Creech, Sharon. 2013. The Boy on the Porch. New York: Harper Collins.
(Advance Reader Copy supplied by publisher)
When John and Marta find a young boy, about six-years-old, asleep on their rural porch one morning, they are puzzled indeed. Sleeping serenely, it is hours before the boy wakes up, and when he does, he is alert and interested, but seemingly unconcerned about his situation,
Although Jacob does not talk, it soon becomes clear that he has an innate ability to create music and to communicate with animals. Remote neighbors of the farming community begin to speak of a boy who rides a cow. A childless couple, John and Marta become quite fond of the strange boy, but continue to wonder how he came to be on their porch and when someone might come for him,
The boy reached into his pocket, withdrew a crumpled note, and handed it to Marta.
Pleese taik kair of Jacob. He is agodgood boy. Wil be bak wen we can.
Although Jacob does not talk, it soon becomes clear that he has an innate ability to create music and to communicate with animals. Remote neighbors of the farming community begin to speak of a boy who rides a cow. A childless couple, John and Marta become quite fond of the strange boy, but continue to wonder how he came to be on their porch and when someone might come for him,
"When do you think the people will come back for him?"Days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months, and still, no one comes for the boy; John and Marta, in their own quiet way, begin to hope that perhaps, no one ever will.
"Soon, don't you think? Surely, soon."
Like several of her other recent titles, in The Boy on the Porch, Sharon Creech showcases her ability to write books that hover somewhere between here and there, then and now, fantasy and reality. Transcending place and time, Sharon Creech is a masterful storyteller - heartwarming and relevant.
Note:
This is Creech's second consecutive book that features an unusual young boy who creates great change in the lives of those whom he meets (The Great Unexpected, Harper Collins, 2012). It's also the second book that I've read in as many months that features a mute, yet communicative boy (Wild Boy: The Real Life of the Savage of Aveyron, Candlewick, 2013). Interesting how that works out sometimes.
Due on shelves in September, 2013.
Other Sharon Creech books and stories reviewed on Shelf-employed:
- "The Raven," in Acting Out (Atheneum, 2008)
- The Great Unexpected (Harper Collins, 2012)
- The Unfinished Angel (Harper Collins, 2009)
- Love that Dog (Harper Collins, 2001)
Oh, thanks for sharing! The Great Unexpected is on my summer reading list, and I'll have to add this now!
ReplyDeleteI love Creech and this is an interesting one.
@bookwormtales
Yay another Sharon Creech book! Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this book on the June Carnival of Children's Literature.
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