Author: Budge Wilson CAN
Publication: Toronto: Stoddart Publishing Co.
Publication Date: 1992
ISBN: 0-7737-5508-X
Pages: 102
Summary: When Oliver's dad (a military nurse) is called to serve in the Gulf War, he and his family are forced to moved from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to Halifax, Nova Scotia to live with his grandparents. To everyone else, Oliver seems to be carefree and have it all together, but inside he is torn apart with worry for his father, fears of moving to a new city and dealing with his cranky grandfather. Oliver must adjust to his new life, and learn how to admit when he's feeling bad.
Major Characters: Oliver Kovak, Jerry Kovak (brother), Gus Rodgers (school bully), Grandpa and Grandma Kovak
Comments: This is a rather short chapter book and more suited to elementary students rather than young adults, but it is still a great story. I had the great pleasure of being able to hear Budge Wilson speak to our class a couple of months ago, and she said that of all her characters, Oliver is the character that is most like her. I read this book before I knew that, and I thought at the time that she must have written some of herself into him, because his emotions are so real, that they could only have been created from personal experience. Although the book takes place during the time of the Gulf War, it is appropriate today becuase of the events in Iraq.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Level: 10-12
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