A simple and inspirational tale that reminds young readers not to give up on themselves.
A high school underachiever discovers the power of believing in himself as he re-examines everything—and everyone—he thought he knew in Thompson’s YA novel.
Bennett Frost is a 10th grader at Edison High School and hates every minute of it. Forever overshadowed by his smart and multitalented older brother, Lyle, Bennett is desperate for his parents’ approval but refuses to talk with them directly, instead choosing to cause trouble for others…and himself. From stealing a classmate’s paper to hiding Lyle’s car keys while he’s home for a visit from his first year of college at Munson State, Bennett seemingly thrives on chaos. That all changes when Lyle gets in a car accident after he drives drunk and the family discovers that he has been skipping college classes to party. Realizing that Lyle is not actually perfect, Bennett finally talks with his parents and reflects on all the opportunities they have provided him. This inspires him to ditch his slacker friends and make a renewed effort at both school and his part-time job at the YMCA pool—a job that leads Bennett to a possible new career goal as a physical therapist. Bennett’s inferiority complex initially prevents him from helping himself, creating a richly layered look at a teenager who is “stuck”: “[Lyle]’s the good one, even when he messes up. But when it comes to me, I’m the bad one. I can see it in [my parents’] faces.” While the complicated issues are tied up a bit simplistically (after Lyle’s accident, he calls Bennett: “I need to talk to you about something serious…And I wanted you to be the first to know. I joined AA”), the clear parallels between actions and their consequences will likely help early and middle-grade readers make the intended connections. Despite some wooden dialogue, Bennett’s struggle and subsequent redemption come through loud and clear. With compassion and simplicity, Thompson effectively tackles a myriad of important themes like communication, empathy, and believing in oneself.
A simple and inspirational tale that reminds young readers not to give up on themselves.Pub Date: May 31, 2023
ISBN: 9781737315780
Page Count: 107
Publisher: Finding Forward Books
Review Posted Online: Aug. 6, 2025
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
An ode to the children of migrants who have been taken away.
A Mexican American boy takes on heavy responsibilities when his family is torn apart.
Mateo’s life is turned upside down the day U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents show up unsuccessfully seeking his Pa at his New York City bodega. The Garcias live in fear until the day both parents are picked up; his Pa is taken to jail and his Ma to a detention center. The adults around Mateo offer support to him and his 7-year-old sister, Sophie, however, he knows he is now responsible for caring for her and the bodega as well as trying to survive junior year—that is, if he wants to fulfill his dream to enter the drama program at the Tisch School of the Arts and become an actor. Mateo’s relationships with his friends Kimmie and Adam (a potential love interest) also suffer repercussions as he keeps his situation a secret. Kimmie is half Korean (her other half is unspecified) and Adam is Italian American; Mateo feels disconnected from them, less American, and with worries they can’t understand. He talks himself out of choosing a safer course of action, a decision that deepens the story. Mateo’s self-awareness and inner monologue at times make him seem older than 16, and, with significant turmoil in the main plot, some side elements feel underdeveloped. Aleman’s narrative joins the ranks of heart-wrenching stories of migrant families who have been separated.
An ode to the children of migrants who have been taken away. (Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: May 4, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-7595-5605-8
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Feb. 22, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A contemporary hero’s journey, brilliantly told.
The 17-year-old son of a troubled rock star is determined to find his own way in life and love.
On the verge of adulthood, Blade Morrison wants to leave his father’s bad-boy reputation for drug-and-alcohol–induced antics and his sister’s edgy lifestyle behind. The death of his mother 10 years ago left them all without an anchor. Named for the black superhero, Blade shares his family’s connection to music but resents the paparazzi that prevent him from having an open relationship with the girl that he loves. However, there is one secret even Blade is unaware of, and when his sister reveals the truth of his heritage during a bitter fight, Blade is stunned. When he finally gains some measure of equilibrium, he decides to investigate, embarking on a search that will lead him to a small, remote village in Ghana. Along the way, he meets people with a sense of purpose, especially Joy, a young Ghanaian who helps him despite her suspicions of Americans. This rich novel in verse is full of the music that forms its core. In addition to Alexander and co-author Hess’ skilled use of language, references to classic rock songs abound. Secondary characters add texture to the story: does his girlfriend have real feelings for Blade? Is there more to his father than his inability to stay clean and sober? At the center is Blade, fully realized and achingly real in his pain and confusion.
A contemporary hero’s journey, brilliantly told. (Verse fiction. 14-adult)Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-310-76183-9
Page Count: 464
Publisher: Blink
Review Posted Online: April 30, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2017
PERSPECTIVES
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