By K.A. Holt
This book is a treasure for readers of all ages. I love this book, it was highly entertaining from the first page all the way through to the end; page turning action, drama and a direct pulse into young readers. Levi is getting ready to enter Middle School, but he is no normal kid. Levi is smaller than most and has been sickly most of his life. He has to travel to Cincinnati a couple of times a year, just to check on his airways. Levi has been able to develop by an overly protective mother and brother, who keep him sheltered from everything. His best friend Tam, helps him get through the days. As Levi enters the middle school things will change and secrets begin to mount.
Levi wants to be the class clown and will do just about anything to get a laugh out of his classmates, even becoming a secret alternative mascot for the school. He loves hearing all of the laughter! Tam even convinces Levi to join chess club, neither of them enjoyed that. During a visit with his dad, a kernel of an idea is thrust into his head, Levi should try a sport, any sport, Mom does not need to know, his Dad will even foot the bill. Levi has never been athletic because of his breathing issues, what sport could he ever do? On a "joke" he says hey I want to try boxing. Dad loves the idea and signs Levi up for gym time at a local ring. On days that Levi is supposed to be at Chess club he either hangs out in his tree of his dad takes him to the gym. Levi loves the energy and the focus that concentrating on his footing and hitting gives him. He is small, quick and mighty.
Of course when lies start to build, at some point they all come tumbling down. Will all of Levi's secretive freedom be lost, or will his jailers see that he needs more freedom. Of course a couple of health problems stumble upon Levi and another trip to Cincinnati may give him his dreams. Things are changing and Levi is coming of age right before your eyes.
What is the most impressive about this book is the complexity of the story told through poetic verse The descriptive tone of the book, the reader is transported with Levi as he develops and grows and hurts. Some of the verse is very evocative and thought provoking. I am definitely giving this book a 5 out of 5 starts and believe that any reader 5th grade and up would enjoy this tale. If you have the opportunity pick up your copy today.
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