Tommy Greenwald

Although young Joe loves fishing, his father is not enthusiastic about it, forcing the boy to seek companionship elsewhere, through his town's fishing club. When the club plans an ice-fishing trip, and each attendee must have a parent with him, Joe's father grudgingly agrees to go along. Much to everyone's surprise, the good companionship of the experience, the ways in which Joe and his father bond while fishing together, changes the father's mind. Soon he is accompanying Joe on all of his show more fishing trips, having become well and truly hooked...

Although I see that some online reviewers were disturbed by the fact that Joe's father wasn't willing to go fishing at first, no doubt interpreting that as some sort of rejection, or dereliction of fatherly duty, I actually appreciated that aspect of the story. Sometimes parents aren't that enthusiastic about their children's interests, and I thought it was an interesting storytelling choice, to focus on the way the father changed his mind. Usually in children's stories it's the other way around, with a narrative that encourages young people to try new things. Tommy Greenwald's story in Hooked however, encourages children to examine such things from an adult's perspective, highlighting the ideas that it isn't just children who resist new things, and that parents sometimes have different tastes and inclination from their children. This makes the conclusion, in which Joe's dad changes his mind, all the sweeter. Recommended to anyone looking for engaging, ultimately heartwarming father-son picture-books. show less

This book reads from the perspective of incoming freshman Tommy Youngblood as he lies in a coma in the hospital recovering from a traumatic head injury. Doctors advise his family to talk to him as much as possible to help with his recovery, but to keep the conversation light, which they struggle to do in their grief as they also grapple with inconsistencies in the story of how he got injured at football camp.

I was really intrigued with the unique storytelling framework, as well as the show more poetic nature of Tommy’s thoughts. It's a page-turner; the story is very well-paced so that the reader is constantly discovering new layers of the story as it unfolds. This book provides a meaningful lesson about the consequences of hazing while successfully avoiding a moralistic tone. The children in the story, Tommy’s friends and teammates, push the adults in the story to grow beyond a black and white way of thinking about the situation. Those who enjoyed will be happy to know that the author also has other books focusing on different characters set within the same school universe! show less

After reading [b: Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Growing Up|25688990|Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to Not Growing Up (Charlie Joe Jackson, #6)|Tommy Greenwald|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1445191825s/25688990.jpg|45517401], and feeling disappointed, I didn't think I would end up reviewing another CJJ book. But here I am, and I gotta say, Greenwald is redeemed. This book is X times (fill your number) more funny and interesting.

Charlie Joe hates books. He's on a mission to never read show more another book. He knows it, his friends know it, but he can't let the adults find out. They would sabotage his mission. For years now his friend Timmy has been reading the books for him in exchange for ice cream sandwiches. But Timmy and Charlie Joe are having a little issue over girls and lacrosse, so Timmy has ended his reading service. Charlie Joe has the dreaded "project" at the end of the year and he needs to get another friend on board to do his reading for him.

This book is so funny and downright refreshing. It feels like Charlie Joe is having a one on one conversation with the reader. He commiserates, apologizes and advises. You are his friend and he wants to pass on all the knowledge he has gained over the years about how to avoid reading. The irony is that you are reading and that fact is not lost on Charlie Joe. Get this book for any kid you know. Guaranteed to read it. show less

Tension and determination mix with right and wrong in a grabbing read surrounding sports.

Although only fifteen, it's clear Cal is a very talented pitcher, and he's already drawing quite a bit of attention. Thanks to his trainers, even pro scouts are already taking a look at him. While he's trying to just enjoy the game, his father's enthusiasm and support is becoming extreme, and it's beginning to wear on Cal with the increased pressure to impress and succeed. When his desire to catch the show more scouts' attentions lands him with an injured shoulder, he's even more determined before and soon not only overcomes his injury but seems to be, maybe, better than before. During his first game back on the diamond, an umpire makes a call many don't agree with, especially Cal's father. Throwing insult after insult at the umpire, Cal's father is finally kicked out of the stadium, leaving Cal to fight to keep his head where it needs to be. But Cal's problems are only beginning, since he finds his father arguing with the umpire after the game in the parking lot. A shove ends with the umpire in the hospital and Cal's father arrested and facing charges. While Cal loves baseball, he's not sure how to handle the situation and soon is looking at life in an entirely new light.

The entire tale is told through various forms of media. Newspaper articles, text messages with friends, prose like thoughts, and more forms build up the entire story to create a mosaic, which weaves together effortlessly. The author has done a wonderful job at using the different forms at exactly the right time to create a grabbing atmosphere while bringing across the information as it's needed. It creates a quick and potent read, which even more reluctant readers are sure to enjoy.

While the story centers around Cal and highlights the huge stress involved when talented athletes face scouts, increasing popularity, and growing expectations, it also increases awareness concerning the difficult position umpires can find themselves in because of these high expectations. Bullying and even violence in the face of supposed bad calls comes to the forefront. But there's also a sense of goodness and hope as the true meaning behind the love for sports is explored.

Not only sport fans are sure to enjoy this read, but it packs tons of good messages and food for thought. Add the clever usage of media types, and it's one that even teachers and homeschoolers might want to pick up. show less