The Agony of Bun O’Keefe
by Heather Smith
Realistic Fiction
* * * * Stars (Great!)
When Bun O’Keefe’s mother (a hoarder) tells her to “Get out!” Bun does. Homeless and not sure what to do or where to go, Bun approaches a busker/musician who, charmed by Bun’s quirky character, takes her under his wing and back to his temporary lodgings. Bun goes on to charm his housemates with her forthrightness and they form a little family. It all falls apart when Bun’s mother passes away and the landlord takes advantage of Bun. Busker Boy teaches the landlord a lesson he won’t soon forget, but he and the rest of the tenants are forced to flee in case there are repercussions. Bun’s former accommodations are available, if somewhat inhospitable, and the family retreats there to pick up the pieces of their lives. Unusual, but charming, much like Bun herself, with a realistic share of ups and downs. Give to fans of realistic fiction where kids wrestle with adult-sized problems.
Reviewed by YA Librarian
