Swan Boy

Gr 7 Up—Johnny, or "Swan Boy," as the students at his new school call him, cannot seem to catch a break. Johnny and his little brother, Mojo, are still recovering from the recent loss of their father, and they and their mother attempt to realize who they are without him. The plot mainly revolves around Johnny's feelings of anger—at his father for leaving them, at Mojo for not understanding that he's not coming back, and at his mother for forcing him into a new school. Johnny's rage escalates as initiation to his new school comes in the form of Liam Clark and the other "Populars"; however, an odd string of events lead Johnny into a journey of self-discovery and freedom. The narration often provides insight into the supporting characters and their motivations, including Liam Clark, resident bully. A pushy yet ingenious teacher, a swan's feather, a Russian folktale, and an overwhelming need to be oneself propel this story to soar. This is a quirky, relevant, and realistic look into the life of a teen boy in the midst of an internal struggle, with a touch of the fantastical.