Savage Carrot - Hardcover

Gr. 7-9. When her father dies unexpectedly, Carrot has lost her hero--and her best friend. She withdraws from everyone except Babe, her father's developmentally disabled brother, whose resemblance to her father lets her avoid accepting that he is really gone. Not until Carrot is faced with putting down an injured deer and forced to draw on the inner strength that is a legacy from her father does she realize that he will always be a part of her life. Overall, the book is well written, with excellent descriptive scenes, a nice balance of realistic dialogue and introspection, and a cast of interesting, well-rounded characters. However, it does have its share of stereotypes, from the unrelentingly evil, red-necked Horning brothers to the unbelievably wise grandmother. Nevertheless, it is refreshing to see a strong female protagonist retaining her individuality to the novel's end. The conclusion, in which Carrot's growth is demonstrated through her breaking a promise to Babe and leaving him behind while she walks away with a newfound boyfriend, is an unfortunate scene in an otherwise sensitive book. Readers will identify with Carrot; there is enough action and inner turmoil to keep them turning the pages and enough introspection to introduce them to some difficult issues. Jeanne Triner

Grade 6-8-Since her father's recent death, 13-year-old Carrot's family has lived with Gram on her farm in northern Michigan, all of them grieving in a different way. Carrot harbors a lot of anger, especially toward her mother, who is critical of the outdoor activities, including hunting, that she and her dad used to share. At school she wants to be unseen and unheard. Only when she is with her practical, hard-working grandmother or her father's retarded brother, Babe, does she feel at ease. So when two malicious boys target Babe for abuse, she decides to get revenge. When a local fortune teller hints at secrets of the past and makes strange predictions for the future, Carrot begins to open up to herself and to the people who want to be her friends. Tomey's characterizations are carefully done. She clearly shows Babe's limitations, but also allows his gifts to shine. Carrot's gradual acceptance of death as a necessary part of life is realistically unhurried. Sharp in descriptive detail and believable in its depiction of family interaction, this book is a virtual hymn to life, with a message that we must love ourselves before we can love or at least accept others.
Cindy Darling Codell, Clark Middle School, Winchester, KY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.