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School Library Journal
Reviewed on November 1, 2003
Gr 7-Up Archie, 14, is a thorn in his Bible-thumping grandfather's side until, on his deathbed, he pokes Archie and utters his final words, "Young man, you are a saint." The teen is swayed into believing this might be a prophetic blessing by the arrival of the beautiful and enigmatic Clare, who declares that they are soul mates, inheritors of the spirit of the original Saints Francis and Clare. Archie is besotted by a powerful mixture of innocent longing and religious fervor while guilt-ridden that he might have caused his grandfather's death. He grows increa...Log In or Sign Up to Read More
Horn Book Magazine
Reviewed on January 1, 2004
Nolan's novel of spiritual exploration is both exceptionally grounded and refreshingly open. After years of incurring his grandfather's wrath, fourteen-year-old Archie is left with the angry old prophet's dying pronouncement, "Young man, you are a saint!" Archie knows he's no saint; but one day, atop the small mountain on their southern Appalachian farm, Archie has an amazing experience, a brief moment of spiritual awakening that invites new possibilities. When radiant Clare appears in town a...Log In or Sign Up to Read More