Finding Apeman by M.G. Higgins

First, a little background as to how this came into our collection.  This was REMOVED from another library's collection and all the copies from that library sent to me.  Now, last time I checked, librarians were all about the right to read and the first line of defense against censorship.  I can tell you kids a lot younger than we wished know about sex, drugs, and the politics of illegal immigration. I'm still trying to decipher why the sender chose me--because I WOULDN'T remove such a book?  Because my kids are older (not by much)? Because my kids are urban (he story takes place in RURAL California)? Lemme get off my soapbox now.

Diego, an American born son of illegal immigrants from Guatemala, is an aspiring artist and tells the story in a stream of consciousness.  His father expects him to pursue the American dream (i.e. college), but Diego plans to attend an art school.  Diego is funding his plans via small-time marijuana sales.  He knows the vast majority of his rural farming community is hooked on meth, but he won't touch or sell the stuff.  Diego's father and paternal aunt shock him when they announce two cousins have entered the United States and will be coming to live with him.  By their very entry into the country, they are "illegal", but it is their morality that might help turn Diego's endeavors around.

Will this go on any of my all-time favorites lists?  Nope.  Is it an example of amazing literature? Nope (in fact, there were two typos).  Is the do-the-right-thing theme a little over the top and a bit, for lack of a better word, corny? Yep.  Is it reality and therefore not to be censored? Yep.

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All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.