Keep Laughing Author:Cynthia D. Grant School Library Journal — Grade 7-10-- Shep Young, almost 16, has been neglected for most of his life by his father, Joey, a well-known comedian who ran out on the family when his son was a baby. His mother has tried to give Shep the best her meager salary can offer, but has become overprotective. When flamboyant Joey returns full force into his l... more »ife via a baby blue convertible, Shep cannot help but be dazzled by his father's charismatic personality and winning efforts. As they become reacquainted, Joey needs affirmation of Shep's love and wants him to move in with him; Shep does not want to hurt either parent. The strength of this thought-provoking novel is the sensitive portrayal of the protagonist. Shep is a fully fleshed-out character with the worries, desires, and daydreams of an average teenager. While Joey's insensitivity is made obvious to readers, Shep suffers several isolated incidents before he realizes that his father's promises are empty, and that plans can change at a moment's notice. Like Jeff Greene in Cynthia Voigt's A Solitary Blue (Atheneum, 1983), Shep must come to terms with his parents' divorce and the fact that adults do not always act in a mature fashion. With its well-mixed balance of humor and serious contemplation, this title handles contemporary issues in a fresh, candid voice.
[Debra S. Gold, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Cleveland]« less
ISBN-13: 9780689315145 ISBN-10: 0689315147 Publication Date: 10/1991 Pages:164 Edition:1st ed Reading Level: Young Adult Rating: