Marilyn Cram-Donahue

Set just before World War II in Messina, California, the growing threat of Hitler is really more a backdrop to the central drama of this book, which concerns child molestation. The protagonist, 12-year-old Angie, and her friends are uncomfortable with a man, Jefferson Clement, whom many adults seem to admire. They catch him spying through binoculars while they're in their bathing suits. Another time, someone tries to break into the girls' tent during a backyard camp-out. It's dark, but Angie thinks she recognizes Clement's distinct walk, and she also smells his aftershave. Finally, Dodie Crumper, a girl of Angie's age, shares with Angie that Clement wants to put his hands on her where he oughtn't. Through the themes in her book, the author makes comparison between Jefferson Clement and Hitler; each is a symbol of evil.

When the Crickets Stopped Singing was a 2018 selection of the Junior Library Guild.… (altro)