Safe at Home!

This thoughtful, moving narrative concerns a boy's struggle to confront his mother's alcoholism. Ever since sixth-grader Tony's father left, matters at home have been in turmoil. Mom was sometimes ``sick'' before Dad's departure, but now she is constantly ill. Tony's four-year-old sister Christy lives in a world of imaginary friends, and the boy feels responsible for the entire household. The only time he can be truly relaxed and secure is on the ball field, where he blazes baseballs across the plate. Unfortunately, Tony cannot hide from his problems forever, and neither can his mother. Anderson delineates her hero's internal struggles sensitively and realistically; his experiences reflect the fear, anger and confusion that children of alcoholics face on a daily basis. While she offers hope and reassurance with the return of Tony's father, she is careful not to promise any quick, easy resolutions to this complicated and painful situation. Ages 8-12. (Sept.)