Ghost Cats,Used

From Library JournalGrade 58Since birth, sixthgrader Peter Hall has lived in a dozen different places around the globe. Of the six members in his family, he likes change the most. In fact, he relishes each new move and the way their vagabond life brings him and his siblings together, 'thick as thieves.' Therefore, when his parents tell him they will be living in Boston for a long, long time, his whole world is thrown into chaos. While his younger brother and sisters begin making new friends and having sleepovers and play dates, Peter refuses to fit in. His only friends are the family's six cats. And now, two of the cats have died and one has run away. Told as a flashback, Shreve's story is compelling; however, it is also complex and difficult to follow, and the ghost cats make their appearance only at the end of the book. Though their 'visit' gives way to the cathartic resolution of Peter's struggle to embrace his new life, their presence in the title seems deceptive. Rather than a true ghost story, this is actually an insightful, realistic treatment about trying to adapt to change. Peter is a welldrawn character, and his firstperson narration will grip readers. His gradual acceptance of his new life rings true. He is not immediately accepted into the school cliques, and it takes work on his part to make friends. A wellwritten story with lyrical prose that may be lost on all but the most sophisticated readers.Elaine Baran, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GACopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.Product DescriptionWhen Peter's deceased cat comes walking back into his life in his new home in Boston, Peter begins to doubt his senses and wonders if his cat is a ghost, angel, or vision brought on by fond memories of time's past.From Publishers WeeklyShreve (Jonah, the Whale) skillfully upends a familiar subjectAa move to a new homeAand crafts a memorable, emotionally honest story. The oldest of four children, 11yearold Peter has grown up all over the globe: Tokyo, Edinburgh, Rome, Ghana, Prague, Washington, D.C., and Houston. He's liked changing cities and he's especially enjoyed being the head of the 'domestic army' of siblings. But now Peter's father, a pediatric neurologist, has settled the family in Boston. As Peter's mother finally enrolls in law school and as his siblings make legions of new friends, Peter misses his old role as his mother's ally and second in command. Making sophisticated use of flashbacks, Shreve anchors Peter's complex feelings in everyday exchanges. Peter narrates, in a voice that is distinct and credible but that lets the other charactersAthe family members and even their catsAemerge with clear, wellformed personalities. Readers who have struggled with various forms of loss will especially warm to this illuminating and sympathetic story. Ages 812. (Sept.)Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.From BooklistAfter following Father all over the world, the Hall family finally settles down in Boston. Mrs. Hall, who has longed for a home of her own, starts law school. Emily, Tobias, and Susanna adjust. But Peter, the eldest at 11, is unhappy. He has reveled in being part of a tight family unit (including five cats), and he doesn't know how to make friends. At first, Peter clings to family traditions and his pets. But as he very slowly comes to terms with his new life, an odd thing happens: the cats disappear or die. Shreve makes a very ambitious attempt here. The book is at its best when it shows what it is like to try to get one's bearings in an unfamiliar, unwanted situation. Many kids will identify with the child who won't get with the program. But Shreve has more difficulty integrating a supernatural element into the story as the pets come back as ghost cats. The ending, in which all the children see the cats, is too abrupt. What's the message? That inattention drives love away? Does remembrance bring it back? There is some excellent writing here, and