Willy's Summer Dream

Willy Palmer, 14, has always been slow in school, but has assumed he would catch up. It comes as a shock when he is assigned to a special-education class near the end of the term. Realizing he will always be different, Willy quits school and begins to retreat from the world. Summer in his ghetto neighborhood seems even more bleak than usual until Willy becomes friends with his neighbor's visiting niece. By focusing on his assets rather than his limitations, Kathleen inspires Willy to achieve his full potential. Without labeling or analyzing his deficiencies, the novel reflects Willy's childlike innocence and conveys the depth of his confusion. In her first work, Brown convincingly portrays a young man's changing outlook and inner growth while challenging accepted notions about the learning-disabled. Sensitive readers will respond to her innovative and thought-provoking ideas. Ages 12-up. (Oct.)