Lawrence, Iain. B for Buster.

LAWRENCE, Iain. B for Buster. Random House, Laurel-Leaf. 321p. c2004. 0-440-23810-2. $5.99. JS*

To quote the review of the hardcover in KLIATT, May 2004: A 16-year-old boy nicknamed "Kak," after his hometown of Kakabeka, lies about his age and enlists in the Canadian Air Force, dreaming of glory fighting the Germans in WW II. Trained as a wireless operator and sent to England, Kak is excited about flying his first night "op" in a rickety old bomber named B for Buster. Once in the air, he learns what war is really like: a combination of terror and horror. He is frightened of death, and frightened to death, but he believes that everyone else is brave and he is afraid to confess his fears to his crewmates. He gradually befriends an older man named Bert, who takes care of the homing pigeons that accompany every flight, and finds that he can confide in him. One of Bert's pigeons, the dauntless Percy, becomes Kak's good luck charm and even helps save his life, in this sobering look at the real nature of war, fear, courage, and heroism. Lawrence, the author of The Wreckers, Lord of the Nutcracker Men, and other novels for YAs, writes evocatively and movingly about Kak's experiences. He provides an author's note at the end giving some personal and historical background, and includes a glossary of terms. A gripping tale. (An ALA Best Book for YAs.) Paula Rohrlick, KLIATT

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

*--The asterisk highlights exceptional books.