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The Reappearance of Sam Webber
(young-adult novel, published by Bancroft Press, spring 1999, paperback published Candlewick Press, spring 2001,)
Evoking a child's struggle to triumph over fear and despair, The Reappearance of Sam Webber explores the complex issues of race and class in the "fading light" of Baltimore. This debut novel will strike a powerful chord. The protagonist, eleven-year-old Sam Webber, has been called "Little Sam" his whole life, but Big Sam has disappeared, perhaps for good. Without his dad, Little Sam is just plain "Samuel" - and lonely. When he and his mom have to move from their comfortable Baltimore home to a rough inner-city neighborhood, he has plenty to be afraid of: the depression that seems to be engulfing his mother, the taunts of the middle school bully, his own grief, and bouts of nausea and hyperventilation. But when Greely, the janitor at his school, strikes up an unlikely friendship, Sam begins to see his life - like the varied rowhouses of his new neighborhood - in a gentler light. Will a surer, stronger Sam Webber emerge from the shadows?
(ages 10 and up)
Awards and notices:
·Alex Award, presented by Booklist Magazine and American Library Association for Best Ten Adult Books of the Year for Teenagers, 2000
·New York Public Library, Best Books for the Teen Age, 2000
·American Booksellers Association for Free Expression, one of two novels selected as best works dealing with issues of teen violence
·School Library Journal, Top Five Books for Teenagers, 1999
·Library Journal, Best Book Selection, 1999
·Booklist Magazine, Editor's Choice, 1999
·A Teen People Magazine Book of the Month Club selection
·Peoria (Illinois) Reads, One City One Book selection, 2003
·British Book Choice for post-primary schools
Representative reviews:
"The Reappearance of Sam Webber tells a human truth that hope and awareness of what we have will overcome much of life's grief. Out of sad and dark materials, Fuqua delivers a heartwarming and readable story."
- San Antonio (TX) Express News
"... in a style somewhat reminiscent of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird or Olive Ann Burn's Cold Sassy Tree... with so many young adults facing family breakups personally or through their friends, this delightful and captivating story will be a welcome glimmer of hope."
- School Library Journal
"A formidable portrait of urban American life."
- Kirkus Reviews
A warm, rich novel."
- Booklist
"Gritty city streets come alive in this story about a year in the life of an 11-year-old boy."
- Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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