Riding Planet Earth

Darleen R. Golke is a high-school teacher-librarian in Winnipeg,
Manitoba.

Moving from Gibsons, B.C., to Saskatoon in the middle of the school year
means major adjustments for 12-year-old Ringo Warren. A weird family
that includes an unemployed dad, a crusading mom, a “screwed-up”
older sister who sports a shaved head, a silver nose ring, and a lousy
attitude; a new school, West Park, and an “ungeeky” 7th-grade
teacher, Ms. Harmon; developing relationships with gorgeous Summer and
easygoing Adam; the threats and intimidation tactics of the school
bully, Larry; his parents’ passion for the Beatles—all keep
Ringo’s “planet Earth” whirling. “Stress,” Ringo admits, “is
my middle name. I’m sure I’ll have gray hair before my parents
do.” Getting trapped in a lie from which he can’t seem to escape
almost sends his world right out of control as the novel draws to a
startling climax.

The rather fanciful denouement underscores Ringo’s coming of age and
his “glimpses of understanding.” Young adolescent readers will be
captivated by this fast-paced story, which invites them to view the
“world according to Ringo.” Recommended.