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Parker, Robert B.
3 Reviews
(3)
YA
This volume gives readers a glimpse into the early life of Parker's hard-boiled detective. In short, terse chapters, the text relates how Spenser helped his friends Jeannie, whose abusive father tried to kidnap her, and Aurelio, a Mexican American facing prejudice. Alternating between present-day conversation and reminiscent storytelling, Parker provides an intriguing look at how Spenser's teenage experiences helped shape his character.
Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo
(2)
YA
Parker draws a parallel between competing in sports and handling oneself in life, and boxer-in-training Terry Novak works hard at both. A classmate's apparent suicide bothers him, and Terry decides to dig deeper. Each chapter reads like a television scene; intermittent "Skycam" sections fill in background. The plot is revealed gradually, putting readers in the position, with Terry, of being astute sleuths.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2008
(2)
YA
Eighth-grader Bobby's life gets complicated as he plays JV basketball, develops a crush, and, while investigating a dark secret involving his teacher, discovers a hidden world of violence, domestic abuse, and racial prejudice. Parker's first young adult novel is a suspenseful coming-of-age homage to a bygone era--equal parts Americana, Norman Rockwell, and Archie comics, with a little Hardy Boys thrown in.
Reviewer: Philip Charles Crawford
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2007
3 reviews
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