Fakie

A great survival story. Alex witnessed the murder of his father. The man who killed him is in jail awaiting trial and Alex and his mother are in the witness protection program, but someone is after Alex and they must now figure out how to stay one step ahead of whoever it is. But Alex is tired of running... This page-turner would be great for reluctant readers. The book itself is only 142 pages, the chapters are short, print is larger and lots of white space.

Reviewed by coollibrarianchick for TeensReadToo.com

It's not easy to reach a reluctant reader. You need to know the students, know the books, and seek creative ways to connect the two. Tony Varrato knows high school students. He knows what they like and what they don't. His book, FAKIE, is bound to be a hit with the reluctant reader population. Also bound to be a hit with boys, especially ones who are into skateboarding. FAKIE, with its fast pace, pulls you into the story and holds your attention to the very end. The title of the book is quite apropos, as the term "fakie" refers to riding a skateboard backwards from the way you would usually ride it.

Fakie describes Danny Torbet's life - he is living his life totally different from the show more way most people live their lives.

Danny then Dylan then Zach then - what number identity is he up to? Seven? Eight? Now he is Alex Miller. This time he is a skater, last time he was a football player. As quickly as one life ends, a new one starts. Why can't he be plain old Danny Torbet?

There is a good reason - if he wants to stay alive, his true identity must stay hidden. If a group of teens were standing around would you be able to ID Danny Torbet? He certainly hopes not. The Witness Protection Program doesn't want the bad people who are after him to find him either.

Alex/Danny wants to look like any teenager on any given day in any town in the USA. At all times he and his mom must stay ahead of enemies. Each time their enemies get a little bit closer. What will happen when they close in on them this time? Will he rely on the friends he's made or will they pick up and leave once again? You'll have to read the book to find out! show less

Alex Miller was just a young boy when he witnessed the death of his father and then was shot himself. He survived however, and after an attempt on his life in the hospital, he and his mother were put into a witness relocation program. When the story starts, he is on his fourth or fifth identity, and has gotten pretty good at assuming a new persona. However, just as he gets comfortable with his new skateboard loving friends, his cover is blown and his life, and the life of his mom, is threatened. Alex is going to find out first hand, just how great it is to have friends who can help him out when he finds he has no choice but to take on the criminal element.
This is a short book - just 142 pages - but one I think would be enjoyed by show more reluctant male readers. Those who liked Jack's Run and Jack's Lie would enjoy this book as well, although I think this one is easier. Very fast paced, enjoyable, and believable. show less

When Alex Miller adopts a new identity as a Virginia Beach skateboarder as part of the Witness Relocation Program he must worry about fitting in with his new clique as well as keeping safe from the criminal that wants him dead.

It's interesting and always keeps going. You never know if he is going to stop running or not.
4Q, 3P; Cover Art: Okay.
This book is best suited for middle and higschoolers.
It was selected because it looked interesting, and the need for a book to read.
Grade (of reviewer): 10th
WE-AHS-NC