But Jeff's second summer in Charleston ends with a devastating betrayal, and he returns to his father wounded almost beyond bearing. But out of Jeff's pain grows a deepening awareness of the unexpected and complicated ways of love and loss and of family and friendship -- and the strength to understand his father, his mother, and especially himself.

ANNOTATION

Jeff's mother, who deserted the family years before, reenters his life and widens the gap between Jeff and his father, a gap that only truth, love, and friendship can heal.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Jeff Greene was only seven when Melody, his mother, left him with his reserved, undemonstrative father, the Professor. So when she reenters his life years later with an invitation to spend the summer with her in Charleston, Jeff is captivated by her free spirit and warmth, and he eagerly looks forward to returning for another visit the following year.

But Jeff's second summer in Charleston ends with a devastating betrayal, and he returns to his father wounded almost beyond bearing. But out of Jeff's pain grows a deepening awareness of the unexpected and complicated ways of love and loss and of family and friendship — and the strength to understand his father, his mother, and especially himself.

A NEWBERY HONOR BOOK

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION CHILDREN'S NOTABLE BOOK

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION BEST OF THE BEST FOR YOUNG ADULTS

INTERNATIONAL READING ASSOCIATION TEACHERS' CHOICE

INTERNATIONAL READING ASSOCIATION YOUNG ADULT CHOICE

BOOKLIST EDITORS' CHOICE

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Barbara Allen Burke

Jeff Greene is 7 years old when he is abandoned by his mother and left in the care of his unapproachable, reserved father, whom he calls Professor. He adjusts to a series of male student caregivers ("women are too unreliable," says his father) until he is-too soon-left mostly to care for himself. When his mother unexpectedly re-enters his life the summer before his twelfth birthday, he convinces himself that her warmth and breezy nature is a substitute for love and nurturing. When he returns to visit his mother the following summer, he is able to see both his mother's true selfishness, and his father's steadfast love. From the first heart-wrenching page through the end of Part I, the story is told with an unflinching narrative that explores the heartache of a child too eager to please out of fear that he will be abandoned. His growing sense of security-in spite of disappointment-is a joy to follow. Part II, in which Jeff and his father build a life and a community together, is engaging. We learn of Jeff's relationship with Dicey Tillerman, a young girl who is the subject of Voigt's other books in the series. Perhaps because Part II attempts to weave Jeff's story with the previous two books, the flow of the narrative slows and, at times, confuses. However, the strength of the characters and the honest tone of the story are ultimately compelling. 2003 (orig. 1983), Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster, Ages 12 up.