Author: Parker, Robert
Title: Edenville Owls
Publisher: Philomel Books Date: 2007 ISBN: 978-0-399-24656-2
Price: $18.00 #of pgs: 194 Call number: FIC PAR
Annotation: It is 1945, the end of World War II, and 8th grader, Bobby Murphy takes on two major challenges: (1) help free his teacher, Miss Delaney, from the clutches of a sinister stranger and (2) keep the Owls (his coachless, junior high basketball team) which he does by taking on the unofficial role of coach in addition to his player role. After witnessing an altercation between his teacher and a strange man, Bobby decides that he must get involved. With Owls' support, he investigates the stranger and ultimately saves his teacher from her abuser. This is a mystery that plays out to the end. Readers will like 14 year-old Bobby who is a true problem-solver and a champion of doing the right thing. His stock phrase, "I'll figure it out," is testimony to his relentless belief that challenges are meant to be solved. The author's carefully crafted dialogue between Bobby and his special friend, Joanie, is meaningful and wise for their ages. Lastly, using Bobby's thoughts as a launching point, the author effectively depicts the culture of post World War II ear.
Strength: heart-pounding suspense, poignant coming of age moments.