School Library Journal Reviews
Gr 5-7 During the summer following seventh grade, something religious is itching Peter. His interest in the church turns into mesmerization with the spirit of the Lord when the Preacher Man comes to town. Peter is hooked and ``saved'' at the first revival meeting; at the second the Preacher Man reels him in so tightly that when he is asked to join ``the Man'' on his travels to save people, he says yes. The pain of the thought of leaving home is dimmed by his haloed vision of being a savior. But the heavenly bliss of his mission is shattered when the Man doesn't meet him on the appointed night; instead he has run off with the girl from the drugstore. Devastated by the betrayal, Peter is saved again; this time by his trusty atheist friend Rufus, who helps him see the light of living. Few books have explored young people's fascination with God and their soul. Rylant's subtle telling has a hymn-like quality, sung in a melodic, soulful way which reverberates within the reader's compassion. Although the tone is serious, Peter's recounting is personal and sensitivelike religion and friendships, presumed and assumed. Like Peter, this story has soul. Julie Cummins, Monroe County Library System, Rochester, N.Y. Copyright 1986 Cahners Business Information.