The Big Snapper.

Deborah Dowson is a Canaadian children’s librarian in North Wales,
Pennsylvania.

Eddie likes nothing better than to go fishing with his grandfather off the coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands where they live. Not only is there the possibility of catching the “big snapper,” but Grandfather usually has an interesting and lively tall tale to tell. Unfortunately, the fishing is pretty poor, so Eddie’s mom decides to open a bed and breakfast to help make ends meet. The tourists are inconvenient and their attitudes toward island life are annoying to Eddie, but money is scarce and he must do what he can to accommodate them. When Grandfather falls sick, Eddie realizes he has learned two important skills from him: how to fish, and how to spin a great story.

Eddie’s story is a picture of life on a remote island in British Columbia, where his lifestyle is very different from the typical 10-year-old. There are no fast food restaurants, malls, or movie theatres and Eddie doesn’t use a computer to talk to his friends. His family has struggles like many others. There is a shortage of money, his father went to the mainland a year ago and hasn’t returned, and his grandfather becomes very ill. Although there is not much action inherent in the story, the family tension, the amusing tourists, and the fantastic tales woven throughout provide plenty of interest. Eddie is a remarkable character and his fishing adventures, both real and imagined, provide an entertaining read for young people. Highly recommended.