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Being Clem

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Being Clem
Written by Lisa Cline-Ransome
Holiday House, 2021. Fiction.

 It's 1944 and Clemson Thurber, Jr. or Clem as his family calls him, is in seventh grade. One day the family receives news from the Navy that Clem's father was killed in the Port Chicago disaster. Life for the Thurber family instantly becomes harder. Money becomes tight when no compensation money comes from the government and Clem's mother must get a job. With their mother working long hours Clem and his older sisters must take on more responsibilities at home. Although Clem doesn't remember his father he still wants to be as brave and strong as his father. He worries about making his father proud as he struggles to follow his instincts and do the right thing especially when faced with difficult decisions. 

This coming of age story is the third novel in the "Finding Langston" trilogy but it held its own as a stand alone story. This novel addresses some tough issues like grief and depression and problematic friendships but you find yourself rooting for Clem and his family as they works through some difficult situations. Clem's story is a great and satisfying end to the series.  

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