Bibliography
Myers, W.D. and Workman, R. (2011). Kick. New York: HarperTeen.
197 pages
Plot
Kevin Johnson is a thirteen-year-old boy looking forward to playing in the state soccer finals. However, when he is caught joyriding in his friend’s father’s car, his opportunity for playing is slim. While in Juvenile, the judge of his case calls a police officer friend to try to mentor the young boy. The police officer originally feels sorry for Kevin, as Kevin’s father died in the line of duty. However, Sergeant Brown does not understand Kevin, his attitude, or what exactly happened. Nevertheless, Brown feels compelled to try to help Kevin. As his arraignment draws closer, Kevin is scared about going to Juvenile, but telling the truth about what happened that night is not his story to tell. However, can Kevin and Sergeant Brown learn to trust one another?
Review
The novel, Kick, is a collaboration between respected author Walter Dean Myers and a then high school student Ross Workman. Told in alternating points of view between Sergeant Brown and Kevin, Kick does an excellent job retaining a realistic voice between the two characters. Kevin’s character feels real, not only in his morals and beliefs but also his behavior. Kevin own personal experiences losing someone, makes his character sympathetic to his friend’s own plight. Furthermore, Brown’s sense of loyalty, keen insight, and coolness under fire provides the reader with a moral compass without appearing too overbearing. Kick is a great example of contemporary realistic fiction for tweens.
Genre
Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Reading Level/Interest Level
This book would appeal to boys in 6 – 8th grade.
Similar Content
Other books by Water Dean Myers or Chris Crutcher
Tangerine by Edward Bloor
Personal thoughts
I really enjoyed reading this book. Having played soccer competitively, I felt that the book accurately represented the sport. Furthermore, the use of multicultural characters and realistic actions makes this book a interesting read.
Subjects/themes
Family Life
Mental Health
Death
Sports
Awards
No known awards.
Series information
No known sequels.
Character names/descriptions
Sergeant Brown: A soon to be retired police officer assigned by a judge to mentor Kevin after he is accused of carjacking a friend’s father’s car.
Kevin: A young thirteen year old who refuses to explain exactly what happened the night of the carjacking. His actions, though greatly impact his chances of playing soccer.
Annotation
What lengths would you go to protect a friend? Sergeant Brown is soon to find out as Junior High School student, Kevin, protects a friend, even at the risk of going to juvie.
Myers, W.D. and Workman, R. (2011). Kick. New York: HarperTeen.
197 pages
Plot
Kevin Johnson is a thirteen-year-old boy looking forward to playing in the state soccer finals. However, when he is caught joyriding in his friend’s father’s car, his opportunity for playing is slim. While in Juvenile, the judge of his case calls a police officer friend to try to mentor the young boy. The police officer originally feels sorry for Kevin, as Kevin’s father died in the line of duty. However, Sergeant Brown does not understand Kevin, his attitude, or what exactly happened. Nevertheless, Brown feels compelled to try to help Kevin. As his arraignment draws closer, Kevin is scared about going to Juvenile, but telling the truth about what happened that night is not his story to tell. However, can Kevin and Sergeant Brown learn to trust one another?
Review
The novel, Kick, is a collaboration between respected author Walter Dean Myers and a then high school student Ross Workman. Told in alternating points of view between Sergeant Brown and Kevin, Kick does an excellent job retaining a realistic voice between the two characters. Kevin’s character feels real, not only in his morals and beliefs but also his behavior. Kevin own personal experiences losing someone, makes his character sympathetic to his friend’s own plight. Furthermore, Brown’s sense of loyalty, keen insight, and coolness under fire provides the reader with a moral compass without appearing too overbearing. Kick is a great example of contemporary realistic fiction for tweens.
Genre
Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Reading Level/Interest Level
This book would appeal to boys in 6 – 8th grade.
Similar Content
Other books by Water Dean Myers or Chris Crutcher
Tangerine by Edward Bloor
Personal thoughts
I really enjoyed reading this book. Having played soccer competitively, I felt that the book accurately represented the sport. Furthermore, the use of multicultural characters and realistic actions makes this book a interesting read.
Subjects/themes
Family Life
Mental Health
Death
Sports
Awards
No known awards.
Series information
No known sequels.
Character names/descriptions
Sergeant Brown: A soon to be retired police officer assigned by a judge to mentor Kevin after he is accused of carjacking a friend’s father’s car.
Kevin: A young thirteen year old who refuses to explain exactly what happened the night of the carjacking. His actions, though greatly impact his chances of playing soccer.
Annotation
What lengths would you go to protect a friend? Sergeant Brown is soon to find out as Junior High School student, Kevin, protects a friend, even at the risk of going to juvie.
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