Title:

One Whole and Perfect Day (’08 Printz Honor Book)    YA #7

Author:

Judith Clarke

Publisher:

Front Street

Date:

2006

ISBN:

1932425950

# of Pages (Readership):

250 (YA)

Genre

Realistic fiction

Diversity

Inter-racial friendship/marriage, Australian culture

Plot Summary:

16-year-old Lily is the “responsible” one in her family. She lives with her mum, who works at a mental hospital and brings patients home (“lame ducks”). Her 22-year-old brother Lonnie has changed his major, again – to English lit this time. He fights with Pop (grandfather) about it and has moved out to a boarding house. Pop is an argumentative old geezer and Nan (grandmother) has an imaginary friend, Sef.

Lily is planning an 80^th birthday party for Pop and has invited her brother Lonnie wonder how Pop react to “new immigrants” because his fiancée Clara is Chinese. Unbeknownst to them all, Pop has struck up a friendship with Clara’s mum, Rose.

Theme(s):

Tolerance and acceptance are first steps in building interracial relationships.

Personal Response:

The story is slow, but for readers who persist, they will find this book has a satisfying ending. Another view of immigrants and bigotry, this one Australian, will broaden perspectives and engender meaningful discussion. Australian words and slang will increase readers’ interest.

Curricular or Programming Connections:

Inter-racial friendships

Immigration