Sprout

Dale Peck

Bloomsbury USA 

Reviewed by: Nancy 

4 out of 5 stars

Summary

How many secrets can you hide in plain sight?

Sprout Bradford has a secret. It’s not what you think—he’ll tell you he’s gay. He’ll tell you about his dad’s drinking and his mother’s death. The green fingerprints everywhere tell you when he last dyed his hair. But neither the reader nor Sprout are prepared for what happens when Sprout suddenly finds he’s had a more profound effect on the lives around him than he ever thought possible. Sprout is both hilarious and gripping; a story of one boy at odds with the expected.

My Review

Daniel Bradford (aka Sprout) is the new boy in school. He moved from Long Island to rural Kansas with his alcoholic father when he was twelve.  

He dyes his hair green, has a way with words, makes new friends, and even finds a boyfriend.  

This story was a little funny and a little sad. It dredged up some of my own painful memories of moving from the “Big City” to "the Country"). I can totally relate to Sprout's feelings about having to adapt to a whole new way of life in a small town, his inability to fit in, and difficulty making friends.  

At first, I felt Sprout’s voice was too adult and his vocabulary a little too advanced. As the story progressed, and I became closer to the character, I found him more believable. Because of his circumstances, Sprout has had to grow up a little faster than his peers with more ideal home situations.  

Sprout is a quirky and, at times, sarcastic character. I liked being a part of his thought process, learning about his friends, his family, his teachers, and seeing him mature.  

This is a great story for young and old alike. Those who have a hard time “fitting in” will surely relate.

Also posted at Goodreads.