Trent wishes he could change his fifth grade year. He hit a hockey puck. The puck hit Jared Richards in the chest. Jared died (he had a heart defect). As he enters sixth grade he is convinced the whole town hates him. As the anger bubbles inside of him, he retaliates with mean words and actions. Then he and Fallon Little become friends. A girl with scar right through the middle of her face. . . .no one knows how it happens and each time someone asks, she makes up a new story.
Will Trent's simmering anger destroy the only friendship he has?
The title comes from one small section in the book. Would be interesting to discuss with the reader/students why Ms. Graff choose this title in relation to her message in the book.
I stayed up until midnight to finish this book. Ms. Graff is brave to expose a young boy's guilt and anger over a tragic event. My heart broke for Trent. I became frustrated with the parents (I did not like his dad at all!!).
*Highly recommend.
For mature junior highers only (my opinion).
Points to discuss/warnings: swearing ("a" word, "jacka" etc), divorced parents/new marriage, death, anger (sometimes explosive), a bit of violence (fight between Trent and Jeremiah, Trent's thoughts/ book of thoughts), disrespect to teachers and father
Strategies: inferring, character traits, author's message/main idea
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