Let me start by saying I gave this book 5 stars because I thoroughly enjoyed it, was not critical of the parts that didn't make sense and read the book in an hour.
I've decided I am a fan of Ralph Fletcher. I read A Writer's Notebook, where he presents ideas on how to get students writing. It was an easy read and had great ideas. So when I saw he had a short novel out, I thought why not see how he writes.
Bobby Steele, Marcus and Big Poobs are mates from a working class background. They hang out at IHOP, since it's the one place teens can order a coffee or coke, sit all day and not get hassled. At a nearby table are some girls from the prestigious Whitestone Academy. When the girls clear out, Bobby finds an application to Whitestone left behind.
With the end of summer fast approaching, the boys decide to create a fictional person to apply, Rowan Pohi (IHOP backwards). They are all stunned when Rowan is accepted.
Bobby needs an escape from his home life. His mom and dad fought over a year ago. Dad burnt mom with an iron and spent some time in jail. Shortly after being released from jail, Bobby's mom left. It has now been over a year. He's not fully accepted that she's gone, and has issues with his dad.
Bobby decides to become Rowan and attend Whitestone. Yes, I'm not bothered that he's been accepted with no transcripts or that he starts school without having paid tuition. Bobby wins a full scholarship to Whitestone, makes it on the football team and even gets a hot girlfriend.
But we all know Bobby can't keep pretending to be someone he is not. He gets caught and suspended. He losses the hot girlfriend, but gains a father.
I think this is a great book for pre-teen boys. It's a good feel book which shows you who your true friends are.
1 comment:
Sounds pretty good to me. And I, like you, am willing to suspend disbelief about the records, etc.
=)
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