Sure Signs of Crazy by Karen Harrington (review)

When Sarah was two, her mentally unstable mother tried to drown Sarah and her twin; only Sarah survived, and since then her alcoholic father has moved them out of town anytime somebody begins to connect them with the infamous tragedy. Now twelve, Sarah is inspired by her teacher to write letters to a literary figure, and her messages to Atticus Finch give her a place to reflect and let out her anger, disappointment, and fear; glamorous college babysitter Charlotte and her cute, smart younger brother, Finn, give Sarah additional perspective on her family and on the pains and pleasures of growing up. Sarah finally tries to visit her mother at the mental institution, but, at the advice of her mother's doctor, she merely observes her mother from a distance; still, there's hope for change as her alcoholic father undergoes rehab and Sarah begins to put down some roots. The letters to Atticus Finch are heartfelt but gimmicky, and the narration meanders, leaving its point and destination often unclear. The premise is a riveting one, however, and the interplay between Sarah, Charlotte, and Finn is particularly believable and astute. Harrington's pithily turned observations offer promise for her future offerings as well: "Her [Charlotte's] embrace is solid, tight in a good way. I might come apart if she lets go. It's funny how you don't know you are a bunch of pieces until someone hugs you together." Fans of Stone's The Boy on Cinnamon Street (BCCB 4/12) might find the family drama and first crushes here similarly appealing.