Replay

By Sharon Creech
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Noelle

Leo is the second child of four in an Italian-American family. He wants to act and dream and dance, but his propensity for daydreaming causes his family to call him "fog boy." Leo really just wants to be noticed for his talents, and his role as the Old Crone in an upcoming play seems like his chance. But when the teacher asks the cast to get into character by imagining someone around them as young, Leo begins to examine his family more closely. His father's autobiography at age 13 falls into his hands and Leo finds it hard to imagine his father as the carefree person he writes about. He also uncovers some secrets which are painful for his family when they are brought into the light of the current day. But Leo finds that love and hope still remain by the end of the story, in both his family and the play. Leo, like other protagonists of Creech, deals with loss and fears of loss along with more ordinary feelings, like being noticed in a good way. Still, the story is entertaining, and you'll find yourself rooting for Leo to make good. This is a quick but, as with all Creech books, a good read.