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The Planet of Junior Brown
Junior Brown, an overprotected three-hundred pound musical prodigy who's prone to having fantasies, and Buddy Clark, a loner who lives by his wits because he has no family whatsoever, have been on the hook from their eighth-grade classroom all semester.
Most of the time they have been in the school building -- in a secret cellar room behind a false wall, where Mr. Pool, the janitor, has made a model of the solar system. They have been pressing their luck for months...and then they are caught. As society -- in the form of a zealous assistant principal -- closes in on them, Junior's fantasies become more desperate, and Buddy draws on all his resources to ensure his friend's well-being.
Most of the time they have been in the school building -- in a secret cellar room behind a false wall, where Mr. Pool, the janitor, has made a model of the solar system. They have been pressing their luck for months...and then they are caught. As society -- in the form of a zealous assistant principal -- closes in on them, Junior's fantasies become more desperate, and Buddy draws on all his resources to ensure his friend's well-being.
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1971
17 people are currently reading
838 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Hamilton
143 books275 followersVirginia Esther Hamilton was the author of forty-one works of fiction and nonfiction. She was the first Black writer awarded the Newbery Medal and the first children's writer to be named a MacArthur Fellow (the "Genius" grant). She also received the National Book Award and the Hans Christian Andersen Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
February 23, 2013
The book fascinated me when I was younger. I didn't like it quite so much as an adult, although it is remarkable in many ways. Mostly because it was written by Virginia Hamilton, who in incapable of being uninspired.
Official description: "Junior Brown, an overprotected three-hundred pound musical prodigy who's prone to having fantasies, and Buddy Clark, a loner who lives by his wits because he has no family whatsoever, have been on the hook from their eighth-grade classroom all semester.
Most of the time they have been in the school building -- in a secret cellar room behind a false wall, where Mr. Pool, the janitor, has made a model of the solar system. They have been pressing their luck for months...and then they are caught. As society -- in the form of a zealous assistant principal -- closes in on them, Junior's fantasies become more desperate, and Buddy draws on all his resources to ensure his friend's well-being."
But the book isn't enough about Junior ("He looked like a giant, black Buddha") who is immediately likable. Do kids really need Buddy to identify with? As far as Buddy 'ensuring his friend's well-being,' I was deeply concerned about the solution to Junior's descent into madness. He needed professional intervention, and light rather than more darkness. I don't think the outcome is what's best for the character I came to love.
Official description: "Junior Brown, an overprotected three-hundred pound musical prodigy who's prone to having fantasies, and Buddy Clark, a loner who lives by his wits because he has no family whatsoever, have been on the hook from their eighth-grade classroom all semester.
Most of the time they have been in the school building -- in a secret cellar room behind a false wall, where Mr. Pool, the janitor, has made a model of the solar system. They have been pressing their luck for months...and then they are caught. As society -- in the form of a zealous assistant principal -- closes in on them, Junior's fantasies become more desperate, and Buddy draws on all his resources to ensure his friend's well-being."
But the book isn't enough about Junior ("He looked like a giant, black Buddha") who is immediately likable. Do kids really need Buddy to identify with? As far as Buddy 'ensuring his friend's well-being,' I was deeply concerned about the solution to Junior's descent into madness. He needed professional intervention, and light rather than more darkness. I don't think the outcome is what's best for the character I came to love.
October 30, 2016
This book was boring and very, very sad.
I think the Newbery was awarded in 1972 because the author courageously and honestly approaches some taboo topics: child homelessness, obesity, mental illness. There is merit in the effort, and I admit I wanted to like the book out of sympathy.
However, I wish either one of the main characters had actually attempted to reach out for help to any of the adults in their respective spheres. It's not enough to show juvenile readers the bleak world of these characters. In order to make change, the literature should show kids (readers) who are in a similar plight how to get out of it, or at least offer a glimmer of hope.
I think the Newbery was awarded in 1972 because the author courageously and honestly approaches some taboo topics: child homelessness, obesity, mental illness. There is merit in the effort, and I admit I wanted to like the book out of sympathy.
However, I wish either one of the main characters had actually attempted to reach out for help to any of the adults in their respective spheres. It's not enough to show juvenile readers the bleak world of these characters. In order to make change, the literature should show kids (readers) who are in a similar plight how to get out of it, or at least offer a glimmer of hope.
March 18, 2015
Back in 1997 I saw the film, "Junior's Groove," based on Virginia Hamilton's book, "The Planet of Junior Brown." I loved the movie. Loved it, loved it, loved it. It remains one of my all time favorite movies. When I saw the trailer for it I saw that it was about this kid who was a piano prodigy, practicing on a piano with the strings cut out. This is kind of what I used to do when I had to practice piano in the house and either the electricity was off or people were around: I would practice on a keyboard with the power off--I knew the notes and how to play, just didn't have any sound.
Well, the movie and the book are two almost completely different things--as most adaptions tend to be.
Why did I rank the book so much lower than the movie? I'll get to that later. The differences between the book and the movie are quite big. First of all, the movie contains a lot of characters that don't appear in the book, but these characters flesh out the story and fill in a lot of details about Junior Brown and his best friend, Buddy Clark.
The book briefly goes into the past of Buddy Clark but the movie expands on his life a lot more. The movie even gives him a love interest in the part of a girl named Butter--a girl with a mysterious nightlife and who holds her affections at bay.
One thing about the book and movie is that it illustrates Junior being great at piano. However, in the book you never get a chance to see or hear him play the piano--he only plays the silent piano with the cut-out strings. In the movie, multiple people talk about how great a piano player Junior really is. There's an introduction to a character named Sandra who works at her father's piano store. Junior goes into the piano store on occasion but is restricted to play any of the pianos. Junior goes to his piano lessons but his piano teacher is a bit nuts and won't let him play her piano. Junior goes home to practice on a piano but the strings are cut out. The book never actually lets you see Junior's playing ability affect his friends in such a way; the movie, however, let's you go the entire length of the film and then right at the end shows Junior playing a Chopin piece while his friends gather around and listen. It's an incredibly powerful scene that never appears in the book.
The movie also has some of my other favorite scenes. There's a part where Buddy arranges for Sandra to come hang out with him, Junior and Butter. In that scene Junior talks about his relationship with Buddy and how Buddy never called him fat. It was an extremely sad scene as you get this sense that Junior is constantly picked on by people but Buddy is his friend for all the right reasons. Junior then goes on talking with Sandra and, almost out of no where, blurts out "I'm fat" to Sandra. She pauses and says, "I know." What was said is one thing, what was not said is that she knows he's fat but she's with him and hanging out with him anyway. She doesn't care that he's fat, she admires him for the beauty that he sees in people and his talent as a musician.
The book mainly focuses on the relationship between Buddy and Junior as well as how they integrate their lives with Mr. Pool, a school janitor. It deals with "plants" that are basically youth shelters sponsored by elder members of the quasi-homeless society. I would love to rate this book higher but where it loses me is the philosophical corruption that is espoused as virtue.
The book goes on to claim that people should live for themselves--that's great, I agree with that. But then the planets support their youths by stealing--essentially living off of other people. The book concludes with the realization that we, as people, are interdependent, that we should live off of one another and beholden to each other. And, instead of bringing Junior to a medical facility where he can receive professional help, Buddy opts to remove him from advanced society and place him in an isolated group of homeless people...where he magically begins to overcome his mental problems. There's also parts where Buddy laments about how hard it was growing up in his neighborhood but goes on to say how he would run away from Protective Services, thus, thwarting the one opportunity he had at have a normal living environment. The book is just filled with backwards thinking and flawed logic.
I still love the movie but the book is just another tool to promote the nonsensical idea that people can't exist for themselves alone.
Well, the movie and the book are two almost completely different things--as most adaptions tend to be.
Why did I rank the book so much lower than the movie? I'll get to that later. The differences between the book and the movie are quite big. First of all, the movie contains a lot of characters that don't appear in the book, but these characters flesh out the story and fill in a lot of details about Junior Brown and his best friend, Buddy Clark.
The book briefly goes into the past of Buddy Clark but the movie expands on his life a lot more. The movie even gives him a love interest in the part of a girl named Butter--a girl with a mysterious nightlife and who holds her affections at bay.
One thing about the book and movie is that it illustrates Junior being great at piano. However, in the book you never get a chance to see or hear him play the piano--he only plays the silent piano with the cut-out strings. In the movie, multiple people talk about how great a piano player Junior really is. There's an introduction to a character named Sandra who works at her father's piano store. Junior goes into the piano store on occasion but is restricted to play any of the pianos. Junior goes to his piano lessons but his piano teacher is a bit nuts and won't let him play her piano. Junior goes home to practice on a piano but the strings are cut out. The book never actually lets you see Junior's playing ability affect his friends in such a way; the movie, however, let's you go the entire length of the film and then right at the end shows Junior playing a Chopin piece while his friends gather around and listen. It's an incredibly powerful scene that never appears in the book.
The movie also has some of my other favorite scenes. There's a part where Buddy arranges for Sandra to come hang out with him, Junior and Butter. In that scene Junior talks about his relationship with Buddy and how Buddy never called him fat. It was an extremely sad scene as you get this sense that Junior is constantly picked on by people but Buddy is his friend for all the right reasons. Junior then goes on talking with Sandra and, almost out of no where, blurts out "I'm fat" to Sandra. She pauses and says, "I know." What was said is one thing, what was not said is that she knows he's fat but she's with him and hanging out with him anyway. She doesn't care that he's fat, she admires him for the beauty that he sees in people and his talent as a musician.
The book mainly focuses on the relationship between Buddy and Junior as well as how they integrate their lives with Mr. Pool, a school janitor. It deals with "plants" that are basically youth shelters sponsored by elder members of the quasi-homeless society. I would love to rate this book higher but where it loses me is the philosophical corruption that is espoused as virtue.
The book goes on to claim that people should live for themselves--that's great, I agree with that. But then the planets support their youths by stealing--essentially living off of other people. The book concludes with the realization that we, as people, are interdependent, that we should live off of one another and beholden to each other. And, instead of bringing Junior to a medical facility where he can receive professional help, Buddy opts to remove him from advanced society and place him in an isolated group of homeless people...where he magically begins to overcome his mental problems. There's also parts where Buddy laments about how hard it was growing up in his neighborhood but goes on to say how he would run away from Protective Services, thus, thwarting the one opportunity he had at have a normal living environment. The book is just filled with backwards thinking and flawed logic.
I still love the movie but the book is just another tool to promote the nonsensical idea that people can't exist for themselves alone.
February 12, 2012
Blog URL: http://readinggrace.blogspot.com/2012...
I reckon this is probably the type of literature that I instantaneously get bored with it, however gradually grow to like it! Frankly, if you asked me what do I think about this book, I would reckon the title should named The Planet of Buddy Clark or perhaps Tomorrow Billy instead of Junior Brown.
Well, because the stories were mostly revolving around Junior's best friend, Buddy Clark(And I actually enjoy reading Buddy's part than Junior's). Buddy was tough, brave and street smart(a profoundly survival) while Junior was a typical mama's boy, though at time he can be really calm and helpful, especially when his maw(mom) under asthma attack.
I rated this book 2.5 stars out of 5, probably because the 1st half of the book kept me dragging, the pace was rather slow.
Description:
The story is about two black American boys , Buddy Clark a.k.a Tomorrow Billy and Junior Brown. Both the 8ve graders were gifted. Buddy the street boy was a prodigy in Math and Science while Junior the 300kg fat, skittish and awful looking boy was talented in playing piano. Despite their high academic achievement at school, they tend to break the Compulsory Education Law, and played hookies with the school Janitor, Mr Pool(an ex teacher). They hid in the basement room of the school, building their friendship and trusts.
Although Junior came from a well- to- do family, he had very low self-esteem and constantly under depression(to the extend he started to hallucinate the thing...). His mom was a self- centered, sickly woman, who despised his friendship with his best friend Buddy. Whilst his dad was always away and seldom came home for them.
Buddy in the other hand, was a independent homeless boy. A boy who couldn't open up to anyone, not even his friends. He was working at a newsstand, earning meager money and building shelters for other homeless black kids(like Franklin the little thief and Nightman the poor hungry boy). Imagine open a new bottle of water was a ritual that cheer the boys, and owing a pillow is like a dream come true!
Together the boys create their future with believes and dreams...
Note: I received the ARC of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.
This entry was posted on Sunday, February 12, 20
I reckon this is probably the type of literature that I instantaneously get bored with it, however gradually grow to like it! Frankly, if you asked me what do I think about this book, I would reckon the title should named The Planet of Buddy Clark or perhaps Tomorrow Billy instead of Junior Brown.
Well, because the stories were mostly revolving around Junior's best friend, Buddy Clark(And I actually enjoy reading Buddy's part than Junior's). Buddy was tough, brave and street smart(a profoundly survival) while Junior was a typical mama's boy, though at time he can be really calm and helpful, especially when his maw(mom) under asthma attack.
I rated this book 2.5 stars out of 5, probably because the 1st half of the book kept me dragging, the pace was rather slow.
Description:
The story is about two black American boys , Buddy Clark a.k.a Tomorrow Billy and Junior Brown. Both the 8ve graders were gifted. Buddy the street boy was a prodigy in Math and Science while Junior the 300kg fat, skittish and awful looking boy was talented in playing piano. Despite their high academic achievement at school, they tend to break the Compulsory Education Law, and played hookies with the school Janitor, Mr Pool(an ex teacher). They hid in the basement room of the school, building their friendship and trusts.
Although Junior came from a well- to- do family, he had very low self-esteem and constantly under depression(to the extend he started to hallucinate the thing...). His mom was a self- centered, sickly woman, who despised his friendship with his best friend Buddy. Whilst his dad was always away and seldom came home for them.
Buddy in the other hand, was a independent homeless boy. A boy who couldn't open up to anyone, not even his friends. He was working at a newsstand, earning meager money and building shelters for other homeless black kids(like Franklin the little thief and Nightman the poor hungry boy). Imagine open a new bottle of water was a ritual that cheer the boys, and owing a pillow is like a dream come true!
Together the boys create their future with believes and dreams...
Note: I received the ARC of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.
This entry was posted on Sunday, February 12, 20
December 9, 2011
Genre: Contemporary Realism/Newbery Honor
This is the story of a group of friends living in a difficult urban environment. Junior Brown is an obese adolescent who is mentally disturbed and Buddy is a homeless buy who helps other kids trying to survive on the margin. It is a story about friendship.
Themes
The themes discussed in this book can be very difficult topics to address with young students. The book looks at mental illness, homelessness, obesity, and other problems that are commonly associated with urban areas. The author lightens some of this dark content with main character’s friendship and humor. On page 192, Mr. Pool and Buddy are talking about Junior and his “monster,” in a way that shows they are trying to find levity and laughter in the challenges they are all struggling with.
This story would be an effective tool for lessons on mental illness, homelessness, and the struggles associated with people in poverty. Because of the difficult themes in this book, this would be best suited for older students, 6th grade and above.
This is the story of a group of friends living in a difficult urban environment. Junior Brown is an obese adolescent who is mentally disturbed and Buddy is a homeless buy who helps other kids trying to survive on the margin. It is a story about friendship.
Themes
The themes discussed in this book can be very difficult topics to address with young students. The book looks at mental illness, homelessness, obesity, and other problems that are commonly associated with urban areas. The author lightens some of this dark content with main character’s friendship and humor. On page 192, Mr. Pool and Buddy are talking about Junior and his “monster,” in a way that shows they are trying to find levity and laughter in the challenges they are all struggling with.
This story would be an effective tool for lessons on mental illness, homelessness, and the struggles associated with people in poverty. Because of the difficult themes in this book, this would be best suited for older students, 6th grade and above.
December 17, 2014
The story is about two black American boys , Buddy Clark a.k.a Tomorrow Billy and Junior Brown. Both the 8ve graders were gifted. Buddy the street boy was a prodigy in Math and Science while Junior the 300kg fat, skittish and awful looking boy was talented in playing piano. Despite their high academic achievement at school, they tend to break the Compulsory Education Law, and played hookies with the school Janitor, Mr Pool(an ex teacher). They hid in the basement room of the school, building their friendship and trusts.
Although Junior came from a good family, he had very low self-esteem and constantly under depression(to the extend he started to hallucinate the thing). His mom was a self- centered, sickly woman, who despised his friendship with his best friend Buddy. While his dad was always away and seldom came home for them.
I didn't care for the book because it was boring and lacked an exciting plot. I don't recommend this book for anyone because it was just very bland.
Although Junior came from a good family, he had very low self-esteem and constantly under depression(to the extend he started to hallucinate the thing). His mom was a self- centered, sickly woman, who despised his friendship with his best friend Buddy. While his dad was always away and seldom came home for them.
I didn't care for the book because it was boring and lacked an exciting plot. I don't recommend this book for anyone because it was just very bland.
April 9, 2015
I thought that this was a very good book. It's about a few people with serious issues. The main character I would say is actually Buddy. He and an adult friend pretty much spend all their time and money helping others, which is pretty cool. One person they help is Junior Brown, the elite pianist who had been given at an early age the unfortunate responsibility of taking care of his sick and controlling mother. Now that he's High-School age, he's kind of messed up from it. There's also Miss Peebs, who's totally nuts. And the underground kids. Anyway, the book is about helping out those who REALLY need it.
Unfortunately, they don't quite go about helping these people out in the way they need it, but fear of authority makes it hard to do it right. So if you were ever a homeless kid living in a collapsed building in NYC, then you would probably appreciate the book even more than I did. :-)
Unfortunately, they don't quite go about helping these people out in the way they need it, but fear of authority makes it hard to do it right. So if you were ever a homeless kid living in a collapsed building in NYC, then you would probably appreciate the book even more than I did. :-)
June 6, 2017
WHY I CHOSE THIS BOOK: It is a Newberry Honor Book
SUMMARY: Two young black boys dealing with different family issues but both equally struggling to fit in the world
REVIEW: I read M.C. Higgins the Great by this author and enjoyed it very much, so expected to be delighted like with this book. I was not. The plot was difficult to follow. The kids were not particularly likable. They were not exceptionally unlikable either. Just kind of blah.
SUMMARY: Two young black boys dealing with different family issues but both equally struggling to fit in the world
REVIEW: I read M.C. Higgins the Great by this author and enjoyed it very much, so expected to be delighted like with this book. I was not. The plot was difficult to follow. The kids were not particularly likable. They were not exceptionally unlikable either. Just kind of blah.
June 22, 2011
Plodding prose, I'll-defined characters, and too much weirdness that never pays off. I honestly have no idea how this won an award.
January 30, 2017
I think this book is good. The book is about little boy born into the time of slavery and raised into slavery. Junior Brown doesn't know anything he is not educated at all.
September 4, 2012
Two eighth graders have been ditching their classes for almost two months. Technically, they have been "in" school, just not where they're supposed to be. Buddy Clark and Junior Brown sneak into the basement every day of the week where the janitor,Mr. Pool teaches them about astronomy. Buddy Clark is a street genius who's been own his own for a while, now. He watches over Junior Brown, a 300 lb. boy who is delusional at times and takes care of his "sickly " mother and has already saved her life several times and it seems to be nothing. One day the school cracks down on them and gets suspicious. The boys, along with Mr. Pool, have to stick together to get through it.
This book shows that you need to stick together when things get tough. When Buddy got real close to Junior, he realized that Junior had a serious problem. Only when Mr. Pool said so was when Buddy realized that they had to get him serious help. While Junior is talking to an imaginary figure, Mr. Pool and Buddy were making a plan to get him help. The problem was that Buddy thought that the doctors would try to fix his weight problem, so he didn't agree. He later finds out that Mr. Pool only wants the best for him, and also that they need to stick together and be there for each other. This book has a great morale to it, and can teach someone something important about life.
This book shows that you need to stick together when things get tough. When Buddy got real close to Junior, he realized that Junior had a serious problem. Only when Mr. Pool said so was when Buddy realized that they had to get him serious help. While Junior is talking to an imaginary figure, Mr. Pool and Buddy were making a plan to get him help. The problem was that Buddy thought that the doctors would try to fix his weight problem, so he didn't agree. He later finds out that Mr. Pool only wants the best for him, and also that they need to stick together and be there for each other. This book has a great morale to it, and can teach someone something important about life.
April 24, 2012
Honor Book 1972
This powerful story is beautifully written, and that would normally earn a higher rating for me. But the darkness never let up and let any light in for me, so it was not an enjoyable read. I appreciated it, but I didn't enjoy it. The characters will stick with me for a while, though.
Junior Brown and Buddy Clark are best friends. They need each other, and come to realize that more and more as their very delicate world falls apart. Both boys carry much more on their young shoulders than a child should have to carry: mental illness, homelessness, and surviving not just for themselves, but for others who depend on them. The few adults in their lives who care are not capable of providing much support. This is a gritty novel that doesn't rely on sex or drugs to provide the edge, and still conveys a lot of heart.
This powerful story is beautifully written, and that would normally earn a higher rating for me. But the darkness never let up and let any light in for me, so it was not an enjoyable read. I appreciated it, but I didn't enjoy it. The characters will stick with me for a while, though.
Junior Brown and Buddy Clark are best friends. They need each other, and come to realize that more and more as their very delicate world falls apart. Both boys carry much more on their young shoulders than a child should have to carry: mental illness, homelessness, and surviving not just for themselves, but for others who depend on them. The few adults in their lives who care are not capable of providing much support. This is a gritty novel that doesn't rely on sex or drugs to provide the edge, and still conveys a lot of heart.
October 23, 2014
I thought The Planet of Junior Brown by Virginia Hamilton was a good book. It was exciting and had a good story line, but was difficult to follow at times.
The story was about two boys who did not go to school but met up with a man named Mr. Pool. He taught them since they were both exceptional at school. One of the boys was named Junior Brown. He was a 300 pound piano prodigy. The other boy was buddy Clark and he was a homeless child who ran a planet or helped other younger homeless children. Junior is facing some hard times and is a little crazy. His friend Buddy has to help him recover his normality and get rid of his fantasies. He has to go to some drastic measures to help him.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes suspenseful books or likes award winners. It would be good for young adult readers who want a realistic fiction book.
The story was about two boys who did not go to school but met up with a man named Mr. Pool. He taught them since they were both exceptional at school. One of the boys was named Junior Brown. He was a 300 pound piano prodigy. The other boy was buddy Clark and he was a homeless child who ran a planet or helped other younger homeless children. Junior is facing some hard times and is a little crazy. His friend Buddy has to help him recover his normality and get rid of his fantasies. He has to go to some drastic measures to help him.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes suspenseful books or likes award winners. It would be good for young adult readers who want a realistic fiction book.
July 28, 2015
I will update this after I also watch the CBC movie, "Junior's Groove", made from the book.
(Amazon)
Junior Brown, an overprotected three-hundred pound musical prodigy who's prone to having fantasies, and Buddy Clark, a loner who lives by his wits because he has no family whatsoever, have been on the hook from their eighth-grade classroom all semester.
Most of the time they have been in the school building -- in a secret cellar room behind a false wall, where Mr. Pool, the janitor, has made a model of the solar system. They have been pressing their luck for months...and then they are caught. As society -- in the form of a zealous assistant principal -- closes in on them, Junior's fantasies become more desperate, and Buddy draws on all his resources to ensure his friend's well-being.
-----
Age Range: 8 - 12 years
Grade Level: 3 - 7
Lexile Measure: 730L
(Amazon)
Junior Brown, an overprotected three-hundred pound musical prodigy who's prone to having fantasies, and Buddy Clark, a loner who lives by his wits because he has no family whatsoever, have been on the hook from their eighth-grade classroom all semester.
Most of the time they have been in the school building -- in a secret cellar room behind a false wall, where Mr. Pool, the janitor, has made a model of the solar system. They have been pressing their luck for months...and then they are caught. As society -- in the form of a zealous assistant principal -- closes in on them, Junior's fantasies become more desperate, and Buddy draws on all his resources to ensure his friend's well-being.
-----
Age Range: 8 - 12 years
Grade Level: 3 - 7
Lexile Measure: 730L
December 18, 2012
The book was an interesting read for me. This is a type of book that I instantaneously get bored with it, however gradually grow to like it! So, this book starts out boring but then continues to get more interesting. I think title should named The Planet of Buddy Clark instead of Junior Brown.
Well, because the stories were mostly revolving around Junior's best friend, Buddy Clark(And I actually enjoy reading Buddy's part than Junior's). Buddy was tough, brave and street smart while Junior was a typical mama's boy, though at time he can be really calm and helpful, especially when his mom under asthma attack. I rated this book 3 stars out of 5, because the 1st half of the book kept me dragging, the pace was rather slow.
Well, because the stories were mostly revolving around Junior's best friend, Buddy Clark(And I actually enjoy reading Buddy's part than Junior's). Buddy was tough, brave and street smart while Junior was a typical mama's boy, though at time he can be really calm and helpful, especially when his mom under asthma attack. I rated this book 3 stars out of 5, because the 1st half of the book kept me dragging, the pace was rather slow.
October 13, 2012
This was a crazy, cool book, and so bizarre. Junior and Buddy skip school for two months to hang out in the basement with one of the janitors. Junior is an overweight and strange boy who helps take care of his very sick mother. Buddy escaped from the police when he was little and lives on his own, helping other children to learn how to live by themselves. These places where the children live alone are called "planets" and each one is led by a "Tomorrow Billy" whose real name is always a secret. Fascinating!
April 24, 2021
I decided to just get this over with. I read about 50% and skimmed the rest. I don’t like Hamilton’s style or tone at all. I find it painful to read because it’s so weird. It has nothing to do with the dialogue and everything to do with the plots and the way she describes things. I cannot imagine any of my students liking this book and I don’t really get why Hamilton won so many awards. I’ve read so many other books dealing with similar topics that are so much better. I think this is the last of her Newbery Books. Thank. God.
August 28, 2021
This was a story about two middle school boys, one a sheltered boy being raised by his mom and another a street--wise kid who befriends and helps Junior Brown in various ways. The two hide in the school basement to avoid going to class and get away with it until one day, they don't.
You will learn in this book, but not right away, that the word "planet" has another unexpected meaning, one that you would never in a million years guess.
To say more would spoil it. I'm glad I read this book. I hope you read it, too.
You will learn in this book, but not right away, that the word "planet" has another unexpected meaning, one that you would never in a million years guess.
To say more would spoil it. I'm glad I read this book. I hope you read it, too.
February 1, 2016
1972 Newbery Honor Book
After two Virginia Hamilton books, I have decided that I am not a fan. I am sure there is a cultural divide somewhere. I really didn't understand what was going on which is sad because her characters are developed.
This book is about Junior Brown and his friend Buddy and homelessness and pianos without strings and crazy hoarding piano teachers and asthmatic mothers and skipping school to build a model of the solar system in your janitor's closet.
After two Virginia Hamilton books, I have decided that I am not a fan. I am sure there is a cultural divide somewhere. I really didn't understand what was going on which is sad because her characters are developed.
This book is about Junior Brown and his friend Buddy and homelessness and pianos without strings and crazy hoarding piano teachers and asthmatic mothers and skipping school to build a model of the solar system in your janitor's closet.
July 12, 2009
I had to read this book for my young adult literature class in college. I found the narrator exhausting and the plot unbelievable. Stay away from this book.
May 25, 2025
Ok, I'm lost. I sure didn't get the ending.
July 24, 2023
4.5 rounded up. I am still pondering this story and really want to discuss it with someone. I listened to the audio and even though there is nothing wrong with that, it would be better to read the book. It is deep and complex. I think I missed some aspects by listening to the story and I found myself rewinding and relistening. Given that this is a 1972 Newbery Honor book, it tackles topics that are so relevant today. It is in a stark setting of New York. Junior and Buddy as well as Mr. Pool are very complex characters. The themes are deep and very well written. It is definitely distinguished. However, I think this is more for 14 and up. I saw one place recommending it for 8-14 and I was stunned. There is not inappropriate content, it is just such a deep story with mental illness, homelessness, and societal woes that would just go over younger readers. I had to really focus and I missed some aspects myself. Virginia Hamilton's writing is not a light read and at times is bizarre and strange. This title was like that in an interesting a good way. Even though I did not agree with how Buddy and his homeless network did every thing like steal- it does not promote bad behavior. It shows how as a community we need to come together and do our best to be interdependent. The characters in this setting could not trust and rely on the systems in place, and the adults in their lives (did Junior really have a dad out-of-town?) Instead of pushing some of the classics on kids that grow to hate reading from that- this seems like a title that would appeal to a lot of modern readers and click a lot of the boxes (appropriately) for class or small group reads. Some topics depicted are: mental health, poverty, homelessness, addiction, obesity, urban survival, features character of color, own voice author etc. I am not sure why this title is not more prevalent in schools. Story seemed ahead of her time. This is my favorite Hamilton title and I hope to someday read a hard copy when I can locate one. Very unique story that also has also been made into a movie.
Read
February 28, 2022I confess. I couldn't read this book. I read three chapters, and I was made so uncomfortable by so many circumstances. Junior Brown is a 300-lb 8th grader. He is also a musical prodigy whose piano teacher won't let him touch her piano and has an illusion that a filthy person is hidden under a blanket in her living room; and at home, his mother has cut the strings on their piano so she doesn't have to bear the noise. She is not much of a mother. Junior has a father, but he seldom comes home, and it is unclear why not.
Junior is protected by two people, his friend, Buddy, who is himself homeless, and possibly quite normal in other respects.
The other person introduced in the first three chapters is Mr. Pool, formerly a teacher, but now the school janitor. From his storage are, he has partitioned off a large hidden room and there Buddy and Junior spend their days instead of going to class. Mr. Pool teaches them math and astronomy, and they have built a model solar system. They talk about how they know they will eventually be caught.
The book seems to deal with mental illness (Junior? From the description, certainly his mother, and probably his music teacher). I am not sure about Mr. Pool. I am concerned that, in my standard for a good children's book, there must be a normative adult, someone at the center that the child can trust and who will set good examples.
I struggled with this book and the ugly feelings I was having about the characters and their situations. After two days and only managing my way through the first three chapters, I gave it up. Instead of finishing on February 12, that is the date I took out my bookmark and abandoned reading it. Maybe later, I can try again.
Junior is protected by two people, his friend, Buddy, who is himself homeless, and possibly quite normal in other respects.
The other person introduced in the first three chapters is Mr. Pool, formerly a teacher, but now the school janitor. From his storage are, he has partitioned off a large hidden room and there Buddy and Junior spend their days instead of going to class. Mr. Pool teaches them math and astronomy, and they have built a model solar system. They talk about how they know they will eventually be caught.
The book seems to deal with mental illness (Junior? From the description, certainly his mother, and probably his music teacher). I am not sure about Mr. Pool. I am concerned that, in my standard for a good children's book, there must be a normative adult, someone at the center that the child can trust and who will set good examples.
I struggled with this book and the ugly feelings I was having about the characters and their situations. After two days and only managing my way through the first three chapters, I gave it up. Instead of finishing on February 12, that is the date I took out my bookmark and abandoned reading it. Maybe later, I can try again.
Read
October 13, 2021(ISBN issues. I read a large print edition with a very different, more modern cover.)
What a brilliant and disturbing book. I feel as if Hamilton has all too much intimate familiarity with mental illness herself. Probably a few friends or family members, but not her own self, because letting us see the world through the eyes of all these messed-up folks takes both talent and discipline.
But was it an enjoyable or satisfying read? No. Did it even end on a note of hope? Not in my opinion. Am I glad I read it? Honestly, I have to say no. I did for the Newbery Club in Children's Book group, but I have to admit that I wish I hadn't. There's already too much awful stuff in my life and I just don't need it in my fiction.
One thing that is interesting is that I am also currently reading The Best of Simple, by the brilliant man best known for his poetry, Langston Hughes. This is also about two 'black' men in Harlem, friends-by-circumstance who develop a closer bond over time, a generation or two earlier. At least that book is about adults who are somewhat more responsible for their own choices (don't omit the affects of Jim Crow). That's an interesting & illuminating 'story.'
This one, well, I just can't rate it.
What a brilliant and disturbing book. I feel as if Hamilton has all too much intimate familiarity with mental illness herself. Probably a few friends or family members, but not her own self, because letting us see the world through the eyes of all these messed-up folks takes both talent and discipline.
But was it an enjoyable or satisfying read? No. Did it even end on a note of hope? Not in my opinion. Am I glad I read it? Honestly, I have to say no. I did for the Newbery Club in Children's Book group, but I have to admit that I wish I hadn't. There's already too much awful stuff in my life and I just don't need it in my fiction.
One thing that is interesting is that I am also currently reading The Best of Simple, by the brilliant man best known for his poetry, Langston Hughes. This is also about two 'black' men in Harlem, friends-by-circumstance who develop a closer bond over time, a generation or two earlier. At least that book is about adults who are somewhat more responsible for their own choices (don't omit the affects of Jim Crow). That's an interesting & illuminating 'story.'
This one, well, I just can't rate it.
August 28, 2017
Although this book focused on some interesting concepts, it felt like the majority of the story encompassed more of Buddy Clark than Junior Brown. Having read the book's summary, I was hoping to read more about Junior and his gifted piano playing, how the music helped him cope through the rough patches of his adolescence, but instead, the only "playing" he can do is on a piano with the internal hammers removed, so the excess noise does not bother Junior's mother. I would also have liked Mr. Pool to be a deeper, more defined character. He was sacrificing so much to help Buddy and Junior, risking his own employment as janitor, that I felt the little recorded about him did not do justice. I did like what an innately good young man Buddy Clark was - living on the streets did not rob him of being a good person, working side jobs to make money, refusing to pick-pocket or steal unless absolutely necessary for his or others' survival, and his consistent dedication to support Junior Brown. A few loose strings left at the end of this one, but a good read nonetheless.
March 10, 2019
What an intriguing premise! Virginia Hamilton is slowly becoming one of my favorite keystone realism authors. She attacks important issues such as mental health, homelessness, and helicopter parents with the additional layer of race and sensitivity. Altogether, it makes for an intriguing read where problems cannot be solved by asking for help--being black and needing help is only cause for institutionalization, and being black and needing help is just another means for white folks to misunderstand their needs.
The premise of this book--a young musical prodigy who sees things and a homeless youth who find comfort in a world that is both their own and not--is wildly interesting, and even more interesting when there are adults both on their side and against it. Where does one find understanding, and when does one ask for help?
Overall, an interesting read and a must read for anyone interested in reading YA lit from touchstone authors and/or authors of color.
Review cross-listed here!
The premise of this book--a young musical prodigy who sees things and a homeless youth who find comfort in a world that is both their own and not--is wildly interesting, and even more interesting when there are adults both on their side and against it. Where does one find understanding, and when does one ask for help?
Overall, an interesting read and a must read for anyone interested in reading YA lit from touchstone authors and/or authors of color.
Review cross-listed here!
June 28, 2019
I recently read "M.C. Higgins, the Great" by the same author and was unimpressed. This book, however, was excellent and intriguing. Why this one was a Newbery Honor and the other won the Medal, I don't know. Written in 1971, it's a bit dated with some of the street talk and cultural references, however, the subject matter is still very relevant. Issues such as body shame, self-esteem, homeless children, overprotective parents, children having to act as parents, are all issues that today's youth deal with everyday. The story was completely unexpected in the way it wound around and I found myself fascinated and totally involved in the lives of Buddy and Junior. Also, the reader was very good.
November 25, 2021
This is the first book I remember not finishing. I had read The House of Dies Drear and loved it and picked this up but put it down pretty quickly. I was a kid in grade school and I’ve kept the book ever since, traveling with me from place to place. I was recently inspired to pick it up again and read it to my kids. Immediately, the rhythm reminded me of one of my new favorite authors, Jacqueline Woodson. Sure enough. It wasn’t hard to find an interview where she cites Virginia Hamilton as an influence.
The book is challenging in its content and this may have been why I turned away from it back then. I’m glad I revisited it now and I’m interested to read some of Hamilton’s other work as well.
The book is challenging in its content and this may have been why I turned away from it back then. I’m glad I revisited it now and I’m interested to read some of Hamilton’s other work as well.
February 4, 2018
This Newbery Honor Book tells the story of two friends who have been cutting school together to hang out with the kindly janitor in the basement of the school. Both have troubles: Buddy has no family and lives on the streets, struggling to take care of other, younger homeless kids; Junior Brown has an overbearing mother, a mostly absent father, and a piano teacher with some pretty serious mental health issues. Their stories come together in an emotional way, which helps this dark story not go over the edge in to hopelessness.
June 13, 2020
This book is weird. I read it in one sitting and I am still not sure that I understood much of what was going on. I also question the mental state of the all the adults, particularly Mr. Poole. Why was he playing hooky from his upstairs job and building a solar system in the secret room in the school basement. And why did he agree to following the lead of a 14 year old and build a winch to lower Junior into the basement of a caved in building? And what janitor at a school in New York has a car?
I liked Buddy. But the book was weird.
I liked Buddy. But the book was weird.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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