Powell, Randy. Three clams and an oyster.

POWELL, Randy. Three clams and an oyster. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, Sunburst. 216p. c2002. 0-374-40007-5. $6.95. JS *

To quote the review of the hardcover in KLIATT, March 2002: Flint, age 16, is the captain of a four-person Seattle flag-foot ball team called Three Clams and an Oyster. He and his longtime friends Beaterson and Deshutsis are the three Clams; the first Oyster died in an accident some years back. Cade, who blames himself for that accident, has filled the position since then, but he's increasingly undependable, into drinking, drugs, and self-destructive behavior. Clearly, the team needs a new Oyster, but how can they abandon Cade? And who can replace him? Arguing all the way, the three Clams explore their options. They try out Thor, a flaky, hard-drinking athlete, and Tim, a uncoordinated new boy in town, before finally taking on Rachel, a talented player whose assertiveness frightens the wits out of them.

Change is difficult for Flint and his friends, but they come to realize that it's overdue and that moving on has its good points too. This is more a character exploration and coming-of-age tale than a sports saga, but Flint's narration and the wonderfully witty and realistic dialogue between him and his friends make it an especially engaging read. Powell, the author of Dean Duffy, The Whistling Toilets, Tribute to Another Dead Rock Star, and Run If You Dare, excels at portraying teenage boys and their relationships in a humorous, insightful style. (An ALA Best Book for YAs.) 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.

*--The asterisk highlights exceptional books.