Cosmic

Gr 5—8—Twelve-year-old Liam looks like an adult, complete with facial hair, in Frank Cottrell Boyce's novel (Walden Pond Press, 2010). The story evolves slowly, emphasizing Liam's early misadventures and the problems that result based on adults' assumptions and his own immaturity. Kirby Heyborne's first person narration captures both Liam's innocence and delight in the "opportunities" afforded him, and his regret at the later consequences. He also gives realistic performances as Liam's parents, other adults, and children Liam encounters in what becomes, briefly, an outer space adventure when he poses as a Dad and takes a group of kids on the greatest ride ever—a trip to outer space in a rocket ship. When the voyage goes awry, Liam is forced to be "the grown up." Liam's efforts to sound like an adult are mingled with his reflections on computer game strategy (complete with lingo). Liam's views on what makes a good Dad are thoughtfully expressed and memorable. A humorous, moving novel.—Edith Ching, University of Maryland, College Park