Sticklebacks and Snow Globes

I wouldn't call this a novel. Personally, I would say this is yet another example of (loosely connected) interconnected short stories. Whatever you call it, it's a pretty good book.

More than anything else, the characters are what sets this book apart. The children–and Goodjohn stays largely with her juvenile characters–are portrayed in a manner which is entertaining and accurate. The author does a fabulous job taking us into the minds of these children, a talent sorely missed in many novels with young characters. In characterization, I'd say “Sticklebacks and Snow Globes” is right up there with “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Apart from its characters, the rest of this book is good, but nothing extremely memorable. For being a virtually unknown book, I was thoroughly impressed. I would read B.A. Goodjohn again; I just hope that her next book tackles a more engaging plot.