Dollar Kids

Dollar Kids
Jennifer Jacobson
Candlewick, 2018 403 pages
Grades 4-7
Realistic Fiction

The town of Flintlock hasn't been the same since the local factory closed down, putting most of the townspeople out of work and destroying the local economy. Budding cartoonist, Lowen Grover, hasn't been the same since his friend died and he feels responsible. The Grover family is selected to purchase a foreclosed home in Flintlock for one dollar with the stipulation that they provide necessary repairs. The new families are met with suspicion and the transition is not easy. Slowly, the family begins to find their place in the community as Mom opens a small Cornish "pastie" restaurant, the house starts to come together and the kids discover new hobbies and begin to make friends. Lowen has not been able to let go of his guilt over Abe's death or create comics, but gradually he develops a comic starring Abe in the afterlife and slowly begins to work towards peacefulness and healing. The new families experience many ups and downs adjusting to the new surroundings and some members of the community are more accepting than others. A common cause finally brings the whole community close together as they achieve cohesiveness and learn what it means to be a neighbor.

Jacobson offers an interesting book for young people containing a lot of food for thought. The main message is the power of community and that we are stronger when we are working together, which is a great message that many Americans need to hear. Other timely topics include gun control, the impact on small towns upon the exit of the main source of employment, welcoming newcomers, and the importance of restoring homes and small town renewal. Modern solutions are offered, such as crowd-sourcing, yet good old fashioned "neighborliness" becomes the best solution of all. "Sad" books are hot right now with young people and readers will flock to Lowen's story as he mourns the loss of his friend. There are other sad moments in the book as well, demonstrating that life sometimes is messy, yet the ending is hopeful and positive, leaving readers with the knowledge that these characters and this community will be okay. Lowen finds his healing and passion through art, specifically drawing comics and other readers enthusiastically pursue other interests such as sports, music, cooking, and fashion design. Snippets from Lowen’s comic (contributed by Ryan Andrews) featuring his deceased friend are interwoven within the text adding an extra layer to the package. Hopefully readers will be encouraged to find their own passions and fall into their magic. A timely tale showcasing the importance of community and featuring a likable cast and a quiet, yet enjoyable story line.