Monkey See Monkey Do [Hardcover] [Sep 01, 1990] Declements, Barth

Jerry Johnson, Jr., desperately struggles to keep his father, an ex-convict out on parole, from falling in with his former buddies, whose schemes could lead his father right back into prison

Grade 4-6-- Jerry Johnson , first introduced in Five-Finger Discount (Delacorte, 1989), is now in the sixth grade and has settled into his new school. His father is out on parole and has a good job, but can't seem to stay away from his old friends. Jerry goes to extreme measures to prevent him from going back to prison but to no avail. His mother decides to file for divorce, and Jerry is forced to face the fact that his father can not keep the promise he made to "always be straight." DeClements introduces readers to family circumstances different from those presented in most teen novels. The rather casual approach to this family's problems weakens the values that are presented. Jerry and his classmates are realistically portrayed, but his parents are not so carefully developed. This book won't have the popularity of DeClements' earlier titles as it doesn't have her usual humor or universal appeal. --Kenneth E. Kowen, Atascocita Middle School Library, Humble, TX
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

DeClements's characterizations and plot are equally strong in this poignant novel about a sixth grader and his relationships with his parents and friends. As in Five-Finger Discount , the author focuses on Jerry Johnson, whose father has served time in prison for a number of offenses. As the story opens, Jerry's dad is out on parole, and appears to be trying to hold down a job. But the boy's heart sinks when Rattler, his father's partner in crime, appears at their house: associating with Rattler violates the terms of parole, and Jerry fears that the pair is headed for more trouble. He is especially upset since--after Jerry stole a pair of sandals to give to his mother--he and his dad made a pact that neither one would ever steal again. Jerry has held up his part of the bargain, and feels betrayed when his dad seems unable to do the same. To make matters worse, Mr. Johnson steals a carton of cigarettes in the presence of Jerry and his friends, and is arrested on the spot. With subtlety and style, DeClements delivers an important message. Ages 9-12.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.