Teenreads.com -- THE NEW POLICEMAN by Kate Thompson

THE NEW POLICEMAN
Kate Thompson
Greenwillow Books
Fantasy
ISBN-10: 0061174270
ISBN-13: 9780061174278
448 pages

J.J. Liddy has lived his entire life in the Irish village of Kinvara. In fact, he lives in the same house that his mother and grandmother, and her ancestors, have lived in for generations. And each generation has something else in common as well --- music. Music has always been important to the Liddys. Every month they host a dance at their home, where musicians weave amazing traditional Irish tunes. J.J. is no exception; he plays the fiddle and the flute so well that his room is stacked with ribbons and awards for his talents.

Besides music, J.J. keeps busy with school, friends, farm chores and sports (such as hurling). It seems as if there's never enough time to get things done, and he's not the only one who thinks so. Everyone in the village struggles to fulfill their responsibilities, yet many still end up running late and oftentimes their tasks are left uncompleted. No one has time to stroll down the lane or daydream with the passing clouds. When asked what she wants for her birthday, J.J.'s mother announces she would like more time, so J.J. promises to find it for her.

Hearing about J.J.'s quest, a neighbor suggests he look in the hidden underground chambers that are scattered beneath the old fort ruins. J.J. stumbles through an entrance to Tir na n'Og, the world of the fairies. Their amazing world looks very similar to J.J.'s, yet everything is brighter, easier and more relaxed. That's because the fairies live in a world without time. No one grows older and the sun never sets. At least, it used to be that way. Recently, their sun has been slowly shifting west, the seconds quietly fading away. Somehow, somewhere, time was leaking from the human world into the fairy world, leading to disaster for both.

J.J., along with the help of his new fairy friend, sets out to find and fix the mysterious leak before both worlds end in catastrophe. But back in the human world, J.J.'s family has reported him missing. The entire village pitches in to help the police look for him, but weeks pass with no sign. A new fellow on the police force, arriving just before the commotion breaks out, is helping with the investigation. He doesn't seem to be a very competent officer, but he knows he's there for a specific reason. If only he could remember what it is. In Tir na n'Og, J.J. rushes to save time and, in the process, may even help solve an old mystery and clear his grandfather's name of murder.

THE NEW POLICEMAN is a wonderful story filled with fairies, folklore and fiddles. Author Kate Thompson plays the fiddle herself, and her obvious love of music weaves into her tale, creating its soul. Another refreshing aspect of this endearing book is its peek into Ireland's history, a whisper of its enchanting traditions and customs, and the heart of the Irish people.

--- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman, author of FINDING MY LIGHT and THE BLACK POND

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