Howie Bowles and Uncle Sam - Hardcover

Kate Banks and Isaac Millman are the author and illustrator of Howie Bowles, Secret Agent, of which Booklist said: "Grade-schoolers will want to read more about Howie Bowles." Kate Banks lives on the French Riviera. Isaac Millman lives in New York City.

Grade 2-3-Howie Bowles is convinced that he will be plagued with bad luck throughout his life because he was born on Friday the 13th. His school and home life confirm this: he has difficulty with math, and his younger siblings, particularly his infant sister, seem to receive more parental attention than he does. The coup de gr?ce comes in the form of a delinquent tax notice the third grader receives from the IRS. Howie is in debt to the tune of $112 to an uncle named Sam whom he doesn't know, and is warned of imprisonment if he doesn't pay. As the due date approaches, he makes his farewells at home and at school. At the last minute, though, his mother finds the letter and straightens out the problem, and Howie realizes that he's pretty lucky after all to have parents who care about him. Howie's character, which is fraught with insecurities, and the humor are well developed. Readers may not necessarily buy into some of Howie's friends' favorite leisure activities (marble games, the art of spitballs, and the classroom game of "Post Office"), but this easy chapter book should appeal to younger readers.
Sharon McNeil, Los Angeles County Office of Education
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