Shades of Truth

Gr 5–8—Sadie and her parents have moved from California to a cabin in the Michigan woods for her father's new job as mediator in a conflict among hunters; the Michigan Department of Natural Resources; and Meredith Taylor, a scientist who is studying the local black bear population. Sadie finds herself the target of harassment from Frankie and her pack of girls at school; they project the same hostility as Frankie's dad, a local hunter who Sadie and her father think they may have seen poaching. Mom has been ill with chronic fatigue syndrome for the last two years; Dad seems inept at mediating the dispute, letting meetings become chaotic and buying a hunting license and rifle so as to appear less prejudiced. Sadie ponders the role of prayer, wondering if it is more than wishing on a dandelion, as she and her former best friend, Pippa, used to do. She takes private drawing lessons and attends youth services with a new friend, but realistically and frustratingly keeps her thoughts and conflicts bottled up. In the end, little is resolved. The characters, plot, and portrayal of the bear/community conflict consistently lack realistic depth. Shallow and at times confusing, this book lacks polish and veracity.—Joel Shoemaker, formerly at South East Junior High School, Iowa City, IA