Junebug in Trouble by Alice Mead (English) Paperback Book

Description: Junebug in Trouble by Alice Mead Despite having moved out of the rough housing project where he grew up, ten-year-old Junebug continues to encounter crime, gangs, and violence. FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description Its been several busy months since Junebug and his family moved away from their old housing project. Now Junebug is ecstatic about seeing his best friend Robert again at the beach on Labor Day weekend. But Roberts with Trevor, another project pal, who happens to be a gang member with a gun. Junebugs scared of Robert joining Trevors gang and wonders if he can stop him.At home, Junebug thinks about the father he hardly knows. He has been in prison for over six years. Maybe hes really innocent, but if not, will people think that Junebug will grow up to be like him? Author Biography In addition to the Junebug books, Alice Mead is also the author of Soldier Mom and Girl of Kosovo. Review "This book will ring true to many young readers and expose others to the challenges faced by children today. An excellent choice, particularly for reluctant readers."—School Library Journal Review Quote "This book will ring true to many young readers and expose others to the challenges faced by children today. An excellent choice, particularly for reluctant readers."-School Library Journal Excerpt from Book One Early in the morning--well, not too early--Reverend Ashford and I are walking along Bellmore Avenue on our way back from the corner store, where we bought a newspaper and two Tootsie Roll pops. We used to buy his cigarettes there, too, but he quit smoking and now he wears a nicotine patch on his arm. "Guess what. Ill be starting fifth grade next week," I tell him. "Fifth grade. Hmm. Cant say I remember it at all," he says. Its the Friday before Labor Day weekend, and Mama has the day off. My mom is the resident supervisor at a home for some elderly people who need medical help. We all live together in a group of little apartments. She doesnt get too many days off, the way I see it. The weather today is beautiful, with puffy white clouds and a little breeze to keep things cool. The breeze is tugging at my T-shirt. "You want to come to the beach with us?" I ask as we turn onto Robin Lane. "The beach?" Reverend Ashford stops walking and glares at me. "Nope. Too hot," he mutters. "Way too hot." He always says that. Too hot. Reverend Ashford has emphysema. He likes to sit in his La-Z-Boy recliner and watch game shows while the fan blows on his head. But my mom wants him doing activities. Shes the one who made us start taking walks together. Reverend Ashford and I sit on the bench in the small grassy area at the end of Robin Lane. In June, I planted a little maple tree here, the size of a tall twig. Ive been watering it like crazy, but its taking its time growing. Reverend Ashford takes the classifieds and folds me a hat, then makes one for himself. We put on the hats and chew our lollipops. With that breeze, today would be a perfect boatyard day. Great for sailing. I worked at the Fair Haven boatyard all summer, but my friend Ron down there doesnt want me hanging around in September. Thats the time everyone is trying to get his boat hauled in and set up on big sawhorses for the winter. I guess Rons afraid I might get bonked on the head by a boat. Or maybe he knows I dont want to scrape barnacles every weekend. Mamas best friend, Harriet, will be driving us to the beach. Harriet lives at the Auburn Street projects, the place we used to live, the place Mama wont let me even visit anymore. Harriet will be here any minute, but Mamas still rushing around getting ready. Why does it always take my family an hour to get out of the house? I like to do things fast. I check Reverend Ashfords gold pocket watch. Its already nine-thirty. I want to get going now. My buddy Roberts going to be at the beach today, and I cant wait to see him! I dont have to look in the house to know what Mamas doing. Shes shoving everything in the world into our beach bag--towels, flip-flops, sunglasses, radio, lunch, and two packs of chocolate cupcakes, one pack for me and Tasha and one for Robert. The cupcakes are his favorite kind, with creamy goop inside. Roberts got a cupcake thing. "My mother sure is slow." I sigh. "She may be slow, but shes one determined woman. She knows how to get her way." Hes talking about how Mama makes him get out and about--the library, a baseball game, picnics, walks with me. She is pretty bossy, with me, too. She wouldnt let me visit Robert once all summer. Not once! She thinks I might get caught in the middle of some fight or shooting or drug deal. I dont know. Mama wants me to make friends here. But the only kid nearby is Brandon, and he went to live with his grandmother for a while because his moms in the hospital. Anyway, I wont ever forget about Rob-ert. She shouldnt be choosing my friends for me. Thats not right. I feel as if she doesnt trust me or something. Reverend Ashford opens the sports page and checks for news of the NBA. Hes looking for players sports contracts. He wants to complain about their enormous salaries. My six-year-old sister, Tasha, has come outside to wait. Shes got headphones on and is wearing a lime-green bathing suit. Shes bopping around barefoot on the grass as if she doesnt have a care in the world, singing some hip-hop song at the top of her lungs. I bet shes been watching MTV. I thought she wanted to be a ballerina. Ballerinas usually dance to weepy old violin music. Wait a minute! Is she using my Walkman? How did that happen? Well, I guess I can let her borrow it, at least for a few minutes. "Yo! Tasha! Ask next time," I holler. She points to the earphones to show me she cant hear me. Shes probably got the volume on blasting. I run over, pull one earphone off, and lean forward. "Ask me next time!" I shout. "Okay! You got it!" She dances away, jerking her shoulders and doing hand moves with her index and pinky fingers pointed out like a rap artist. When did she get like this? I swear shes taller, too. Her legs are longer, and her two front teeth are coming in fast, even compared to the other day. She looks sort of normal for a change. I glare at her and shake my head. Boy, I cant wait to see Robert again. Its been months since we got together. And that whole time, Ive been hanging around Tasha for company. Or Reverend Ashford. I mean, I like him, but he is an old guy who needs oxygen. I go to the door to try and hurry things up. "Mama!" I yell, peering through the screen door. "Did you remember your drivers license?" "Oh, shoot," she says, and disappears into her bedroom. Harriet thought today would be a good chance for Mama to practice her driving. Finally Harriets old green Hornet turns the corner and pulls up in front of our sidewalk. She gets out, and right away she looks at me with a very strange expression on her face. Huh? I wonder whats up. Somethings going on, thats for sure, and its about to set me off on an asking frenzy. I am always curious, to the point of driving people crazy with my questions. I go after answers like a noisy, stubborn junebug. I am also a junior--Reeve McClain, Jr. So my nickname Junebug is stuck to me like glue. "What happened, Harriet? Why are you looking at me funny?" "I have a secret. A huge secret. And dont even try to guess it, Junebug, because you never will. Youll find out in due time." Harriets grinning. I glance at Mama to see if she knows anything about this, but she shrugs as if to say, Dont ask me. Oh, man. I truly hate secrets. When I dont know something, it bothers me nonstop. Harriet pats the top of my head. "Sorry, Junebug. Youll have to wait on this one," she says. "Wait? Till when? Next year? Next century?" "No. Late this afternoon, maybe." Hmmm. Afternoon. Thats a clue. Maybe she made a cake. Or a batch of brownies. "Is it a cake? Hey, Harriet, is the secret a chocolate cake?" "Oh, Lord," my mother says. "Dont let him start." "You can tell me, Harriet. Is it a cake?" "No. It is not a cake. Now, dont ask me any more. And dont make your mama nervous while shes learning to drive." Like a chauffeur, Harriet stands by the car door and helps my mother into the drivers seat. Tashas standing behind me with a doubtful look on her face. Mama hardly ever drives, which is no wonder considering we dont have a car. "Are you sure Mama can drive okay on the highway?" Tasha asks Harriet. "Of course she can. Shell do just fine." We pile into the backseat. Tashas got Theo, her favorite teddy bear, with her. Right away, she unzips a plastic bag full of doll stuff and starts putting a girl dolls bathing suit on him. Poor Theo. I sit directly behind Mama so I can help navigate. I crane my neck around to look out the back window. "All right. Go ahead. No ones behind us," I call out. Mama keeps looking in her mirrors. "Go ahead now. Back right on out. Youre doing great." I am pleased to notice that I sound just like Ron, whos been teaching me to sail. "Junior, will you please hush up," Mama says, slowly backing into the street. "Ive got this made in the shade." But she must have turned the wheels too soon. The front tire hits the curb, and we lurch over it. Ker-thud. "Oops!" Tasha and I yelp. Harriet turns around. "Thats enough, you two! Now, I mean it. No backseat drivers." Once we finally get going, Mama drives better, except when shes making turns. Then she drives as slow as a turtle. People behind us honk like mad because they want to get through the lights before they turn red. If I had a horn, Id honk it right along with them. I want to get to the beach so I can play in the waves with Robert. Just me and Robert all day long. Two On the phone last night, Robert told me that the citys recreation department would send two school buses to pick up kids and give them a ride to the beach. Probably a lot of kids from Auburn Street will be at the beach today. Fine with me, as long as they dont interfere with me and my buddy. We have some major catching up to do. When we get to the beach parking lot, I spot the buses right away. I bet they got here hours ago. We unpack the trunk of the Hornet, and Harriet puts on her great big straw hat with a yellow sunflower on it. Then she leads the way as we head down the boardwalk to the beach. The sun is warm, but not too hot. The tall, dry beach gras Details ISBN0440419379 Author Alice Mead Short Title JUNEBUG IN TROUBLE Language English ISBN-10 0440419379 ISBN-13 9780440419372 Media Book Format Paperback DEWEY FIC Illustrations Yes Year 2003 Imprint Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group Place of Publication New York Country of Publication United States Residence ME, US Audience Age 8-12 DOI 10.1604/9780440419372 AU Release Date 2003-12-09 NZ Release Date 2003-12-09 US Release Date 2003-12-09 UK Release Date 2003-12-09 Pages 144 Publisher Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group Inc Publication Date 2003-12-09 Audience Children / Juvenile We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:141699272;

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