A Narrow Escape

Gr 3–5—Norris can't seem to fit in, no matter what he does. When chosen to watch his teacher's prized plant collection, he accidentally knocks her favorite flower onto the floor, damaging it. To cover his tracks, he hires a clever classmate, Graeme, to investigate the "disappearing" bloom, with promises that his father will pay a high price for the giant lobster Graeme's grandfather is putting in the local auction. As the event draws near and he gets to know the community better, Norris begins to understand what is truly important. Many readers will be sympathetic to the protagonist, a line-cutting, cheating kid who has a big heart hidden beneath his father's elitist teachings. Norris grows to appreciate the value of community over personal gain. The setting, however, may be a bit confusing to some readers. The quiet fishing village full of lobster traps evokes a strong Maine feeling, even though it is never identified as such. To this end, Maine is known for its sustainable lobster fishing practices, including releasing large lobsters, or, in one rare circumstance, giving them to the state aquarium. For those who don't get tied up in that esoteric contradiction, the book will provide a calm, character-driven read.—Devin Burritt, Wells Public Library, ME