The death of Fred's mother almost three years before, Papa's unrelenting criticism and sternness, and the stuttering and awkwardness threaten to crush Fred's spirit. However, life at the cottage offers freedom and a time to grow beyond feeling "odd man out." Fred gains confidence as he interacts with his uncritical relatives and affectionate younger siblings and spends his days leisurely fishing, swimming, boating, and socializing. Uncle Will teaches him to drive Bessie, the motor boat, and assigns him the responsibility for transporting the others around. Fred even finds time to fall in (and out) of love and to investigate the legend of the murderous Rideau ferryman, John Oliver. When Papa unexpectedly decides to join them at the lake, Fred fears the worst, but surprises both Papa and himself with his reactions. Finally he sees himself as "related but different," his own man.

      Johnston bases this coming of age novel on the actual diary of Fred Dickinson explaining that the excerpts "are partly invention and partly Fred's own words." Fred is an articulate narrator whose observations of people and events are remarkably shrewd, sensitive, and mature. "If you want to know everything that goes on in the life of diary writer," he suggests, "read between the lines." While the diary entries that begin each chapter record events and facts, Fred's expanded prose reflects emotions, insights, nuances, and opinions - the "between the lines" component. Aimed at a young adult audience, The Only Outcast gently and charmingly reminds adult readers of the alternating wonder and torment of adolescence.

      The Only Outcast was nominated for a Governor-General's Literary Award in the Children's Literature-Text category.

Highly recommended.