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Griffis, Molly Levite, The Feester Filibuster. 2002, 224p. Eakin, $17.95 (1-57168-541-3); paper, $8.95 (1-57168-694-0).
Gr. 4-8. This buoyant sequel to The Rachel Resistance (2001) allows John Allen Feester to tell his side of the story, which he claims Rachel botched so blatantly in the last book. He just doesn’t see why WWII is such big news in Oklahoma, where ships cannot possibly invade. While acknowledging that Rachel is smart, he is pleased to point out where her theories on the war and her obsession with being informed are liabilities. But when the war tragically affects some of the town families, John Allen gains a new appreciation for the townspeople’s patriotism and Rachel’s hunger for world news. Though told in third person, the story clearly unravels from John Allen’s quick-witted perspective, and Griffis expertly captures this period of American history through the innocent eyes of a begrudgingly sensitive boy. Short chapters, colorful minor characters, and plenty of historical detail make this a fast and fulfilling read.--
Roger Leslie
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