrassing grandfather. Logan is determined to keep his social circle and his grandfather (suffering from Alzheimer's and prone to random and bizarre outbursts, such as streaking the neighbors) as far away from each other as possible. That's an increasingly difficult task to undertake when his grandfather's deteriorating condition has just necessitated moving in with his family.

Meanwhile, at school Logan is bullied by bossy new girl Emily "the Snot" Scott, who wants to know what mysterious artifact Logan's best friend Malik is carrying around in his backpack. If Logan won't snoop for her, she threatens to publish photos of his grandfather running around in his boxers. I found Logan a bit hard to sympathize with at times, as his obsession with keeping his poor grandfather under wraps struck me as a bit self-centered and shallow. On the other hand, it was an honest portrayal of what a lot of popularity-obsessed middle-schoolers might actually feel in that situation. This is a perfect snapshot of that time in lots of boys lives, before girls are on their radar. It's clear that Emily is only an annoyance to Logan, nothing more. Logan struggles with his loyalties, but after plenty of build-up, finally decides not to betray Malik's trust. And we never do find out what is in Malik's backpack. Lame! I was very curious! Was it a stuffed toy that Malik would be embarrassed to be seen carrying? A weird science contraption that he's working on? Medical supplies for asthma, diabetes or the like? We'll never know!

Logan's parents briefly consider an assisted-living situation, something which Logan views with dread. In his grandfather's lucid moments, it's clear that Logan and his grandfather have a very warm relationship. His grandfather gives him sage advice about how to handle a few sticky situations at school, and manages to deliver the book's message about sticking up for yourself and ignoring the crowd when necessary without sounding too preachy or corny, a laudable feat. I wanted to see more moments like this -- where our protagonist is a bit less neurotic.

For such a well-drawn sketch of family life, I found the ending a bit unrealistic and a little too pat. Still, the issues of loyalty, friendship and family are well-explored and Bailey School Kids author Marcia Thornton Jones shows a more mature, well-rounded side in this middle-grade offering. I would recommend this to readers aged 8-12.

"There are worse things than being laughed at," Grandpa tells Logan. But Logan is in the 5th grade and being laughed at is the worst thing he can think of. When Logan (literally and figuratively)steps on new-girl Emily's toes, a brutal feud erupts between the two that eventually involves Logan's family, the class, the school and community. Friendship, loyalty, integrity, and compassion are stretched and tested to the breaking point.

Characters are realistically drawn and adult readers may wince when they see themselves in the teachers and parents. Kids will readily identify with Logan and the multiple dilemmas he faces. The plot moves quickly to a satisfying but not a tidy conclusion. Offer this title to reluctant readers or those kids who enjoy realistic school fiction. Fans of Andrew Clements work will gobble this one up. I'll be purchasing multiple copies for my school library.

When I first picked up RATFINK, I knew I was in for a very well-written, age-appropriate story of adolescent angst-- full of humor and kid-sized, but real-life, problems. That's what Marcia Thornton Jones does best. And like CHAMP before it, RATFINK is so much more. Layered and honest, silly and deep, Ms. Jones once again tells a truly memorable tale. I recommend this book without reservation.

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