Racing the Sun - Softcover

Grade 5-8 This thought-provoking, realistic story, interspersed with many comic moments, is narrated by a typical and appealing 12-year-old boy who, along with his best friend Ham, is a member of the UGA club, "Underachieving Goof-offs of America." Although young Brandon Rogers is a Navajo Indian, he has been raised with middle-class American values, and is "Navajo like Ham is Jewish." When Brandon's dying grandfather comes from the New Mexican reservation to be cared for in his son's home, the cultural clash that results is a source of problems between father and son as well as between grandfather and grandson. Brandon manages to sneak his grandfather back to the reservation by bus. It is there that both son and grandson finally come to terms with their Navajo origins and family traditions. Besides offering a glimpse of Navajo reservation life and culture, this fast-reading novel has enough humor to keep it from becoming overly sentimental and a universal message that makes it worthwhile reading for children of any cultural background. Yvonne A. Frey, Peoria Public Library, Ill.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This affecting story about a suburban Navajo boy should find a broad audience. Brandon, 12, is happily ensconced in UGA (Underachieving Goof-offs of America) with his best friend Ham, content to live the middle-class life his father has carved out for his family. Then Brandon's Navajo grandfather comes to live with them, bringing his smoky smell, his chants and his ample dignity and charm. His very presence disrupts the family, reminding them of reservation life, but Brandon is drawn to him. Their gentle, loving bond, based on Brandon's learning "the important things" from his grandfather, changes the boy in believable, positive ways. If this is just a bit idealized in its treatment of minor characters, it is nonetheless engagingly told and refreshingly modern. The story's themes are more subtle than the strident cover will lead readers to expect. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.