Sixteen-year-old George lives with his mother in Athens. Since his parents’ divorce, he sees his father only on weekends. His eye condition means he has trouble connecting with his peers, but he has a strong bond with animals. George prefers nothing more than wandering through nature in search of creatures. At his grandmother’s house, pigeons roam freely through the rooms, and he keeps a tarantula of his own. One day, he catches a bright-green cricket and names her Isabella. He takes her everywhere with him, perched on his hand or shoulder.
This affectionate portrait shows a shy outsider for whom friendships with people are complicated. Animals, by contrast, are much more dependable. Yet George’s world does slowly broaden: he has eye surgery, befriends a few girls, and finally finds the courage to tell his mother that he would rather live with his father. Meanwhile, he has to say goodbye to his beloved Isabella—fortunately, she leaves behind a tiny little baby cricket.
Stills
