Kids of Appetite by David Arnold

Pages: 331

Intended Audience: Teens and up

Genre: Contemporary / Real life

Notes for Parents: Contains coarse language, sexuality, violence, and mature scenes.

The Back Cover

Victor and Madeline have a story to tell.

It begins with the death of Vic’s father, and ends with the murder of Mad’s uncle. The Hackensack police would very much like to hear it. But in order to tell their story, Vic and Mad must focus on all the chapters in between.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

A better description, from Google Books:

In the Hackensack Police Department, Vic Benucci and his friend Mad are explaining how they found themselves wrapped up in a grisly murder. But in order to tell that story, they have to go way back...

It all started when Vic's dad died. Vic's dad was his best friend, and even now, two years later, he can't bring himself to touch the Untouchable Urn of Oblivion that sits in his front hall. But one cold December day, Vic falls in with an alluring band of kids that wander his New Jersey neighbourhood, including Mad, the girl who changes everything. Along with his newfound friendships comes the courage to open his father's urn, the discovery of the message inside, and the epic journey it sparks.

What’s good?

This is a sophisticated story of friendship, family, love, and loss. With expressive storytelling, the narration alternates between Vic, a teen on a mission to satisfy his dead father’s last requests, and Mad, the mysterious girl who introduces him to a group of young drifters. The story also flips between the present as Vic and Mad are being interviewed by police, and the weeks before the event that brings them there. The characters are diverse, and challenge stereotypes. There is mystery, suspense, violence, and a slow and steady love story.

Best Part: Coco.

What isn’t good?

The chapters are long and the pace is mostly slow with a few moments of excitement. The mystery of why they’re at the police station isn’t much of a mystery since the cover description already says that Mad’s uncle is murdered. Vic has moebius syndrome (facial paralysis), which doesn’t seem to factor into the story at all. The story is predictable, and at times overly sentimental.

Worst part: Venn diagrams.

Recommendation ☺☺☺☻☻ (3/5)

Despite the slow pace, it is an easy read. The writing is lyrical. The two brothers, Baz & Nzuzi, are beautifully drawn, and young Coco is adorably precocious. While I didn’t relate to any of the characters or their situations, there’s definitely value in this story. 

Arnold, David. Kids of Appetite. New York: Speak, 2016.