Karen Coats (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, September 2003 (Vol. 57, No. 1))
1925 in Roslyn, Washington, sees hard times for the Europeans who have come to work the mines, since decreased demand for coal is causing layoffs and mobsters from Seattle are trying to take over smaller bootlegging operations. After Slava’s brothers hop the grape train to Napa, California, and plentiful work, Slava is left to take care of his mother and little brother, responsibilities that endanger his future at school. Life continues with a wedding for Slava’s sister, Mary, and a serious illness that leaves his younger brother, Philip, deaf, resulting in expenses that may lead to the loss of the family home. Yearning to find real work so that he can help his mother, he and his friend Perks, an African-American boy who has similar dreams, hatch a plan to follow Slava’s brothers to California where they are sure they will succeed. Franklin paints a compassionate and detailed picture of first-generation American family life, warmly depicting the stubborn faith of mothers and the equally stubborn love of sons. Slava is dedicated to his family and his idea of what a man should be, even as he is resolutely a boy with a boy’s awkwardness, fear, and bravado. The book substantially conveys the force of family members and friends strongly committed to each other; a combination of well-drawn, likable characters and genuine narrative suspense keeps the reader involved to the end. Review Code: R -- Recommended. (c) Copyright 2003, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. 2003, Candlewick, 295p, $16.99. Grades 5-9.

Christy Oestreich (Children's Literature)
Travel back to 1925 into the diverse ethnic community of Roslyn, Washington, with a young boy named Slava whose nickname is "Cuss." Slava narrates a turning point in his life in this uplifting and genuinely heartfelt fiction novel. His family has traveled from Europe to live in America and work in the coal mines. Cuss is very responsible, loves his family and being a schoolboy, and he manages to have a lot of fun with his friends. He creates a plan to pull off the greatest "grape heist" in history, from the grape train when it comes to town. Instead of reaching his goal of grabbing the most grapes, Cuss witnesses his brothers involved with something that makes him grow up quickly and change the way he looks at life forever. Next thing he knows his brothers have left town, leaving only a note telling him to stay in school, not to worry about them because they are going to be okay, and for him to look after their mama and younger brother Philip and sister Mary. Soon the summer ends and Cuss is back in school with a grand opportunity to learn Latin from the town's priest, which he soaks up like a sponge. As the year moves on, his sister Mary gets married, he hears from his brothers that they are doing well, Philip is infected with meningitis that leaves him with little hearing and money is tight everywhere. Cuss finds a way to help out his whole family, but some unforgivable actions cause him battles within; then he learns the importance of forgiveness through a valuable lesson. He finds himself continuing to reach for his dreams and realizing that the strength and love of his family is unbreakable. This book creates a sense for the reader that he or she is actually witnessing the joys, trials and tribulations of a young boy. It is a great read for both boys and girls, not too heavy or overwhelming, yet realistic. The book would also be beneficial for a classroom reading program, based on its ending. 2003, Candlewick Press, $16.99. Ages 12 to 15.