The Prisoner of Snowflake Falls

Gr 8 Up—Fifteen-year-old Henry's mother has died; his guardian, his Uncle Andy (a very nice small-time crook), is in jail, and Henry is trying to stay out of the foster care system by making it on his own. He's living in an abandoned tree house and stealing to get by. But don't get the wrong idea. Henry is a considerate thief: cleaning houses, putting money into piggy banks, and never taking birthday cake. When he eventually gets caught, his good-natured thoughtfulness saves him from incarceration. He is sentenced to a rehabilitation program in tiny Snowflake Falls on Northern Vancouver Island. Living with a foster family, working several part-time jobs, and volunteering as a reader for a cranky old man all lead to wacky high jinks and some lessons for Henry. The first half of the book moves at a leisurely pace, establishing the teen as a truly sympathetic character despite his criminal tendencies. The second half, set in Snowflake Falls, has more action. There are plenty of amusing parts and the language, especially in scenes with Uncle Andy and his cohorts, is playful and Runyon-esque. All of the small time crooks come off as friendly old guys; there is never a hint of menace to them. This is a charming, funny coming-of-age story with terrific writing, characters to root for, and a completely satisfying ending to a silly caper.—Geri Diorio, Ridgefield Library, CT