|
FOUR EYES AND FRENCH FRIES
Mary Blakeslee
Reviewed by Joanne Robertson.
Volume 20 Number 2
Eddie Chandler has just entered junior high. His mother died years ago and he lives with his father, Streak. Until now, Streak's dates have been "honeybees" or "fluffy flea brains," women who are beautiful, but dumb. But now, a new woman enters their lives - "someone educated and refined" who has "inner beauty as well as many other sterling attributes." This "classier kind of honeybee" is interested in eating right and is concerned about their health and safety. Eddie doesn't think they need "any old uptown dame to interfere in [their) lives." The "respectable woman" that Streak chooses will cause Eddie added anxiety. As serious as Eddie's problems seem to him, they pale in comparison to those of his friend, Pelican. Pelican's mom is an alcoholic and the family is breaking up. Eddie must come to the rescue of his friend. Mary Blakeslee has written eighteen novels for young adults. Four Eyes and French Fries is short and easy to read and has large print. The action scenes are quick-paced. However, the exploits that occur in the final few chapters often struck me as improbable. In addition, I found myself disliking Blakeslee's sexist, stereotyped characters. Kids deserve better reading material than Four Eyes and French Fries. I would not recommend this book to them. Joanne Robertson, Winnipeg, Man. |
1971-1979 | 1980-1985 | 1986-1990 | 1991-1995
The materials in this archive are copyright © The Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copyright information for reviewers
Digital Collections / Collections Numérisees