Dumb book. Not only did the author use writing for above the reading level, but there were random words capitalized in the middle of a sentence. And on top of that the plot was boring and choppy. ( )

Joey Finney is the boy on the milk carton who disappeared at age 12 when he was camping with his family and his best friend near Smokewater Lake in the Allegheny Mountains. He comes back 27 months later, but he does not look a day older than when he disappeared. It turns out he was abducted by aliens and time had stopped for him inside their parallel world. Even more interesting than the time-travel mechanics is the drama of Joey's return home and his struggle to fit in at school. What is it like to be fast-forwarded through life? Does he belong in ninth grade or in seventh? His bratty younger brother is now bigger than Joey; his best friend is ashamed to be seen with him. The suspense builds to a surprising climax that leaves you wondering: If time can stop, can it also go backward? Category: Middle Readers. 1998, Front Street, $15.95. Gr. 5-8.

(Hazel Rochman, Booklist, May 15, 1998, Vol. 94, No. 18.)

Won:
None given in CLCD.