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A review by mrskatiefitz
Also Known as Elvis by James Howe
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.