The Divorced Kids Club and Other Stories

A different adolescent drives each of the seven tales in Valgardson's (Sarah and the People of Sand River) uneven but ultimately rewarding collection. Each protagonist is isolated and struggling through a rough patch: parental separation, moving or just plain being unlike everyone else. The book sputters at the start. In the opener, ""The Entertainer and the Entrepreneur,"" aspiring capitalist Tracy spews cliches from financial magazines, horrifying her hippie parents; Shawn, an earthy musician, helps her accept their differences. Not only are the characters stereotypical, but the moral is heavy-handed (in the conclusion, Shawn proclaims, ""You'll be a CEO one day,"" and Tracy, finally understanding the ultra-obvious message, replies, ""I'll come watch you perform""). Later in the volume, the story ""Mrs. Galoshers"" tackles the same theme--but with more success. Here a boy adapts to life in the country while his city-mouse mother and country-mouse neighbor overcome their mutual disdain to appreciate each other's strengths. The women's evolutions are both subtle and gradual, outlined with humor and heart. The majority of stories are in this latter vein, and their memorable characters and delicate plotting are what readers will take away from the work. Ages 10-up. (Nov.)