On the very day that Carter Jones is to start middle school, an English butler, complete with a bowler hat, shows up on Carter's doorstep. Neither Carter. nor the READER, can possibly guess the impact that encounter will have. This coming-of-age story revolves around the relationship of Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick, the take-charge butler, and Carter, a typical American sixth-grade boy.
Oh ... but this book is so much more than just a coming-of-age story!
This book is told within the context of a cricket match ... no ... more like a cricket manual for Americans that have little background for the sport. Each chapter starts with a definition of a cricket term or a description of certain cricket apparatus. And some how, Gary D. Schmidt makes each introduction fit deftly into the developing story. For instance, Chapter 4 starts with the following cricket term and description:
"TURN BLIND - When the batsmen ground their bats at the end of their run and change direction,the batsman facing the side of the field to which the ball has been struck must judge the likelihood of their making another successful run. When he turns in the opposite direction, or turns blind --a dangerous tendency--he cannot see the state of play, and so takes the risk of being run out. To turn blind is a risky endeavor."
In this chapter, Carter thinks he has outsmarted the butler--who is making his life miserable. But in the most humorous fashion, the butler has a surprise up his sleeve, catching Carter completely unaware.
Kids will immediately relate to Carter as he tries to navigate through his 6th grade year in middle school. Add to that some family angst with a father who is deployed overseas in the military and a mother who is barely treading water with a family of 4 kids and a dog that pukes whenever he gets too excited. Schmidt weaves humor through the story in wonderful doses to keep the reader turning the pages. And then he godsmacks the reader with heavy-hitting themes of loss, responsibility, and what it means to "play the hand you are dealt". The combination is a story you will not be able to forget!
I recommend this book to 4th-8th graders.
