Acting Up

Gr 7—10—Staunton updates readers on the life of Sam Foster, a boy introduced in Hope Springs a Leak (2002) and Sounding Off (2004, both Red Deer). Now 16, he longs to be considered mature and responsible by his parents but keeps missing that elusive goal. Everything goes wrong with his plans, starting with the first assignment in Family Studies, which is watching a mechanical baby that cries at regular intervals. But Sam's band, ADHD, has a big gig in Toronto. Things go awry and the baby is short-circuited due to a leak in the ceiling. Instead of a failing grade, Sam receives an assignment for more volunteer hours due to his father's intervention. Adding spice to Sam's life are his girlfriend, Martha, an anarchist who gets him involved in a boat race that is sponsored by a local sex shop, and J. Earl, the local, colorful author who takes Sam on a road trip that he'll never forget. In addition to Sam's hilarious escapades, there is some real substance and character growth to be found in this fast-paced coming-of-age novel.—Patty Saidenberg, George Jackson Academy, New York City