The Way to Stay in Destiny

Reviewed by: Karen Silverman - Scarborough High School/Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2015

Review

This is a sweet coming-of-age story of Theo (named for Thelonious Monk) whose life takes an abrupt turn when his grandparents can no longer take care of him. His estranged-from-the-family uncle shows up and whisks sixth-grader Theo from the family farm in Kentucky and takes him to Destiny, Florida. In Destiny, Theo learns more about his family, begins piano lessons despite his uncle's edict not to play, makes a new friend, and explores the history of Destiny, including a possible connection to Hank Aaron. Theo is such an earnest, sweet character, that he even manages to break through a bit to his Uncle by the end. With snippets of historical context thrown in, this book could lead to some excellent discussions of the Vietnam War and treatment of returning soldiers, race relations, and family issues.

Overall Book Score: excellent