Armstrong & Charlie by Steven B. Frank

This middle grade novel is historical fiction. The novel is told from both Armstrong and Charlie’s points of views. It weaves a story of friendship, loss and growing up against the backdrop of 1970s LA. Desegregation of schools has created Opportunity Busing, which Armstrong’s parents decide he needs to take advantage of. Despite his reluctance to go he gets on a bus every day and rides the 15 miles to Wonderland Elementary in Laurel Canyon. Charlie Ross also attends Wonderland, but this year all of his friends are going to other schools since “The school is going downhill.” The novel follows the two boys through their 6th grade year. The boys start off believing they are opposites, but through struggles and misfortunes discover they are not so very different at all. While it takes place in a historical context, its story is just as relevant today. The novel is well written, well paced and full of characters you will care about.This middle grade novel is historical fiction. The novel is told from both Armstrong and Charlie’s points of views. It weaves a story of friendship, loss and growing up against the backdrop of 1970s LA. Desegregation of schools has created Opportunity Busing, which Armstrong’s parents decide he needs to take advantage of. Despite his reluctance to go he gets on a bus every day and rides the 15 miles to Wonderland Elementary in Laurel Canyon. Charlie Ross also attends Wonderland, but this year all of his friends are going to other schools since “The school is going downhill.” The novel follows the two boys through their 6th grade year. The boys start off believing they are opposites, but through struggles and misfortunes discover they are not so very different at all. While it takes place in a historical context, its story is just as relevant today. The novel is well written, well paced and full of characters you will care about.

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