Home Invasion

Deborah Dowson is a Canadian children’s librarian living in Powell,
Ohio.

When Josh’s mother must leave town to help his grandmother, the
teenager is left alone for the first time in the care of his new
stepfather. Josh can’t stand Clay’s “artistic” temperament,
which Josh judges to be lazy, sloppy, and chaotic. What Josh really
wants is a “normal” family. He finds himself drawn into homes and
eavesdropping on families whom he perceives as perfect. It gives him a
thrill to be observing people without them knowing that he is watching.
This abnormal behaviour leads him to witness the frightening burglary
and home invasion of his neighbour’s family. From his hiding place, he
has the opportunity to surprise the dangerous criminal and capture him.
After his secret behaviour is revealed, Josh is able to work on
resolving his family conflicts in a positive way.

The unusual topic may appeal to the Orca Soundings audience of
reluctant teen readers, but the situations that conveniently draw the
curious teen into various homes are improbable, as is the unlikely
outcome that a criminal home invader would appear in a home that the
teen was already invading. The story would have been more compelling had
it been more plausible. Recommended with reservations.