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Crossing
Jordan
"In this sensitive
portrait of black-white relations in a changing neighborhood,
Fogelin offers a tactful even-handed look at prejudice."
USA Today
Fogelin creates Cass and Jemmie as complex characters with the
same differences of approach and personality that mark the
interactions of other best friends, whatever their skin color. Cass'
straightforward voice never falters, even when she questions her
father's beliefs and her own decisions. Readers will appreciate the
honesty of Fogelin's approach and applaud the two girls in their
fast friendship. The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Jemmie and Cass are likable, lively characters, and readers will
enjoy the repartee between them. School Library Journal
Old experiences and lifelong attitudes are hard to overcome, as
Adrian Fogelin deftly demonstrates in her portrayal of Cass' dad and
Jemmie's mom. Fogelin's characters are complex, fallible, and
loving, as are real people, making Crossing Jordan an engrossing
coming-of-age story. Orange County Register
Praise for the audio edition of Crossing Jordan:
The author's narration captures the emotional seesaw of
adolescence and fittingly portrays characters of other ages with
various accents. Her restrained approach contributes to the
characters' credibility and complexity. This enjoyable performance
could serve as a good starting point for a discussion about
prejudice. AudioFile
Fogelin's narration reflects her intricate knowledge of the
characters, and she brings the emotional depth of each scene to
life. Southern life resonates as the author expertly defines each
character's unique traits and dialect. An engrossing, evenhanded
look at prejudice and interracial friendship. School Library Journal
Fogelin does a stupendous job giving Cass a voice that is both
strong and innocent ... This audio version of a story of hope,
friendship and the ability to look beyond skin color to the person
within is a solid performance suitable for family listening,
especially where racial issues need to be addressed. SoundCommentary
Anna Casey's Place in the World "Anna has inner pluck
and outer charm; she’s been through a lot, but knows what needs to
be done. Evocative descriptions bubble up from a deep reality... And
places are found, if not the ones both kids thought they wanted."
Booklist
This is a thoughtful coming-of-age story and Anna is an intrepid
heroine to whom middle school students will be able to relate.
Kliatt
My Brother's Hero
"As in Adrian Fogelin's previous
novels, Crossing Jordan and Anna Casey's Place in the
World, this story has plenty of action, but it's the emotional
drama, revealed in funny, realistic dialogue and spot-on
descriptions, that distinguish the novel. Readers just leaping into
adolescence will easily connect with Ben, who is both sharply
observant of and bewildered by the adult world and his own place in
it." Booklist
Sister Spider Knows All
"Delivered in a wry voice that swings from
laugh-out-loud funny to wrenching sadness, Rox’s narrative is
neither sentimental nor condescending, and details of place, people,
and class conflict emerge in plain poetic imagery."
Booklist
"Fogelin captures
the fragility of this unique family with a lot of humor and great
characters. Set in Tallahassee, Florida, the story has universal themes
of coming of age and searching for one’s identity. Reluctant readers
will like the short, fast-paced chapters."
The School Library Journal
Americans tend to avoid discussing class differences, and
this charming story about a girl who lives in a trailer with her
chain-smoking, obese grandmother is something out of the ordinary...
The lines between the classes become somewhat blurred and we
understand that life is pretty much that way, and that a loving,
close family is a treasure whatever circumstances they are living
in. Kliatt
Dead-on dialogue and strong, complex characters. The Washington Post
...a richly drawn story of human dynamics, offering both support for
people as they are and hope for their growth.
Bulletin of the Center
for Children's Books
The Big Nothing
Fogelin plots a thoroughly engaging story of teen angst,
multicultural and political divisions, and a natural desire of
neighbors to come to one another's aid. The characters may be doves,
hawks, or mélanges in between, but they are sincere in their beliefs
and yet can find room in their hearts to pull together for Duane.
Serious and humorous by turns, this seemingly simple story is
actually quite complex but not weighty and will be enthusiastically
embraced. The School Library Journal [starred review]
The impending war in Iraq gives this story a
definite place in time, and its distinct characters make it
satisfying and surprisingly realistic. Misfit finds fit.
Booklist
Fogelin's character-driven narrative... speaks of the painful
transitions of adolescence with rare humor and honesty.
Kirkus
Fogelin, the author of Crossing Jordan and other novels for YAs,
sensitively describes Justin's world and his conflicting emotions as
he tries to deal with his situation at home and with shifting
relationships with his friends. An absorbing and well-written tale."
Kliatt
The Real Question
Fogelin’s latest work is much more than a coming-of-age tale.
Fisher’s first-person narration is dead-on, at times bouncing
between the sarcastic, intense, needy voice of a teen and the
compassionate, giving, but wary voice of an adult. This amazing
title is a perfect “guy book”, and should be required reading for
every teen, male or female, who feels the weight of a parent’s
expectations but cannot quite figure out what to do about it.
VOYA
This coming-of-age story is marked by Fisher’s first-person
narrative that mixes wry humor and bittersweet thoughts. Readers
will empathize with the engaging young man who, without a guidebook,
sorts through life’s real questions. Kirkus
Fogelin delivers another smart tale...Fisher’s delightfully
telegraphed epiphanies, the funny, harrowing road trip, and a
satisfying showdown with Dad yield a novel that may well appeal to
teens of both sexes. Publishers Weekly
A short, satisfying lesson in caring. School Library Journal
The Sorta Sisters
Fogelin offers a readable combination of narrative and letters that
are infused with details about science, as the girls send seed pods,
shells and other specimens to each other. Readers will appreciate
the pen-pal friendship and the hopeful ending. Kirkus
The lively, third-person narrative alternates between each girl’s
perspective, and the frequently inserted letters bring intimacy and
depth to the characters. Lovely sepia drawings by the author depict
wildlife and the packages that the girls send to each other
throughout the novel. A heartfelt story that shows the many factors
that create family, friends, and a home. Booklist
This...book in Fogelin’s “neighborhood” series can stand alone, and
the ending makes it clear that this enjoyable saga will continue.
School Library Journal
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