DuPrau, Jeanne. Car trouble, a novel.DuPRAU, Jeanne. Car trouble, a novel. HarperCollins, Greenwillow. 274p. c2005. 0-06-0736755. $6.99. JS To quote the review of the hardcover in KLIATT, September 2005: Duff, a somewhat clueless clue·less adj. Lacking understanding or knowledge. clueless Adjective Slang helpless or stupid Adj. 1. computer geek (jargon) computer geek - (Or "turbo nerd", "turbo geek") One who eats (computer) bugs for a living. One who fulfils all the dreariest negative stereotypes about hackers: an asocial, malodourous, pasty-faced monomaniac with all the personality of a cheese grater. just graduated from high school in Virginia, has what sounds like a great job offer in California. Despite his parents' concerns, he sets out with high hopes to cross the country in a used car--and then the car breaks down, just a few hours from home. Determined to make it to San Jose San Jose, city, United States San Jose (sănəzā`, săn hōzā`), city (1990 pop. 782,248), seat of Santa Clara co., W central Calif.; founded 1777, inc. 1850. on time to start the job, Duff arranges to deliver a vintage Chevy as a means of obtaining transportation, and he picks up a traveling companion, gregarious gre·gar·i·ous adj. 1. Seeking and enjoying the company of others; sociable. See Synonyms at social. 2. Tending to move in or form a group with others of the same kind: gregarious bird species. but untrustworthy Stu. They meet a girl named Bonnie bon·ny also bon·nie adj. bon·ni·er, bon·ni·est Scots 1. Physically attractive or appealing; pretty. 2. Excellent. , and the three of them head out together in the car for California--with, unknown to them, a pile of money concealed in the trunk and some bad guys on their tail. In the end, Duff finds himself on a "new road." following unexpected new interests. DuPrau, the author of the YA SF best-sellers The City of Ember and The People of Sparks, tries her hand at contemporary fiction here, and crafts an intriguing in·trigue n. 1. a. A secret or underhand scheme; a plot. b. The practice of or involvement in such schemes. 2. A clandestine love affair. v. road trip/coming-of-age tale with some interesting characters and plot twists. Thoughtful readers will enjoy Duff's adventures on his journey to California and towards adulthood. Paula Rohrlick, KLIATT J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers. S--Recommended for senior high school students. |
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