NOTES FROM THE MIDNIGHT DRIVER

by Jordan Sonnenblick

"It seemed like a good idea at the time," is Alex's lame excuse for drinking a lot of vodka, then stealing his mom's car with the intention of driving to his dad's house and confronting him with his multiple sins. However, he never made it to his dad's, instead crashing into a neighbor's front lawn, giving himself a concussion in the process. The lady judge was not amused, and sentenced him to 100 hours of community service time, to be served in a nursing home. At the Egbert P. Johnson Memorial Home for the Aged, Alex was assigned to the very cranky Soloman Lewis. It was no picnic at first, but when Alex started playing jazz guitar for Sol, a connection was made that both Alex and Sol benefitted from. With the help of two musical geniuses from Alex's jazz band, he put together a jazz concert for all the residents of the nursing home. A surprise performance by Sol on Alex's guitar guaranteed the success of the concert, and after the initial shock had worn off, bound Alex to Sol even more closely than before. This is a great story about the value of service, and the surprising people who can teach wonderful lessons if only they are allowed to. A funny and touching read. Notes from a Midnight Driver is on this year's Tayshas Reading list. --reviewed by Mrs. Sams