Up Country

by Alden R. Carter

Overview

A 100 "Best of the Best" ALA Best Books for Young Adults of the Last 25 Years, Up Country is a heart-wrenching, powerful story from an exceptionally talented writer. 

Carl knows he's playing with fire every time he fixes up a stolen car stereo to resell. But he needs the money; how else is he going to get away from his boozing mom and her endless parade of classy guys? Then one night his mother's drinking gets out of control and Carl's plan to get himself a decent life takes a nosedive. Sent to live with distant relatives far away from the life he has always known, Carl is faced with a decision: run away and stick with The Plan, or come up with a new one...fast.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781101659915
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	09/09/2004
Sold by:	Penguin Group
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
File size:	647 KB
Age Range:	12 Years

About the Author

Alden R. Carter (www.aldencarter.com) is an award-winning author of nine novels, twenty books of nonfiction, and six picture books. His books for young adults include ALA Best Books for Young Adults Bull Catcher and Between a Rock and a Hard Place. Mr. Carter lives with his family in Wisconsin.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"A strong central character...a well-placed, believable plot."—School Library Journal

"Carl's...turnabout is convincing enough to sustain the story's power."—Booklist

Editorial Reviews

In the tradition of S. E. Hinton, Carter unveils the sensitive side of a streetwise loner from a troubled background. Carl, 16, electronics genius and social outcast, escapes his alcoholic mother and her entourage of men by moving to the basement. He starts a business repairing stolen stereo equipment for Steve, a local hood. The operation comes to a halt when his mother is arrested and Carl is placed in his aunt's custody. Before he has time to clear the house of incriminating evidence, Carl is sent upstate to a town filled with ``ignorant hicks.'' Much of the novel devotes itself to Carl's adjustment to small-town life and the gradual breakdown of his defenses. From shattered pieces of old dreams, he formulates new plans; but life is disrupted again when his criminal past is revealed. The two locales of this novel, Milwaukee and Blind River, provide an effective contrast and allow fast-paced action to be balanced with quieter, more reflective scenes that focus on Carl's growth. Carter tends both to over-dramatize the evils of city life and to exaggerate the naivete of country people. Nonetheless, he renders an honest, detailed portrait of one young man's struggle to find himself. Ages 13-up. (June)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Praise for Up Country...

"A strong central character...a well-placed, believable plot."—School Library Journal

"Carl's...turnabout is convincing enough to sustain the story's power."—Booklist

"Gripping, satisfying, and heart-wrenching—another winner from a talented writer."—Voya

"A powerful story, memorably told."—Kirkus Reviews  

From the Publisher