Critics' Opinion:
Readers' rating:
Published Sep 2010
256 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publication Information
Worry-prone Frankie keeps his family secret under control — until a bold, inquisitive girl enters his life - in this warm, witty, and captivating YA novel.
Twelve-year-old Frankie Parsons is a talented kid with a quirky family, a best friend named Gigs, and a voice of anxiety constantly nibbling in his head: Could that kidney-shaped spot on his chest be a galloping cancer? Are the smoke alarm batteries flat? Has his cat, The Fat Controller, given them all worms? Only Ma, who never leaves home, takes Frankie's worries seriously. But then, it is Ma who is the cause of the most troubling question of all, the one Frankie can never bring himself to ask. When a new girl arrives at school - a daring free spirit with unavoidable questions of her own - Frankie's carefully guarded world begins to unravel, leading him to a painful confrontation with the ultimate 10 p.m. question. Deftly told with humor, poignancy, and an endearing cast of characters, The 10 P.M. Question will touch everyone who has ever felt set apart.
"Starred Review. Gorgeously written, this bittersweet chronicle of family complexities is wise but never pat—a masterful meditation on anxiety and courage that will be savored by thoughtful readers." - Kirkus
"Although rather slow moving in the beginning, this is an interesting and thoughtful coming-of-age story. Grades 6-8." - Library Journal
"Starred Review. Readers from early teens through adults will be drawn to this beautifully nuanced, unsentimental view of family life, friendship, the heroic requirements of growing up, and the rewards of speaking the unspeakable out loud." - Booklist
This information about The 10 PM Question was first featured
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Kate De Goldi is an award-winning writer of short fiction, novels, and picture books for readers ranging from young children to teens and adults. A New Zealand Arts Foundation Laureate, she lives in Wellington, New Zealand.
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