Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
In a starred review, PW praised the Newbery Honor author for ``his ability to create flesh-and-blood characters'' in this story about a 14-year-old who sets out on a road trip and meets up with a Vietnam vet. Ages 12-up. Another Paulsen title, Dancing Carl, is being released simultaneously by Aladdin; $3.95 ISBN 0-689-80410-5. Ages 9-12. (Oct.) q
From the Publisher
"This provocative novel introduces and explores some interesting philosophies of life while stressing the value of learning from experience."Publishers Weekly
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School Library Journal - Audio
Gr 7–10—After Terry's parents desert him, he puts together a kit car, a Blakesley Bearcat, and heads west in Gary Paulsen's novel (Harcourt, 1994). Intending to travel from Cleveland, Ohio, to Portland, Oregon, to find his uncle, he meets up with Tom Wayland and Wayne, hitchhiking Vietnam veterans. The pair teaches Terry about "trucking" as they visit various places in the Midwest, and Terry finds himself learning more than he'd ever imagined. Ostensibly a road trip story, Paulsen deftly weaves in deeper themes of the consequences of war, the meaning of family, and finding oneself. Luke Daniels's narration brings Wayland's troubled gruffness and Wayne's laidback biker drawl to life, as well as Paulsen's vivid descriptions of Terry's stick-shift driving. Excellent for teens to listen to on long summer trips.—Michaela Schied, Indian River Middle School, Philadelphia, NY