Sprout - Dale Peck

Sprout - Dale Peck

Pages: 278
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: 1st June 2009

A move from New York to rural Kansas following the death of his mother uproots Sprout. He’s sure he’ll find no friends, no love, no beauty there. But then friends find him, the strangeness of the landscape fascinates him and, when love shows up in an unexpected place, Sprout realises that Kansas is not quite as empty as he thought.

Subverting stereotypes and packed with gritty humour, Sprout is an inspirational coming-of-age story about a boy who knows he is gay in a town that seems to have no place to hide.

Sprout is such a refreshing read. I haven’t read anything like it before and I loved it.

Sprout is a truly individual protagonist. I mean, he has green hair for one, but he’s also witty, clever and darkly sarcastic. His wry sense of humour did go over my head occasionally, though! Sprout’s unique and original voice really captured me and I genuinely cared for him and Ty by the end of the book, though there was a point where I got really annoyed with Sprout and thought that he was pretty stupid.

The way that Sprout was written is something that you don’t come across very often. Sprout was consciously writing a book and at some points talked directly to the reader. It really involved me in his story. He also mentioned and pointed out writing techniques that he learnt about and used in his essays. I actually learnt a lot, too! But Sprout is also an issues book. But they weren’t shoved down my throat or at all patronising.

I do have one complaint about Sprout though; it felt a little unfinished. I turned the last page and I wanted more. That was definitely not the end of Sprout’s story, Ty’s story and even Ian’s and Ruthie’s stories. I really want a sequel to Sprout.

I loved Sprout and I really hope that Dale Peck continues their stories one day and I’d recommend this to anyone who wants something a little different.

Sophie