The impending war in Iraq gives this story a definite place in time, and its distinct characters make it satisfying and surprisingly realistic. Practice and discipline accompany this gradual exploration of his talent. The “big nothing” place, where Justin retreats in time of trouble, is a rhythmic world and soon begins to include melody and provide Justin with a place to express himself. Surprisingly ultra-cool Jemmie, who is also missing her best friend, Cass, actually recognizes his existence and her grandmother invites Justin to use their piano in the afternoons when Jemmie’s at cross-country practice. She has written about such topics as being a Jew, body image and eating disorders, lesbianism, lesbian and gay parenting, and her gender role as a femme. It gets worse when he realizes that all of his mother’s suspicions about his father are probably true, and that Dad may not return from his latest business trip. Lesléa Newman has written and edited 70 books and anthologies. This winsome little board-book features a cheerful toddler spending the day with his two fathers: playing music together, dressing in costumes, and having tea. Fat, acne-ridden, and missing his best friend Ben, who’s in the throes of his first boy-girl relationship with Cass, Justin’s world is dreary. Big brother Duane is off in boot camp, and Justin is left trying to hold the parental units together.
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