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Latasha Gandy #2
Latasha and the Kidd on Keys
Latasha Gandy returns in Latasha and the Kidd on Keys, the story of a whip-smart and headstrong nine-year-old living in Pittsburgh with her nurse’s aide mother and a three-legged rescue dog named Ella Fitzgerald.
Latasha leads a very full life. But something isn’t quite right. She can feel it when she spends time with her best friend Ricky’s picture-perfect family -- a longing, a sense that something is missing. Latasha soon realizes that it’s not something that’s missing, but someone: her father, Patrick Kidd, a charming but utterly unreliable musician whom she hasn’t seen in years. When Latasha gets a chance to reconnect, the almost-fourth-grader resolves to make “The Kidd” a real part of her family. Through laughter and tears, and with profound empathy, this novel follows Latasha as she struggles with her flighty father, the growing friction between herself and Ricky, a massive school project -- and, as always, a puppy whose loving nature is surpassed only by her naughtiness.
Latasha leads a very full life. But something isn’t quite right. She can feel it when she spends time with her best friend Ricky’s picture-perfect family -- a longing, a sense that something is missing. Latasha soon realizes that it’s not something that’s missing, but someone: her father, Patrick Kidd, a charming but utterly unreliable musician whom she hasn’t seen in years. When Latasha gets a chance to reconnect, the almost-fourth-grader resolves to make “The Kidd” a real part of her family. Through laughter and tears, and with profound empathy, this novel follows Latasha as she struggles with her flighty father, the growing friction between herself and Ricky, a massive school project -- and, as always, a puppy whose loving nature is surpassed only by her naughtiness.
- GenresMiddle Grade
254 pages, Paperback
First published March 19, 2013
160 people want to read
About the author
Michael Scotto
32 books37 followersMichael Scotto has worked as a filmmaker, a saxophone player and an engineer's assistant, but his true passion has always been writing. He is the author of the "The Tales of Midlandia" picture book series, as well as the middle-grade novels, "Latasha and the Little Red Tornado," "Latasha and the Kidd on Keys," and "Postcards from Pismo." When not writing, he enjoys cooking and photography.
In 2011, Scotto was honored as one of the "Pittsburgh 40 Under 40," which recognizes difference makers in the Western Pennsylvania region. He currently lives in Pittsburgh, PA with his wife.
In 2011, Scotto was honored as one of the "Pittsburgh 40 Under 40," which recognizes difference makers in the Western Pennsylvania region. He currently lives in Pittsburgh, PA with his wife.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 3, 2013
I'm writing this after having spent a week traveling to elementary schools to promote this, my newest novel. I had to answer a lot of questions about how the book was written, how it came to be, so on - and I thought this as good a time as any to get some thoughts down.
I've had projects that required more outlining, and certainly ones that required more research, but nonetheless, this book was probably the biggest challenge I've ever undertaken as a writer. It's essentially a story about a girl and her dad who happens to be a deadbeat. A charming deadbeat, but let's not pretend. The hardest part of writing this book was finding for Latasha's father that kernel of empathy which is necessary to write any solid character. Finding my way in to "The Kidd" and getting to his heart required a winding route, and much at-times-uncomfortable self reflection. But in the end, I do believe I found his humanity, and grew to better understand my own. And while the actions of Latasha's father are objectionable, and perhaps even unforgivable in certain cases, I think I made them understandable.
I've had projects that required more outlining, and certainly ones that required more research, but nonetheless, this book was probably the biggest challenge I've ever undertaken as a writer. It's essentially a story about a girl and her dad who happens to be a deadbeat. A charming deadbeat, but let's not pretend. The hardest part of writing this book was finding for Latasha's father that kernel of empathy which is necessary to write any solid character. Finding my way in to "The Kidd" and getting to his heart required a winding route, and much at-times-uncomfortable self reflection. But in the end, I do believe I found his humanity, and grew to better understand my own. And while the actions of Latasha's father are objectionable, and perhaps even unforgivable in certain cases, I think I made them understandable.
December 19, 2016
Latasha Gandy is a happy and optimistic fourth grader. She loves her Momma, and her best friend Ricky, and even her neighbor, Mrs. Okocho. She has a great dog named Ella Fitzgerald Gandy, who can be wild, but is also full of love. Though her mom works odd hours and they don't have much money, they still get along pretty well, and Latasha wants for almost nothing. The only thing she doesn't have is a dad. After she attends Ricky's birthday party and sees him interacting with his dad, she becomes a little bit sad, not to mention curious, about the father she has never known. When Momma agrees to get in touch with him, Latasha is excited. Her dad, Patrick (aka "The Kidd") turns out to be a musician with a charming personality and a great sense of humor. Trouble starts, though, when Latasha begins to count on Patrick, and he doesn't live up to his promises.
Like the first book about Latasha, Latasha and the Little Red Tornado, this book starts off slow, but once it picks up, it's hard to put it down. Many kids come from families where one parent is absent, and this book does a nice job of portraying a realistic version of that scenario. What impresses me the most is how the author manages to tell a story about a very difficult relationship without either vilifying Latasha's dad or turning Latasha herself into a victim. Even at her saddest moments in this story, Latasha doesn't blame herself for the way her dad behaves. She is angry, but also resilient, and she learns to express her anger in a healthy and constructive way and directs it at her father instead of internalizing it. It's refreshing to read a story about family problems where the characters are more than just a bunch of dysfunctional stereotypes. I especially appreciate the way Scotto fleshes out the personalities of both of Latasha's parents and even delves into the story of how they met and fell in love. This helps readers understand Patrick's good qualities and also builds up the overall world of the story.
Michael Scotto's writing has a real sincerity. His characters are authentic people who make good role models, and his stories are hopeful, but realistic. Latasha and the Kidd on Keys celebrates the strength and love of families, and gives kids a positive way to deal with sometimes tricky family dynamics. I think this sequel is even better than the first book, and I hope this won't be the last we see of Latasha!
Like the first book about Latasha, Latasha and the Little Red Tornado, this book starts off slow, but once it picks up, it's hard to put it down. Many kids come from families where one parent is absent, and this book does a nice job of portraying a realistic version of that scenario. What impresses me the most is how the author manages to tell a story about a very difficult relationship without either vilifying Latasha's dad or turning Latasha herself into a victim. Even at her saddest moments in this story, Latasha doesn't blame herself for the way her dad behaves. She is angry, but also resilient, and she learns to express her anger in a healthy and constructive way and directs it at her father instead of internalizing it. It's refreshing to read a story about family problems where the characters are more than just a bunch of dysfunctional stereotypes. I especially appreciate the way Scotto fleshes out the personalities of both of Latasha's parents and even delves into the story of how they met and fell in love. This helps readers understand Patrick's good qualities and also builds up the overall world of the story.
Michael Scotto's writing has a real sincerity. His characters are authentic people who make good role models, and his stories are hopeful, but realistic. Latasha and the Kidd on Keys celebrates the strength and love of families, and gives kids a positive way to deal with sometimes tricky family dynamics. I think this sequel is even better than the first book, and I hope this won't be the last we see of Latasha!
May 7, 2013
Latasha is a spunky nine-year old girl who lives with her single mom and her dog Ella. With her best friend Ricky having, what she considers, the perfect family, Latasha begins to wonder about her own dad and why he isn't around. This story will hit home for many children in single-family households. Latasha's strength, fortitude and optimism, along with the support of family and friends, brings her through the tough times. This middle grade novel is worth the read, one which children will enjoy.g
February 10, 2013
Latasha manages to tug at my heart-strings once again. Her dad has not really been in her life, but she is curious about him and thinks she wants to get to know him better. She learns a few life lessons the hard way. I appreciate that Scotto doesn't try to give Disney type solutions throughout the book. There are ups and there are downs. It is truly realistic fiction.
October 22, 2012
Oh, the pressure of being the first to rate a book!
I definitely enjoyed this story of a girl learning about family, friendship, and trust. I'll write up a bigger review later - but I definitely plan to pick this book up for my classroom library.
I definitely enjoyed this story of a girl learning about family, friendship, and trust. I'll write up a bigger review later - but I definitely plan to pick this book up for my classroom library.
December 23, 2012
Excellent sequel, in that 'why did you have to go and make me cry' kind of way.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews