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~About the Book~
What if nothing was the worst thing you could do?
For 13-year old Tim Stockdale, it's all about keeping his head down and fitting in with the friends he's managed to make at his new school. His older brother, Eli, is the opposite. He's trying to set up a Gay-Straight Alliance at his high school, where he's a junior. Even though the school board is against it, Eli’s not afraid of what the fallout might be.
So when Tim's new friends start to bully a kid they think is gay, Tim's torn - he doesn't want to do anything to risk being cast out of the crew. But when Eli is hurt in a protest, Tim's own failure to do anything starts to get under his skin. Will he find his way at his new middle school, and figure out what's really worth standing up for?
~My Impressions~
When I first got this book I was not sure what to expect. I normally stay away from books that I think are going to encourage things that go against biblical teachings, but after reading the synopsis of the book I was intrigued so I pushed forward. I am so happy that I did. This was a fantastic book for kids ages 13-18 that focuses on themes of bullying, homosexuality, standing up for what you believe is right, bravery, fear, picking wise friends, and being grounded in life.There is so much going on inside this book that you do not want to put it down.It is a fast read (2days) but a incredibly enjoyable one. Tim and Eli are both real, easy to relate to and well defined. The characters grow and change through out the book drawing you into their lives.The minor characters are also well defined. I could really relate to mom and dad in this book. You want your kids to stand up for what they believe,but you also want to protect them and support them without feeling like you are putting them in harm. I think of all the things my kids struggle with and their friends. Bullying is running rampant in our schools and children are afraid to stand up for each other. I adored how this book wove the problems in the school system into this story. The author did a wonderful job showing how one person can make a difference.
Cautions: I can easily recommend this book for those younger children who are strong and grounded in their faith. This book does lean heavily toward taking a stand for homosexuality, with no biblical content addressed either for or against. With that said it is an excellent book to read that touches on so many other important topics that it deserves recognition.
~Links~
Amazon Review: http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A38SAJ7T0I1UBN/ref=cm_cr_thx_pdpGoodReads Review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/833086210
Website: http://www.judyirwin.com
Facebook: Facebook profile
Purchase Book: http://www.amazon.com/Judy-Irwin/e/B0054LRUNA/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1386081675&sr=1-2-ent
~About the Author~
Author Judy Irwin's books are about kids dealing with everyday stuff,
like parents and divorce, friendships and bullies, and figuring out how
to handle different situations and circumstances. She lives in Toronto
with a dog, a cat, and a hamster, plus her husband and two children,
ages 11 and 14.
She's written three books so far. In the first, called 'What Did You Say?', 12-year-old Tash and her mom are spending a month at a trailer park up north, right after Tash's parents divorce. This is where Tash first meets Luke, Jon and Polly.
'We're Done' is about 13-year-old Luke, who gets kicked out of his private school and loses his best friend over an act of bullying. Tash and Jon, from the first book, are also characters in this one.
'What's It To You?' is about 13-year-old Tim, who first appears as Luke's classmate in 'We're Done'. Tim has to decide if his new friendship with Harrison (also from 'We're Done') is right for him.
For Judy, the middle school years are especially interesting since they can be some of the most challenging for kids. It's a time when kids are faced with new issues, and bigger problems, than many have experienced before. As they figure out how they feel, and decide how to respond, they're also figuring out who they are, and shaping the nature of the person they will grow into.
She's written three books so far. In the first, called 'What Did You Say?', 12-year-old Tash and her mom are spending a month at a trailer park up north, right after Tash's parents divorce. This is where Tash first meets Luke, Jon and Polly.
'We're Done' is about 13-year-old Luke, who gets kicked out of his private school and loses his best friend over an act of bullying. Tash and Jon, from the first book, are also characters in this one.
'What's It To You?' is about 13-year-old Tim, who first appears as Luke's classmate in 'We're Done'. Tim has to decide if his new friendship with Harrison (also from 'We're Done') is right for him.
For Judy, the middle school years are especially interesting since they can be some of the most challenging for kids. It's a time when kids are faced with new issues, and bigger problems, than many have experienced before. As they figure out how they feel, and decide how to respond, they're also figuring out who they are, and shaping the nature of the person they will grow into.
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