Draining the Lake & The Family Business by Archimede Fusillo

Short stories with straightforward, uncomplicated "boys-being-boys" plots may be the key to unlocking the world of reading for some of our reluctant readers who are overwhelmed by the length of novels, and if they are, then these two by author Archie Fusillo could be just what they are looking for.

When the local council decide to drain the local lake in the middle of a drought, Russell and Demetri are very suspicious that there is something sinister and secretive afoot and decide to discover what it is. A casual remark about the lost city of Atlantis by Demetri has Russell's imagination running wild, and before they know it, the boys are heading out onto the lake at dusk in their dinghy to see just what the Council is not telling them. To their dismay, their boat bumps into something very hard, very tall and very cold protruding from the water's surface and they are convinced... Racing home and sending photos and some dramatic text to the local newspaper they are certain they are going to be rich and famous...

Meanwhile, in the second story, Nick's parents have a prosperous singing act as Elvis and Elvira Presley, impersonating the famous singer at local venues. His father thinks that Nick should be included in the act as a young Elvis, but apart from being stage-shy, it is not something Nick wants to do. So he hatches a plan with a friend for a completely different act... What could go wrong?

Fusillo has been writing contemporary realistic fiction for independent readers for years, and has a knack for turning the everyday into an absorbing story as he explores issues and emotions that are familiar to his audience. These two are no different, although they are more "boys' own adventure" stories than particularly deep and meaningful treatises, particularly as both have boys who are typically blinkered to the needs and lives of others, live for devising pranks that are better than those of their peers, and are fearless and fancy-free until they aren't.... However, if they spark an interest in those who are hesitant about delving into the world of print, they provide an opportunity to suggest more substantial works by the same author, so they not only consolidate their skills, but build their confidence about mastering them. And that has to be win-win.

Themes: Lakes, Atlantis, Mythical places, Acting.

Barbara Braxton