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yapha's review against another edition
5.0
In this final companion to The Misfits, we get to hear Skeezie's story. The summer between 7th and 8th grade is a hard one for him. The rest of the Gang of Five (Joe, Bobby, & Addie) are heading out on vacation, while he is stuck at home taking care of his sisters. His mother works two jobs, and things have gotten bad enough that she asks him to find work over the summer. There are not many jobs that a 13 year can get, so Skeezie is really lucky to get a part-time job working at the Candy Kitchen with HellomynameisSteffi. He is muddling along, trying to make the best of it, when his dad shows up for the first time since leaving them two years before. Now everything is all mixed up, and Skeezie doesn't know what to do. This is an excellent story, even if you haven't read the other three. Fans of the first three will enjoy the final wrap at the end. Recommended for grades 5 & up.
couillac's review against another edition
4.0
Even young readers who've never before encountered the Gang of Five will enjoy this good-humored and affecting story. Skeezie's not excited about spending the first few weeks of summer without best friends Addie, Joe, and Bobby (the stars of some of Howe's earlier books), but things get even more complicated when his dad returns to town five years after abandoning the family. Skeezie is a relatable young teen, forced into taking on adult responsibilities but still understandably awkward and juvenile much of the time. His good nature and affection for his friends and family keep the story light without taking away from the seriousness of his situation. His parents both come across as flawed, human adults struggling to make the right decisions. Howe stays away from melodrama, keeping the story firmly grounded in believable, mundane events that nonetheless factor big in Skeezie's life. A resolution that provides closure for all the characters rounds out a satisfying, straight forward, and emotionally authentic realistic read perfect for middle schoolers.
mrskatiefitz's review against another edition
3.0
In this fourth and final book in the series that began with The Misfits, Skeezie Tookis takes center stage. In a letter addressed to his newborn son, he tells about his difficulties repairing his relationships with his mom, who expects too much of him, and his dad, who left the family and has recently returned.
Despite his ridiculous name and anachronistic interest in dressing like a greaser, Skeezie is a likable character with a memorable voice. His family problems are not necessarily original, but his thought processes as he works through them are believable, and his actions suit his thoughts and feelings. Though in real life he would be too young to have a job (minors in New York can’t work until they’re fourteen), his job at the Candy Kitchen and his conversations with his co-worker, Steffi, show a tender and vulnerable side to his character that didn’t seem as prevalent in the earlier books of the series. The dialogue-only chapters between them are some of the best scenes in the entire book.
Readers who have enjoyed The Misfits, Totally Joe, and Addie on the Inside will be pleased to see that the end of this book wraps up not just Skeezie’s story, but also the story of the whole "Gang of Five." The author gives glimpses into the future lives of each of the “misfits” and provides enough closure to tie up the four-story arc. Middle school kids who themselves feel ostracized will take away an "it gets better" message and may find some hope to encourage them in their own difficulties.
Also Known As Elvis is best enjoyed as a part of the series rather than as a stand-alone, but it does compare nicely to Strider, which also involves the complicated relationship between a young man and his absent dad.
Despite his ridiculous name and anachronistic interest in dressing like a greaser, Skeezie is a likable character with a memorable voice. His family problems are not necessarily original, but his thought processes as he works through them are believable, and his actions suit his thoughts and feelings. Though in real life he would be too young to have a job (minors in New York can’t work until they’re fourteen), his job at the Candy Kitchen and his conversations with his co-worker, Steffi, show a tender and vulnerable side to his character that didn’t seem as prevalent in the earlier books of the series. The dialogue-only chapters between them are some of the best scenes in the entire book.
Readers who have enjoyed The Misfits, Totally Joe, and Addie on the Inside will be pleased to see that the end of this book wraps up not just Skeezie’s story, but also the story of the whole "Gang of Five." The author gives glimpses into the future lives of each of the “misfits” and provides enough closure to tie up the four-story arc. Middle school kids who themselves feel ostracized will take away an "it gets better" message and may find some hope to encourage them in their own difficulties.
Also Known As Elvis is best enjoyed as a part of the series rather than as a stand-alone, but it does compare nicely to Strider, which also involves the complicated relationship between a young man and his absent dad.
evila_elf's review
4.0
Been so long since I have read the other books in this series, that it took a little bit to get into it. Which doesn't really matter too much since this book almost exclusively deals with Skeezie, AKA Elvis. It does start out with a 'script style' conversation between him and his friends, which is so rapid fire it is hard to keep up with who is talking since we aren't use to their voices yet.
Al in all, this was an enjoyable read that had me staying up too late last night to finish it. It was a little predictable.
Al in all, this was an enjoyable read that had me staying up too late last night to finish it. It was a little predictable.
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