The Latent Powers of Dylan Fontaine
by April Lurie
by April Lurie
THE LATENT POWERS OF DYLAN FONTAINE by April Lurie
Category: Contemporary
Age Recommendation: Grades 9+
Release Date: 5/13/08
Publisher: Delacorte
Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"
Rating: 5 Stars
Life is not easy for Dylan Fontaine. He gets good grades. He is a talented basketball player with a shot at varsity next year.
He is a good guitar player and a gifted artist. Basically, he is an All-American, boy-next-door type, so when he is arrested
for shoplifting underwear and carrying marijuana in his pocket, it gets people’s attention. However, once he explains the
weird set of circumstances that led up to that arrest, Dylan finds himself with a mere 20-hours of community service, and
then it’s back to the usual routine of cooking and cleaning for his father and his older brother, Randy.
Although things may seem normal, Dylan’s life is in turmoil. His artist mother recently left to pursue her art and possibly her
artist lover. His father, an ob/gyn, spends every waking hour at the hospital delivering babies and taking care of other
families. Older brother Randy is no help either, since he spends his time getting high and hanging out with the losers in his
band. That leaves Dylan with no one.
Recently there does seem to be the possibility of a love life for Dylan. His best friend, Angie, has just returned from a
summer film-making class and, since the breakup with her boyfriend, perhaps it is time for Dylan to make his move. After
all, she is making him the subject of the short film she’s making for her class. Then there is also the gorgeous new member
of his brother’s band, Chloe. She is around all the time and pays a lot of attention to Dylan. Is it possible he might have a
chance with her, too?
Dylan Fontaine is a fascinating character. Author April Lurie writes about his crazy life in a way that will have readers
flipping pages to see how things turn out. The mix of down-to-earth, wholesome Dylan and his brother's fast, risk-taking
lifestyle make THE LATENT POWERS OF DYLAN FONTAINE a book with something for everyone.
Category: Contemporary
Age Recommendation: Grades 9+
Release Date: 5/13/08
Publisher: Delacorte
Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"
Rating: 5 Stars
Life is not easy for Dylan Fontaine. He gets good grades. He is a talented basketball player with a shot at varsity next year.
He is a good guitar player and a gifted artist. Basically, he is an All-American, boy-next-door type, so when he is arrested
for shoplifting underwear and carrying marijuana in his pocket, it gets people’s attention. However, once he explains the
weird set of circumstances that led up to that arrest, Dylan finds himself with a mere 20-hours of community service, and
then it’s back to the usual routine of cooking and cleaning for his father and his older brother, Randy.
Although things may seem normal, Dylan’s life is in turmoil. His artist mother recently left to pursue her art and possibly her
artist lover. His father, an ob/gyn, spends every waking hour at the hospital delivering babies and taking care of other
families. Older brother Randy is no help either, since he spends his time getting high and hanging out with the losers in his
band. That leaves Dylan with no one.
Recently there does seem to be the possibility of a love life for Dylan. His best friend, Angie, has just returned from a
summer film-making class and, since the breakup with her boyfriend, perhaps it is time for Dylan to make his move. After
all, she is making him the subject of the short film she’s making for her class. Then there is also the gorgeous new member
of his brother’s band, Chloe. She is around all the time and pays a lot of attention to Dylan. Is it possible he might have a
chance with her, too?
Dylan Fontaine is a fascinating character. Author April Lurie writes about his crazy life in a way that will have readers
flipping pages to see how things turn out. The mix of down-to-earth, wholesome Dylan and his brother's fast, risk-taking
lifestyle make THE LATENT POWERS OF DYLAN FONTAINE a book with something for everyone.