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Surviving Southside
Benito Runs
Benito's father, Xavier, returns from Iraq after more than a year suffering from PTSD--post-traumatic stress disorder--and yells constantly. He causes such a scene at a school function that Benny is embarrased to go back to Southside High. Benny can't handle seeing his dad so crazy, so he decides to run away. Will Benny find a new life, or will he learn how to deal with his dad--through good times and bad?
104 pages, Library Binding
First published August 1, 2010
13 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Justine Korman Fontes
439 books62 followersJustine Korman is the author of over 600 children's books, including mega-selling adaptations of Disney hits like THE LION KING, plus her original popular GRUMPY BUNNY series for Scholastic.
Justine has been writing all her life. She worked part-time in publishing while earning her B.A. in English Literature, Phi Beta Kappa from New York University. While an editorial assistant at Golden Books, she met her future husband and partner, Ron Fontes, an artist in the Whitman Comics department, who moved on to mighty Marvel Comics.
When Justine started getting freelance writing assignments, Ron pitched in and a children's book writing team was born! Ron brought visual storytelling, theatre, and history; Justine enthusiasm, humor, and a straight-A attitude.
In 1988, the couple moved to Maine, where they have written everything from beginning readers and novelty books to historical fiction and graphic novels.
Justine's hobbies include fitness, juggling, gardening, cooking, and playing the ukulele. She also enjoys making movies with Ron.
The prolific couple's goal is to write 1001 children's books.
Justine has been writing all her life. She worked part-time in publishing while earning her B.A. in English Literature, Phi Beta Kappa from New York University. While an editorial assistant at Golden Books, she met her future husband and partner, Ron Fontes, an artist in the Whitman Comics department, who moved on to mighty Marvel Comics.
When Justine started getting freelance writing assignments, Ron pitched in and a children's book writing team was born! Ron brought visual storytelling, theatre, and history; Justine enthusiasm, humor, and a straight-A attitude.
In 1988, the couple moved to Maine, where they have written everything from beginning readers and novelty books to historical fiction and graphic novels.
Justine's hobbies include fitness, juggling, gardening, cooking, and playing the ukulele. She also enjoys making movies with Ron.
The prolific couple's goal is to write 1001 children's books.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 22, 2019
Benito Runs, a novel written by Justine Fontes explores the world of a high schooler whose dad comes back from the military with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). The main character Benito had a good relationship with his dad before he got deployed to Iraq. Upon his arrival back from war things start to head south. Benito’s dad has PTSD creating some pretty embarrassing moments for Benito in public. For example, Benito’s dad constantly must be surveying the area to check for threats as if it is a war zone. Also, Benito’s dad will randomly yell from time to time about something he sees but isn’t there. Finally, this leads to Benito running away. What I like about this book is it gives a slight idea as to what it is like dealing with someone who suffers from PTSD. Next what I like about the book is how it contrasts Benito’s dad before Iraq versus after. Something I dislike about the book is that it lacked details about the family. If the author, Justine Fontes was to add more details about the family we could learn more about the family dynamic and how it affected the Dad’s PTSD. This book is for a reader who would like to learn a little bit about PTSD and how it can affect a family. Next this book is great for a reader who wants a fast-paced book but doesn’t fell like any details are omitted. Finally, this book is for a reader that would like to understand what dealing with somebody who has PTSD in public entails.
May 24, 2019
After reading this book, I felt very strong emotions...!
That is, when important connections are lost due to disasters, whether meaningful or unmeaningful; dreams, relationships, and careers, can be lost forever.
Upon Xavier return home from the Iraq war, he was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD) at the veterans hospital. Prior to his diagnosis, Benito Xavier son, was severly ridiculed with rumors that spread throughout the school after inviting his father to an event at Southside high school bowling squad night. Benito was the head of this fund raising event and an attending student at southside high school.
Benito said, my dad enlisted in the iraq war to become someone brave like a hero, not someone scared and crazy. Benito then ran...!
That is, when important connections are lost due to disasters, whether meaningful or unmeaningful; dreams, relationships, and careers, can be lost forever.
Upon Xavier return home from the Iraq war, he was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD) at the veterans hospital. Prior to his diagnosis, Benito Xavier son, was severly ridiculed with rumors that spread throughout the school after inviting his father to an event at Southside high school bowling squad night. Benito was the head of this fund raising event and an attending student at southside high school.
Benito said, my dad enlisted in the iraq war to become someone brave like a hero, not someone scared and crazy. Benito then ran...!
May 28, 2012
Benito is a fun loving teenage that has the family unit that almost teen would want. However, the family is torn apart when his dad is called for duty to service his country. The family feels lost without the father but knows that he will come home one day. The family's dream comes true but only partially.
Xavier, Benito's father, comes home suffering from PTSD, posttraumatic stress disorder. Now the family that Benito once had has changed. With this sickness he father acts, speaks, and does everything differently. The smiles and laughs that were so dear to this family are gone.
Benito is so affected by his father's disorder that he decides that leaving the situation is the best thing. Will he leave his family or will be a true survivor and stick in there?
This was such a great and quick read. This is an issue that many teens deal with mainly because many of our service members coming home from a long difficult war. I am very please that the author chose this topic. The words and flow of this novel had the young adult in mind. I can see many shaking their heads in agreement to many situations that happen in this novel. A job well done.
Xavier, Benito's father, comes home suffering from PTSD, posttraumatic stress disorder. Now the family that Benito once had has changed. With this sickness he father acts, speaks, and does everything differently. The smiles and laughs that were so dear to this family are gone.
Benito is so affected by his father's disorder that he decides that leaving the situation is the best thing. Will he leave his family or will be a true survivor and stick in there?
This was such a great and quick read. This is an issue that many teens deal with mainly because many of our service members coming home from a long difficult war. I am very please that the author chose this topic. The words and flow of this novel had the young adult in mind. I can see many shaking their heads in agreement to many situations that happen in this novel. A job well done.
September 16, 2011
the book was great it reminds me of someone i no streagling the same as the story
January 20, 2012
A quick, easy read that may grab some struggling readers. Some of the story doesn't ring true to me.
March 1, 2012
It was a good book.
Read
January 16, 2013it was sad but realistic
September 16, 2014
A Y.A. tale about PTSD? It's an unlikely premise but, in Korman's capable hands, the result is a moving, insightful look at how a soldier's trauma impacts an entire family.
April 21, 2015
This is a good Hi/Lo book. It is fast paced and interesting. I think any kid who has a parent with PTSD or anger issues will relate to it. This is one I could recommend to my students.
February 16, 2016
Good short story about the struggles that a family faces after the dad returns from war. I like how the teacher suggested writing as a form of "therapy."
September 9, 2012
the book is really a kick you should read it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews