BO AND MZZZ MAD

With his mother having run off and his father dead, Bo Gamage is stuck in the middle of the California desert. There's no phone, no highway, and nothing to do but avoid rattlesnakes and those no good Martinka relatives he has to stay with. Madeline (MZZZ Mad) Martinka insults him thoroughly before deciding he's worth saving from a rattlesnake bite. Aunt Juna Martinka wants him to help Papa Martinka get out of his funk by helping him search for black gold. Johnny Heller delivers a great characterization of this bewildered, adaptive teen. The plot lines are perfect for a vacation car ride. J.M.P. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 03]