Nicky Deuce: Welcome to the family

Shirripa, S.R. and Fleming, C. (2005). Nicky Deuce: Welcome to the Family. New York, NY: Delacorte. 

Interest level: Grades 4-7

Reading level: 3+

Twelve-year old Nicholas Borelli is supposed to be spending his summer at Camp Wannameka while his parents are on a cruise, but when the camp suddenly floods an alternate plan emerges. Nicholas is sent to stay with his father's family in Brooklyn, a family he's never met. His Uncle Frank renames him Nicky Deuce and is determined to make him into a proper goomba. One of the local boys, Tommy, befriends Nicky and soon the two are getting into a little bit of trouble on their own. But what really concerns Nicky is the stuff he found in Uncle Frank's bag. He's pretty sure he's a mobster and up to no good.  As Nicky and Tommy investigate they find themselves in trouble only to be saved by Nicky's Uncle Frank and Nicky's dad.

This novel, authored by Steven Schirripa, an actor on The Sopranos is no serious read. But Nicky is a character that makes you laugh. The stereotypes abound in this short book, but they are mostly debunked at the end, when you see that Nicky interpreted cultural mannerisms and talk in a way based on his sheltered upbringing. In the end, this book is about family. Reluctant readers will eat this up be happy to hear that there is a second installment chronicling Nicky's adventures with The Family. Some of Grandma Tutti's recipes are included at the end, something young cooks will enjoy.