Chigger

Gr 5–7—In the Roscoe, Indiana, of 1959, girls don't have names reserved for boys, they don't wear jeans, they would never defy a teacher's orders; they prefer jump rope over marbles-and of course, girls would never use profanity (nor would anyone). That is until Eddie Heck moves to town. Soon nicknamed Chigger by Buzz, one of a nasty trio of boys, she challenges standard expectations for behavior. Her colorful language is sometimes explicit but fitting for her character and experiences. As the summer before sixth grade starts, Chigger tenaciously befriends Luke Zielinski, also an outsider. He is a relative newcomer to Roscoe (his dad is in the Air Force), the family is Catholic in a primarily Protestant town, and his sensitivity to animals and people prevents him from enjoying horror movies and shooting rifles. His narration reveals the gradual evolution of his friendship with Chigger. Initial ambivalence grows into a deep friendship with both children maturing, questioning expectations, saving baby chicks, reveling in newfound newspaper celebrity, and revealing and ultimately confronting dangerous family secrets. Though this is a nostalgic look at a time gone by, the emotions remain true. While some adult characters simply move the plot along, others, such as Zeke's parents and the sixth-grade teacher, provide a refreshing look at the adult world and its sometimes indecipherable (at least to children) interactions. Ultimately, all ends in a satisfying and generally plausible way; Chigger reveals and embraces her given name without sacrificing her nickname, and there is a satisfactory comeuppance for her nemesis.—Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at Washington DC Public Library