Syosset Public Library TeenSpace Blog

My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger is definitely one of my top ten favorite books of 2008. It is a story about love and growing up and commitment and fun. It’s got all of the elements that make a good story: adventure, romance, theater, sports, dogs, cute six year olds and more.
T.C. loves Alejandra (Ale) who doesn’t love him back…not yet, anyway. T.C.’s father loves Lois, T.C.’s school guidance counselor. She’s not sure she should reciprocate, given she’s T.C.’s guidance counselor. Augie, T.C.’s friend/brother (you need to read the book to find out what this means) loves Alex, but isn’t sure whether the feeling is mutual. Ale’s father wants her to follow in his footsteps and become a foreign ambassador. She wants to sing and dance on Broadway. This is all such a muddle, huh? Well, it will find a way to work itself out.
The premise of the book is that students are given an 11th grade homework assignment in English to describe their most excellent year. That year happens to be 9th grade. In alternating chapters, T.C., Augie and Ale describe the events that took place in the form of e-mails, chats, newspaper clippings and letters. T.C. writes to his mother who died when he was six years old. Augie writes to famous actresses/divas such as Liza Minelli. Ale beings by writing to Jackie Kennedy but changes mid-book (read the book to find out why).
The variety of action in the book makes it difficult to describe but, suffice it to say, My Most Excellent Year is a fun read. You will love every character in the book. You won’t be able to put it down. You will sing its praises. You’ll love it. Read it.
Ed Goldberg
Teen Services Librarian

Erin Hunter, author of the Warriors series, will be at the Carle Place Barnes & Noble on Sunday, June 14 at 11 AM. This is your chance to get autographed copies of her books.
Ed Goldberg
Teen Services Librarian

Here’s the Breaking Dawn cover for all you Twilight fans.
Ed Goldberg
Teen Services Librarian