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.

If I grow up

Strasser, T. (2009). If I grow up. New York: NY. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Interest Level: Grade 7-10

Reading Level: 4+

DeShawn lives in the Frederick Douglass housing project in New York. This is a place where drugs, gang violence and teen pregnancy are commonplace and twelve year old DeShawn doesn't want any part of that. DeShawn is a good boy, a smart boy who wants to do the right thing. DeShawn's best friend Terrell sees it differently. He's looking forward to being accepted by a gang so he can start making some money to get all the things he can't afford. Unfortunately, no matter how hard DeShawn tries to resist, circumstances change and becomes involved with the Disciples. By fifteen life is about becoming daddy's, drugs and guns. And by the time the book ends DeShawn is no longer recognizable as the young boy determined to live a clean life.

This is an eye opening book for anyone not raised in the projects. The drugs, violence, teen pregnancy and poverty are overwhelming to an outsider, even in this book that seems to tone things down so that it's acceptable for the audience intended. You can't help but feel for all the players in this game, where gunshots and death are the norm and where the chance of escaping the drug and gang lifestyle are low. At times the novel sounds preachy, but in the end this book accomplishes what it intends to- opening the eyes of outsiders on to the gritty reality of the urban life. This book is especially appropriate for urban kids who sometime idealize "ghetto" life due to their exposure to rap music.

The total tragedy of a girl named Hamlet

 

Dionne, E. (2010). The total tragedy of a girl named Hamlet.  New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers.

Interest Level: Grades 4-8

Reading Level: 5+

Eighth grader Hamlet Kennedy just wants to be a normal eighth grader. Unfortunately her family is making it difficult for her to do so. In the first place, there's her unfortunate name. Not to mention the fact that her 7-year old homeschooled but genius sister Desdemona will be attending eighth grade with her as well, to give her exposure to school and the arts before attending college. And then there are her parents. If you haven't figured it out by now, they are Shakespeare freaks. Well, college professors actually, and they are perfectly happy to guest lecture in Hamlet's classes in full costume when the classes are doing a unit on Shakespeare. If all of that isn't bad enough, Desdemona is now tutoring 8th graders in Pre-Algebra, a subject Hamlet does not excel at, someone is leaving origami pigs in Hamlet's locker, and Hamlet knows that the "in girls" do not have Desdemona's best interests at hand when they befriend her.

This is a fun read, but one that most any middle schooler will relate to. While most kids don't have parents who dress as characters from Shakespeare's plays, they generally do have some quality that embarrasses their child. Struggles with classes, friendships, and members of the opposite sex are also common and those are all present in this novel. I wish Hamlet's parents were a little less clueless from the beginning, but it's easy to see how they are so wrapped up in what they find fascinating and which others idolize them for (Huzzah!) that they might miss Hamlet's discomfort. Give this book to those who enjoyed Stargirl.

Slog's dad

Almond, D. (2011). Slog's Dad. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Interest level: Grades 5-8

Reading level: 3+

Slog's dad is dead, but he promised Slog he'd return in the spring. Having both legs amputated due to cancer Slog's dad soon dies. When Slog spots a man who resembles his dad on a park bench the first spring after his father's death he's certain it really is his dad who's come back to fulfill his promise. Slog's best friend David is not so sure about that. If this isn't really Slog's dad, how can he possibly know all the things he does about their life, such as what his job had been before he died, his wife's name, the songs he used to sing, and that he always said he'd follow the garbage smell back to their house from heaven?

This brief volume, written by David Almond and illustrated by Dave McKean, is part novel and part graphic novel. The two forms serve almost as alternating chapters rather than as one cohesive piece, offering a unique format similar to that of The Invention of Hugo Cabret. This is a touching read, with Slog's grief quietly but profoundly felt both through Almond's words and McKean's illustrations. There is no neat wrap up here. In the end we are left to wonder whether Slog's dad really did return or if it was possible a missing man suffering from amnesia who had read about Slog's dad's passing instead. In the end it really doesn't matter. What matters is what Slog believes. Some may find the dialect hard to follow. Recommend to more mature readers who are interested in questions about death and afterlife.

Porcupine

 
Tilly, Meg (2007). Porcupine. Toronto, Ont: Tundra Books.

Twelve-year old Jack Cooper lives with her mother and two younger siblings in Newfoundland. Her dad is overseas in Afghanistan serving in a peacekeeping unit.  Jack idolizes her dad and is anxiously awaiting his return. When the family receives word that he was killed by friendly fire they are all devastated. Her mother sinks into herself leaving Jack to take on the role of both mother and father until she eventually loads them all into the car one day and drives them to Alberta, Canada to visit their previously unknown great-grandmother who raised Jack’s mom. Great-grandmother is a tough old woman, angry at her granddaughter for eloping and living alone on her farm. When Jack’s mom eventually leaves, leaving the kids behind, Jack must come to terms with her great-grandmother whom she dislikes as well as “raise” her brother and sister as her dad would have.

I was surprised to find that this book was written by actress Meg Tilly. It is a touching novel of loss, grief, acceptance, love and family. In the beginning Jack is angry about the loss of her father and about the fact that her mom has abandoned her and her siblings. Her language in the first third of the book reflects that with Jack swearing often. However, this strong language is by no means gratuitous- it is a reflection of the anger that Jack is feeling. As she comes to terms with her life and her grandmother the language softens and we see Jack’s growth shine through. Recommend this to students who liked Dicey’s Song by Cynthia Voigt.

Shooting Kabul

Senzai, N.H. (2010). Shooting Kabul. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster Book for Young Readers.

Interest Level:  Grades 5-8

Reading Level: 5+

It's pre-September 11th in Afghanistan and twelve-year old Fadi's family are fleeing the country illegally, heading for the United States. Fadi's family had previously lived there while his father Habib received his PhD in Agriculture and had returned- despite his mother's feeling that they should stay in America- so that he could help the people of Afghanistan. Now the political environment grows more tense with Taliban control of the country. After a recent Taliban visit to the family's house to recruit Habib into Taliban leadership, he decides that it's time for him to move his family to safety. The night has come that they are to flee to Afghanistan, hidden in the back of a cargo truck with many other families leaving illegally. Fadi is responsible for getting his little sister on to the truck, but looses his grip on her hand when she drops her beloved doll and she wiggles free of him to retrieve it. With the Taliban closing in on them the truck driver drives away, leaving Miriam behind. The family makes it to Fremont, CA to stay with family, hopeful that they will see Miriam again. Fadi feels particularly responsible for her and devises many schemes, including winning a photography contest which would allow him to return to the Pakistan/Afghanistan border in the hopes of finding her.

Senzai's first novel is a well written book that makes the confusing topic of the events of September 11th more approachable for young readers. The age group that it's written for has knowledge of 9/11 and has been raised with the policies enacted as a reaction to the terrorist attacks and subsequent war, but they probably are not aware of the details of the time. This novel puts a human face on Middle Eastern families, showing that not all are extremists or terrorists. Readers will empathize with Fadi as he tries to find a way to get his sister back to the family and as he deals with bullying and racism at school. The timing of this novel's release make it a particularly good addition to any collection. 

How Lamar's bad prank won a Bubba-sized trophy

Allen, C. (2011). How Lamar's bad prank won a Bubba-sized trophy. New York, NY: Balzer + Bray.

Interest Level: Grades 4-7

Reading Level: 3+

Thirteen year old Lamar Washington lives in a small town in Indiana with his dad and his brother Xavier. Xavier is the star of his high school basketball team and can do no wrong in their father's eyes. Lamar considers himself an athlete too, excelling at bowling- a game he was taught by his mother who passed away from cancer. He is the proclaimed "King of Striker's," the local bowling alley he plays at, but his dad doesn't have time for Lamar and his bowling- he's too busy following "Xavier the Savior's" success on the court. In an attempt to earn some money to buy himself a new bowling ball and in the hopes of being able to take Makena- the girl of his dreams- on a date Lamar gets involved in a hustling scheme with bad boy Billy Jenks. When Billy devises a plan to help Lamar get back at Xavier for the way Xavier treats him Lamar finds that Billy was using him and also finds himself in trouble with the law. He now has to figure out how to make things right- with his family, his best friend, his community and Makena.

This is a unique first novel. I'm fairly certain there are no other tween novels where the main character is an African American who bowls. There is a large use of slang and smack talk which sometimes seemed forced or unrealistic, but the characters in this book are for the most part likeable and believable. Boys will empathize with Lamar's struggle to get Makena to like him and his uneasy relationships with his father and dad. It's apparent to the reader that Billy is trouble long before it's apparent to Lamar, but that only helps build the suspense leading to the act that landed Billy in jail and Lamar making amends to all. All in all this is a satisfying read that will be enjoyed by many.

Tangerine

Bloor, E. (1997). Tangerine. Orlando, FL: Hartcourt Brace and Co.

Interest Level: Grades 6-8

Reading Level: 4+

Twelve year old Paul is legally blind. According to his parents his blindness was caused by Paul staring at an eclipse for too long, an event that Paul doesn't remember. The family has recently moved to a strange small town in Florida, where lightning strikes more than anywhere else and muck fires are always burning. Paul, loves soccer, but the coach at his new school won't let him play on the team because of his "handicap" so he eventually ends up switching to a different school where he is allowed to play. Paul's older brother Erik is the one who gets the most attention in his house, particularly by their dad, who is consumed by the idea that Erik can get a scholarship to college for football. Paul and Erik don't get along- is it just sibling rivalry or is there more to it?

The original cover of this book turned me off and I had no desire to read it until a student told me that it was his all time favorite book and said that I had to read it. This is not a light read. There is a lot going on in the story, between Paul's blindness, his parents' distance, his relationship with Erik, and the strange environmental stuff going on in the town of Tangerine. There is enough soccer action to keep sports fans involved and the tension in Paul's relationship with Erik will grab any reader. The revelation of how Paul actually became blind is horrific and the realization that Erik isn't just bullying his younger brother but is more likely a sociopath might disturb sensitive readers. Overall, though, this book has something for most everyone.

Zach's lie

Smith, R. (2001).  Zach's lie. New York, NY: Hyperion Paperbacks for Children.

Interest Level: Grades 5-7

Reading Level: 4+

Jack Osbourne's life was that of a typical middle class teenager until the night the men came to kill his family. Jack's dad is a pilot and owns his own plane, but it turns out that rather than transporting people like the family thought, his dad was running drugs. His dad has agreed to testify against the cartel that he was working for and that has put his family at risk. The family is now a candidate for the Witness Protection Program and Jack becomes Zach. Although they were told to leave anything that could tie them to their past behind, Jack takes his journal with him to their new home in Elko, Nevada. The family settles in nicely in Elko- or as nicely as can be when every part of their old life is gone and they all have new identities to learn. But when quotes from Zach's diary begin to show up on classroom whiteboards Zach knows the cartel has found them and they are no longer safe.

This is a suspenseful and high-action book. Readers will be able to empathize with Zach as they wonder what it would be like to change everything about themselves- their name, hair and eye color, family history, location and their past. There are some times where it's necessary as an adult to suspend belief such as when it's revealed that Zach's school janitor who doubles as assistant principal is an ex-KGB member and that the things he's taught Zach when he befriended him will help Zach thwart the cartel, but students I discussed that with actually found it believable because of the Witness Protection spin. Readers will be anxious to get their hands on the sequel (Jack's Run) and anything else written by Roland Smith.

Side effects

Koss, A.G. (2006). Side effects. New Milford, CT: Roaring Brook Press.
Interest level: Grades 5-8
Reading level: 4+

Fourteen and a half year old Izzy Miller is a fairly typical teenager. She argues with her mom, swears, would rather be anywhere but school, and has a crush on a certain someone. When she notices that he neck glands are swollen she figures a visit to her pediatrician (really Mom? I’m not a baby anymore!) will be nothing more than a way to miss school. Then they receive the phone call. The one saying that her X-ray results came back and that she needed to go to Children’s Hospital. Immediately. The one that says that Izzy has lymphoma. In that moment her entire world changes. Now Izzy’s days are filled with blood tests, IVs, chemo and puking, but the one thing that doesn’t change is Izzy’s outlook on life. She continues to draw everything around her, she’s still sarcastic and her morbid spin on everything that’s happening really bothers her mom. But she’s a fighter and there’s no way she’s going to let this cancer thing beat her.

Side effects offers a glimpse into the life of a teen with cancer and rather than focus solely on the disease it focuses on the people. This is a difficult book to read because it’s so raw. There is no whitewashing or candy-coating the realities of cancer, but that is exactly what makes this such a powerful book. Izzy deals with her illness through drawing, the support of her best friend Kay, and by refusing to join in anyone’s pity party. This book clearly shows what it is to be a survivor. Readers who can handle the bluntness regarding the medical side effects associated with cancer will be glad that they stuck it through to the end and will likely hand it right over to a friend.

My father's son

 

Fields, T. (2008). My Father’s son. New York: Roaring Brook Press.
Interest level: Grades 7+
Reading level: 4+

Seventeen year old Kevin is your typical teenager. He has a crush on a girl and plays basketball, living your typical teenage life. His parents are divorced and he lives with his mom during the week and his dad on weekends. His world is turned upside down when his father is arrested on suspicion of killing 11 women, an event that Kevin witnessed on TV. Kevin is soon in the middle of this major drama, with his life no longer that of a typical teenager. He can’t fathom how it could be possible that his dad is a killer, but his dad refuses to speak to him so he’s left to come to his own conclusions. As his other relationships fall apart (he’s now dubbed Monster Junior) he  experiences the stages of loss as he tries to understand what is happening.

This is a suspenseful book that suspense lovers will eat up. However, Kevin’s tone is not always believable and his seemingly sudden change of heart midway through the book will bother some readers. The ending wraps up a bit too neatly as well. However, this is a unique book with a subject that is not often seen in tween literature. Anyone who follows the news and is engrossed by stories of killers being caught will no doubt like reading about how this affects the family of the accused.

Stuck in nuetral

Trueman, T. (2000). Stuck in neutral. New York, NY: Harper Collins.

Interest Level: Grades 7+

Reading Level: 5+

Fourteen year old Shawn McDaniel suffers from cerebral palsy. When he was born he suffered brain damage when a blood vessel burst. As Shawn puts it, "A tiny blood vessel burst inside my head... in exactly the wrong spot." As a result he has absolutely no control of his muscles, but his mind is fully functional. Shawn is a bright boy with amazing verbal recall. Unfortunately, no one else knows this because Shawn has no way to communicate. His family, doctors, his teachers- the entire world- sees him as being a complete vegetable. His father, a Pulitzer prize author, left when Shawn was 4 years old because he couldn't handle life with a son in such a condition. And now Shawn thinks his dad is planning to kill him, to "put him out of his pain."

Stuck in neutral is Trueman's first novel and it takes a bold look at some tough issues. Since the story is told by Shawn, we are privy to the fact that he's just a normal teenager, complete with raging hormones, opinions about others, and complex ideas. The fact that all of this is trapped inside him, since he is incapable of communicating leaves those around him with a false idea of who he really is. Euthanasia, treatment of people with disabilities, and some graphic language make this novel best suited for more mature readers.

Long Gone Daddy

Hemphill, H. (2006). Long Gone Daddy. Ashville, NC: Front Street.

Interest Level: Grades 6-9

Reading Level: 4+

This book is set in the 70s, and has one of the more unique stories lines that I've encountered. Fourteen year old Harlan Q, the narrator, is a PK (Preacher's Kid) who's had a falling out with his dad, Harlan P, because he is questioning religion. He's been living and working at the local mortuary, which is where the story begins. The mortician is preparing Harlan O's, the grandfather that Harlan Q has never met, body for burial. Harlan Q learns that if they can return his Grandfather's body to Las Vegas for burial that they will get a $50,000 inheritance so he convinces his father to head out on a road trip to transport the body. He eases his father's dislike of Harlan O's lifestyle by reminding him how much good the money could do for the Sunnyside Savior Church Radio Hour. Along the way they meet interesting people and Harlan Q learns more about his Harlan's O & P as well as himself.

I really enjoyed this book and its look at relationships, religion, and family. The story is sometimes gruesome, when you think about the fact that they are road-triping with a dead body in the back of a car- especially at the mention of Grandfather getting ripe. If readers are able to suspend their disbelief at the possibility that someone could do this, they will find themselves engrossed in the characters. The ending is somewhat pat, but it does leave the reader with a nicely wrapped up story.

Remembering Raquel

Vande Velde, V. (2007). Remembering Raquel Orlando, FL: Hartcourt.
Interest Level: Grades 6+
Reading Level: 5+

“”My first thought, on hearing that Raquel was dead, was: Oh Crap. That makes me the class fat girl.” -Vanessa Weiss, classmate

“My last words to her: ‘Yeah, yeah.’- spoken in a disgruntled tone. My last words should have been: ‘Stay safe baby girl.” -Albert Falcone, father

Fourteen year old Raquel Falcone is dead, hit by an oncoming car after going to see an Animation Film Festival by herself at the local theater. In life, overweight Raquel is invisible to most, but as classmate Vanessa says, “It’s amazing how much dying can do for a girl’s popularity.” And so we learn about Raquel’s life from those who knew- or didn’t know- her in the days leading up to her funeral. Each character reveals something about him or herself in addition to something about Raquel in a poignant way that really gets to the heart of interpersonal relationships.

In the end, not much has changed- Raquel is still dead, her father is now not only a widower but childless, and her best friend must learn to move forward in life without her.  The strength of this story lies in the realistic nature of all the characters and in showing the reader that the way they view the world is not the only one. I hope that this book inspires a reader to approach someone in their life in a different way.

Franny Parker

By Hannah Roberts McKinnon

Interest Level: Grades 5-8

Reading Level: 4+

Thirteen year old Franny Parker's summer has just begun. She doesn't expect anything extraordinary to occur, just regular life in the small Oklahoma town where she lives with her parents and older and younger siblings. Regular life includes her best friend Pearl, her artist mom, the animal hospital Franny "runs" with her younger brother Ben, and the disapproval always present in her Grandma's demeanor. That all changes when Luke and his mom move in to the cabin across from Franny's farmhouse. Franny takes and instant liking to Luke, but it quickly becomes apparent that things aren't okay with the Dunn family. When Luke's alcoholic father shows up Franny learns the important lesson that just because you offer help doesn't mean those in need will take it. 

McKinnon's first novel is a well written account of small town life. Like Faith, Hope and Ivy  and Also known as Harper, this book is not bogged down with accounts of cell phones and text messages, designer jeans, or reality TV. Instead the strength is in the way the multi-generational characters interact with each other. The details of the story will keep readers engaged and eager to learn what becomes of Luke and his mom.

McKinnon, H.R. (2009). Franny Parker. New York, NY: Farrar Straus Giroux.

The lions of Little Rock

The lions of Little Rock

By Kristin Levine

Interest level: Grades 5-8

It's 1958 in Little Rock Arkansas. This is the summer the governor has decided to ignore integration orders and to instead close Little Rock's high schools. Tensions are high and people, including those in the same family, do not always stand on the same side of the issues. Twelve-year old Marlee Nesbitt has one of those families. Her parents are both teachers- her dad at a junior high and her mom at a high school. Marlee prefers not to talk. It's not that she doesn't have plenty to say, it's that she prefers not to say them out loud. Then she meets Liz, the new girl at school who always seems to know the right thing to say at the right time. Liz decides she's going to help Marlee find her words, but then it comes out that Liz is a colored girl passing for white so that she can go to Marlee's all-white junior high.

The rest of the story follows not only the history and politics of the time, but also Marlee's growth as a person as she learns to fight for what she believes in. This story clearly and accurately portrays the struggles present in our nation at this painful time in history. Levine's characters on both sides of the segregation issue are well developed and believable.  Pair with Through my eyes by Ruby Bridges.

This advance copy was received from the publisher for review with no compensation. Publication date Jan. 2012.

Levine, K. (2012). The lions of Little Rock. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Country girl, city girl

Country girl, city girl 

By Lisa Jahn-Clough

Interest Level: Grades 6+

Reading Level: 4+

It's the summer before eighth grade and Phoebe is a small town farm girl, being raised by her widower father. She's doesn't have a single friend her own age and she's okay with that- she has her goats, her books and her photography. Then comes the phone call from Gerelyn, Phoebe's mom's best friend and college roommate. She's recently tried to commit suicide, is going to be going away for a bit to seek help and needs someone to care for her daughter Melita. When Phoebe learns that Melita will be staying with their family for a bit she's not at all happy about the prospect of losing her solitude and especially from someone from New York with whom she's sure she'll have nothing in common.

Melita enters as a whirlwind, vastly more stylish than Phoebe,who gets her clothes from the Goodwill, and definitely more worldly. Phoebe is instantly entranced. When Melita finds out that Phoebe has never kissed a boy she offers to help her practice. The emotions that arise from their practice kissing sessions confuse Phoebe and come to a head when she later visits Melita in New York only to find that Melita has a boyfriend. This novel tackles the sensitive issue of budding sexuality in a way that rings very true. While budding lesbianism is definitely part of the story, it's not the only one nor necessarily the most important one and Jahn-Clough does a fantastic job of placing it within its proper context.

Jahn-Clough, L. (2004). Country girl, city girl. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.

The Higher Power of Lucky

•  
• The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron 
• Interest Level: Grades 4-7
• Reading Level: 5+

Ten year old Lucky's mom has died in a freak accident. Her absent father has arranged for his French ex-wife, Brigette, to come to California so that she can act as Lucky's guardian. Lucky is worried that Brigette might leave at any time to return to France and this has Lucky's searching for her Higher Power, which she's learned of from listening on the twelve-step meetings she cleans up after and feeling that she's hit her rock bottom.

The story is set in Hard Pan (pop. 43), a town in the Mojave where many quirky characters live. Lucky decides to run away during a dust storm and while hiding in an old mining cave she finds 5-year old Miles- also motherless- and must save him from the storm. Here she learns what it means to care for another and to be cared for by those who love her. This is a gentle story that readers of Betty Birney's Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs will thoroughly enjoy.

Patron, S. (2006). The Higher Power of Lucky. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Eleven

 

Eleven 

By Lauren Myracle

Reading Level: 4.0+

Interest Level: 8-12

Winnie is a 5th grade girl on the brink of her 11th birthday. This story opens in March, as Winnie prepares for her 11th birthday party. She's happy with her life and content with the relationship that she and her best friend Amanda have. However, she's very aware that there are some shifts going on in with other girls around her. Where they all used to play make-believe, some of the girls now consider that too babyish. Even Amanda, who is happy to play when no one else is around, is embarrassed by Winnie's public silliness and instead wants to read the latest Seventeen magazine or try on perfume. When a new girl moves in and befriends Amanda, their friendship and those of the other girls in their grade, shift and change as is so common especially at this age.

Each chapter in this book chronicles a month in Winnie's life, spanning the end of 5th grade and moving in to 6th. This unique approach to telling the story is an effective one, providing a timeline that the reader can relate to by applying it to their own youth. Some things are funny and others are painful, but they all ring true. Many girls will see themselves in one of these characters and will be anxiously looking for the next installment in this series.

Myracle, L. (2004). Eleven. New York, NY: Dutton Children's Books.

The downside of being up

 

 The downside of being up

by Alan Lawrence Sitomer

IL: Grades 7-9

RL: 4+

This book tackles the very untackled topic of boys going through puberty and all that it entails. Bobby is a 13 year old boy whose... male appendage... rears it's head at the most inopportune times. Because of this he finds himself in violation of his school's code of standards and is facing expulsion unless he goes to "Correctional Erectile Therapy." We follow Bobby through his life, complete with his wacky grandfather, his crush on the new teacher's daughter, and his parents who really have no idea how to connect with him.

This book fills the void that "Are you there God, it's me, Margaret?" filled for young girls many years ago. It is humorous, heart-felt, and most of all real. I don't think I've ever read so many euphemisms in one place. Ever. It's the bluntness of this book that makes me wonder how it will ever reach its audience.   

Sitomer, A.L. (2011). The Downside of Being Up. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam's Sons.