September 2, 2013
Loosely based on a true story, Staunton’s novel follows a nameless teenager whose tumultuous life has left him with no concept of his own identity. After the petty criminal he’s been running with is killed, the boy tries to avoid being thrown back into the foster care system by scanning a list of missing teenage boys and claiming to be one of them, Danny Dellomondo. Danny’s family is so overjoyed to learn that he is alive that they overlook certain inconsistencies—Danny’s eye color has changed, for example (he claims that when he was kidnapped, his captors “injected my eyes with something”). Staunton (Jump Cut) manages a potentially farfetched premise with authority and persuasive detail: the fake Danny easily assumes the role of the missing teen by looking at family photos, relying on his skills of manipulation, and drawing from actual past trauma to deflect uncomfortable questions. While the ending is dramatic, the psychological tension at the root of “Danny’s” masquerade and the relationships he forms with those who are so willingly deceived are gripping throughout. Ages 12–up.
September 15, 2013
A teen con artist confronts the haunted past of a torn Canadian family. Staunton's street-wise, smooth-talking 15-year-old protagonist first enters the scene as Frank, the so-called son of a credit-card thief named Harley. When a simple heist goes bad and leaves Harley dead on the pavement, Frank, already a well-taught liar, has to figure out his next move. At the local Youth Services office, he stumbles across the profile of Danny Dellomondo, a missing Canadian teen, and adopts his identity. Lies, betrayal, murder and even romance hit him head on when he arrives in the small town of Port Hope, Ontario, and Danny finds himself caught in the middle of a mystery more layered than he ever could have imagined. Enter Gillian, whom he meets in alternative school after pounding one of the local bullies in the hall, and sparks fly. Staunton's latest page-turner moves fast. Readers aren't sure whether or not they can trust the main character, and that makes the journey all the more exhilarating as Danny conjures up more lies, stories and thievery to cover up his tracks. The provocative, well-drawn characters run the gamut, from Danny's kindly caregiver, Shan, to his violent, drug-addicted brother. Staunton stealthily inserts clues as to the whereabouts of the real Danny, but his keen plotting skills will keep readers guessing until the very end. Breathless, fast-paced fun. (Thriller. 14 & up)
COPYRIGHT(2013) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
October 1, 2013
Gr 6-8-Danny has been bounced from foster home to foster home ever since he was born. He cannot remember his name, he's been given too many, and he cannot remember his birthday; it has rarely been celebrated. He felt finally comfortable, though, when con man Harley took custody of him. When Harley dies suddenly, Danny decides he will do anything to avoid being sent to yet another foster home and assumes the identity of a missing teen from Canada. Much to Danny's surprise, the family quickly accepts him as their own, but a retired cop has his suspicions. Thus far, Danny has been able to handle anything life has thrown at him. Is he finally in over his head? This novel was inspired by a true story, featured in the New Yorker, of a Frenchman who impersonated a missing Texas teen. Reluctant readers will be receptive to this gripping tale about identity and resilience, written in clear language.-Tiffany Davis, Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY
Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.