Most likely to read: Those who like Ben Mikelson or Gary Paulsen, maybe a little Walter Dean Myers (subtle-like though) thrown in.
‘Theme’: dealing with the cards you are handed and getting beyond being a victim, bullying, all kinds of family, importance of family
Remember when I commented on ‘reader’s block’? Well, finding a short book can help. This book is short, readable, and full of comfort. Yes, comfort, because while all the difficulty dilemmas of Cody LeBeau’s life are not solved, he certainly comes to terms with what he has control of in his own life. Himself. Influences of Native American beliefs, Eastern philosophy and martial arts and the torment of daily life in high school for the underdog are all blended together to bring a story about a boy whose fantasy actually meets reality in his Uncle John, a martial arts master (tho he would never claim so) with ‘history.’ The story is a picture of how people of different ages can influence and learn from each other and how our own peers influence our life. It is a very readable and well-written, simply told story. Joseph Bruchac, the author, has done a lot in his life, and this book may also contain some of the lessons he has learned as a martial arts master and as a Native American. I really enjoyed to read.
