Family, friendship, compassion, and a very large snake are the entwined themes in Eric Walters’ new novel. Protagonist Ricky (later revealed as the young Eric Walters) is most comfortable among his 29 pets, and thrives under the instruction of his beloved science teacher, Mr. Johnson, who has even more creatures in his classroom.

Both Ricky and Mr. Johnson are traumatized when vandals break into the science lab and cruelly kill most of the animals, including Bogart, the class boa constrictor. Enlisting the aid of his school, Ricky raises enough funds to purchase an even bigger boa, a project that forms the basis of the plot. Readers will relate to Ricky’s determination to right a wrong, as well as his insecurity. But Walters’ skillful writing implies deeper undercurrents in Ricky’s life.

Ricky cares for his animals with a devotion unusual in boys his age and suffers great anxiety if his hard-working father is only moments late returning from work. Ricky and his best friend, Augie, have an almost telepathic relationship, supporting each other (with perhaps a little too much maturity for their ages) as they navigate through science tests, suddenly interesting girls, teenage bullies, and the snake project. What Walters gently reveals, hint by hint, is that Ricky’s behaviour is partly due to his unspoken need for his dead mother; to replace her, he has become one himself. Ultimately, Ricky is forced to confront issues he’d rather keep hidden, but when he emerges stronger, readers will appreciate the subtle development of his character.

The story unfolds at a believable pace, the dialogue is authentic, and the supporting characters are sufficiently developed. Walters seems very comfortable writing for this age group, which is why Ricky is a fine transition novel for readers who are still keen on animal stories but are becoming aware of the complexities of human relationships.