Munro vs. the Coyote

September 1, 2017

Gr 10 Up-When Canadian teenager Munro decides to participate in a student exchange program in Australia, he brings along an unwanted, omnipresent guest-the "Coyote." Coyote unhelpfully chimes in whenever Munro begins to believe he has regained some sort of clarity and happiness after the unexpected death of his little sister, Evie. As Munro begins a volunteer program at Fair Go, an assisted-living facility for adults with special needs, he finds a deeper purpose and conviction. Coyote, however, still does his best to waylay the teen's intentions and cast doubt-is Munro directly responsible for Evie's death? Can he forgive himself, if so? As the protagonist grapples with these questions, he is treated to a fascinating tour of Brisbane, Australia, through the eyes of a group of individuals from Fair Go. Munro is a likable character, foibles and all-many teens will relate to his challenges and the underlying issues of guilt and mental illness. Groth's realistic novel is a can't-put-it-down read. Young adults will root for Munro to defeat Coyote and find peace. The mature language often borders on distraction, but most readers will find Munro's coping with death fascinating and relevant. VERDICT Recommended for fans of The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner and Winger by Andrew Smith; this book will fly off the shelves.-Amanda C. Buschmann, Carroll Elementary School, Houston

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2017
Groth, a former special education teacher, introduces readers to a sympathetic main character who is trying to move through trauma and to a sparkling supporting cast that gives voice to disability. White Canadian 16-year-old Munro Maddux is trying to free himself from the Coyote, which is what he calls the thoughts in his head that constantly remind him of all his failings--in particular, how he failed to save his 13-year-old sister, Evie, who had Down syndrome and a heart defect, from dying the year before. A student exchange program to Australia is just the ticket toward healing, and Munro hopes that when he returns home he'll have left the Coyote Down Under. As he gets to know his host family and starts volunteering at Fair Go Community Village, connecting with its special needs residents, his plan seems to be working. But is the Coyote gone or just prowling? Readers may find Munro's journey and character development awfully linear, but his first-person narration is strong (both sassy and heart-wrenching) and the thoughtful handling of trauma and difference, both genuine and relevant. Characters that will steal readers' hearts with their humor and resilience, smooth writing, and a satisfying and hopeful ending make this a book to enjoy both emotionally and critically. (Fiction. 12-18)

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July 1, 2018
Nearly a year after the death of his younger sister Evie, who had Down syndrome, Vancouver teen Munro is still hearing the voice of "the Coyote" in his head--a manifestation of his crushing guilt. Munro's parents agree to his spending six months in Australia on a student exchange program to help clear his head. Authentic, intense emotion (occasionally veering toward melodrama) drives the story.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)