The Latent Powers of Dylan Fontaine
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.