Booked
Soccer player faces divorce, bullies in fast-paced novel.
Kids say
Based on6 reviews
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">What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to knowBooked, by Newbery Medal winnerKwame Alexander(The Crossover), is a novel in verse that centers on a middle school soccer player who struggles with his family going through a divorce, bullying by schoomates, and middle school romance. There are a couple of fistfights, some name-calling ("stupid, "ignorant"), and racist names used to insult a student of Asian Ghanian descent. Parents should be prepared to talk about these topics.
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What's the Story?
This novel in verse tells the story of Nick, who has on his mind what every middle school soccer lover does: soccer, playing soccer video games, avoiding school assignments, and more soccer. Just as his plans for a fantastic soccer season are getting started, he learns his parents are getting a divorce. Navigating middle school gets even harder when Nick's bullies come back to school, his best friend has to play on another team, and his favorite rapping librarian keeps trying to get him to read all kinds of dumb books. Will Nick ever get his plan to become a world soccer star back on track?
Is It Any Good?
This lively, touching middle school soccer story is full of fun, whether you're a soccer fan or not. At times, it moves with the breakneck speed of a soccer game -- complete with sudden halting stops of defeat. The sneaky and hilarious way author Kwame Alexander introduces "weird" yet cool vocabulary words is a delightful part of this realistic look into middle school life.
While somewhat lighter than Alexander'sThe Crossover,Bookedstill deals with serious life issues for middle schoolers, including bullying, racism, divorce, and education. Kids will find it relatable, and parents and educators will love the positive messaging about family, friendship, and learning.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about thebullyinginBooked. How can you stop bullies in their tracks before their actions lead to violent physical confrontations?
How can you let your friends who are experiencing difficult times, such as going through a divorce, know you're there for them if they would like to talk?
Families can talk about the importance of reading for pleasure and finding books you really enjoy. Nick hates all his assigned reading materials but enjoys the books his friends suggest. What are some great books you'd recommend to friends?
Book Details
- Author:Kwame Alexander
- Genre:Sports
- Topics:Sports and Martial Arts,Friendship,Middle School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher:Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- Publication date: April 5, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 10 - 12
- Number of pages: 320
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: December 4, 2019
我们的编辑推荐
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The Crossover
Soaring, poignant, novel in verse hits all the right spots.
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The Boy in the Black Suit
Soul-gripping story of teen's grief and hope.
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American Ace
Moving, fast-paced novel-in-verse; great for teen boys.
For kids who love sports and coming-of-age books
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