Book details
The Gypsies Never Came
Published in
2010
Description
He holds his hand up to her face. "Celebrate this? I hate this. I hate this every day.""You don't mean that," Lydie protests. "When the Gypsies come, you'll understand.""Don't you get it, Lydie? They never come for gimps like me."For a small town, Warsaw Junction has a lot of secrets. Who could guess that Augie Knapp, the kid who hides his deformed hand in a glove, has collected most of them...and hides them in an old suitcase?No one even suspects Augie has a secret of his own until Lydie Rose Meisenheimer blows into town and signs up for sixth grade. Driving a broken-down convertible, wearing a black straw hat, and proclaiming herself Augie's new best friend, she turns his days into embarrassing nightmares.But she also fills his nights with bright-shining visions of Gypsies -- Gypsies who could make Augie's dreams come true...if only he'd dare to dream a little harder.The Gypsies Never Came is a bold departure for well-known author Stephen Roos. It's the story of a boy who wants to belong, a story that will make you laugh, break your heart, and change the way you look at the world.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
developing
Length
128 pages
Why to read
- Insight into Adolescence: 'The Gypsies Never Came' offers a poignant look into the challenges and complexities of adolescent life, making it a valuable read for those interested in young adult literature and the developmental issues faced during this critical period of growth.
- Emotional Depth: Stephen Roos crafts a narrative that is rich with emotion and character development, allowing readers to deeply connect with the protagonist's journey and the struggles he faces, providing a cathartic experience for those who have dealt with similar issues.
- Social Themes: The book addresses important social themes such as family dynamics, the search for identity, and the impact of abandonment, making it a thought-provoking read that encourages reflection on these universal issues.
- Engaging Storytelling: Roos' storytelling is engaging and well-paced, keeping readers invested in the plot and the characters' outcomes. The book's ability to hold the reader's attention while dealing with serious topics is a testament to the author's skillful writing.