By Sis Deans
This is a fast moving and enjoyable book. It does a good job of broaching a topic that is too often left ignored or pushed under the rug. Meet Ricky Gordon he is constantly getting in trouble at school for fighting the school bully. Ricky comes up with a plan to keep his mother out of knowing how bad school is for the troubled fifth grader. He can not go down to Mr. Daniel's office for the rest of the year. How is he going to avoid his nemesis? Ricky decides to forgo recess and to walk home from school everyday, even in bad weather. Bugsie is so mad and still tries to bait Ricky whenever he sees him. Ricky is a math whiz and figures out that if he improves everyday he will be able to beat the bus. He sets up a grueling training schedule and slowly improves his 3.5 mile run home.
Ricky has a hard road to travel he has to better his life and that of his family. Ricky's father passed away New Years Eve, from drunk driving. Ricky is actually glad that he is gone, since he spent most of his time drinking and abusing his family, both mentally and physically. They are dirt poor and live in a small run down shack, but Ricky and Matt slowly begin to clean up their yard and move beyond their father's abuse. Everyone is noticing the improvements in their small town. Their lives slowly improve. Finally, one day Ricky realizes that the running is making positive changes in his life. It becomes apparent as the his classmates start cheering for him to beat the bus and as the high school coach comes to check out this fifth grader that could run. Will Ricky's hard work pay off will he be able to run from his past?
This book is rather sad, but a necessary topic that needs to be talked about more often. I am giving this book a 4 out of 5 stars, and feel that it will be enjoyed by readers in 6th grade and higher. and even though the books main character is a young man, I feel that all students can learn something from this book.
Links
Author - Sis Deans
Coping with an Alcoholic Parent
Child Abuse Help
Youth Runners
This book is rather sad, but a necessary topic that needs to be talked about more often. I am giving this book a 4 out of 5 stars, and feel that it will be enjoyed by readers in 6th grade and higher. and even though the books main character is a young man, I feel that all students can learn something from this book.
Links
Author - Sis Deans
Coping with an Alcoholic Parent
Child Abuse Help
Youth Runners
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