cover image Eye of the Beholder

Eye of the Beholder

Daniel Hayes. David R. Godine Publisher, $14.95 (192pp) ISBN 978-0-87923-881-0

Tyler and Lymie, the inseparable duo from The Trouble with Lemons , find themselves in an unsettling situation. With all of Wakefield preparing a celebration in honor of Badoglio, a renowned sculptor who lived in their town at the turn of the century, Lymie convinces his pal that they should make a few sculptures of their own--``If somebody like that Badoglio guy could make money sculpturing, why can't we?'' Tyler remains skeptical--``Be real, Lyme. You're almost flunking eighth grade art.'' Eventually the boy gives in, but he would never have guessed that nationally known art critics would consider their rock carvings genuine, nor could he have predicted the trouble that ensues. Although the story focuses on these impulsive youngsters' antics, Hayes also perceptively explores relationships among friends, family and community members with lifelike dialogue and telling narration. Readers will delight in these protagonists' sundry predicaments, all of which are resolved with ingenuity and imagination. Ages 11-up. (Dec.)