A Certain October: Book summary and reviews of A Certain October by Angela Johnson

A Certain October Summary

Scotty compares herself to tofu: no flavor unless you add something. And it’s true that Scotty’s friends, Misha and Falcone, and her brother, Keone, make life delicious. But when a terrible accident occurs, Scotty feels responsible for the loss of someone she hardly knew, and the world goes wrong. She cannot tell what is a dream and what is real. Her friends are having a hard time getting through to her and her family is preoccupied with their own trauma. But the prospect of a boy, a dance, and the possibility that everything can fall back into place soon help Scotty realize that she is capable of adding her own flavor to life.

With artfully spare prose, acclaimed and award-winning author Angela Johnson explores the ramifications of unexpected death in this compelling coming-of-age story.

A Certain October Reviews

"Starred Review. A wonderfully crafted and deeply satisfying novel, full of detail that provides texture and meaning." - Kirkus Reviews

"Hilarious and tender, the wry dialogue and the first-person, present-tense contemporary narrative will easily draw readers, especially because there is more than a situation; there is a real story." - Booklist

"Starred Review. This fast-paced, well-crafted novel is capable of engaging even the most reluctant readers." - School Library Journal

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Angela Johnson has won three Coretta Scott King Awards, one each for her novels The First Part Last, Heaven, and Toning the Sweep. The First Part Last was also the recipient of the Michael L. Printz Award. She has written numerous books for younger readers, including the Coretta Scott King Honor Book When I Am Old with You, illustrated by David Soman; Wind Flyers and I Dream of Trains, both illustrated by Loren Long; A Sweet Smell of Roses, illustrated by Eric Velasquez; and Lottie Paris Lives Here and Lottie Paris and the Best Place, both illustrated by Scott M. Fischer. In recognition of her outstanding talent, Angela was named a 2003 MacArthur Fellow. She lives in Kent, Ohio.