Ace Hits the Big Time

by Barbara Beasley Murphy, Judie Wolkoff

Sixteen-year-old Horace (Ace) Hobart is dreading his first day of high school in New York City. What's worse is that he has to cover an ugly-looking sty with an eyepatch, and can't find anything to wear but a red satin jacket with a dragon on the back. His younger sister further aggravates his fears with her warning about the Purple Falcons, the roughest gang in school. But the gang isn't out to get him; they want him to join them! Ace starts to hang out with the beautiful Raven, and he and the gang are asked to star in a film about teen violence. When the rival gang finds out, not even kidnapping will stop them from getting a piece of the movie action. Life is crazy as Ace tries to make peace between two tough city gangs.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Childrens

182 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, so the world has changed a bit since this book was published. Gangs are very serious (and deadly) business and the problems of inner city neighborhoods are no joke. But this lighthearted look at a teen trying to fit in and getting in over his head still delivers laughs aplenty.

[Qsuzicue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seminal. I've read this over and over and I still laugh. It's so good, I can't bring myself to read the sequel!

[Holly Lindquist · Rating 3 out of 5]

A series of coincidental events conspire to make gawky uber-nerd Horace Hobart appear at his new inner-city high school decked out like a tough guy. Naturally, he gets taken in by the much feared and misunderstood local gang, the Purple Falcons. The usual comedy results as he tries to maintain his cover, get the girl, and all that nonsense. Short and cute, if a bit dated.

[C · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't like this at all. I think it's really out-dated for YA readers.

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dated book about gangs.

[Becky Froberg]

thrilling. makes you sit on the edge of your seat. I didn't want to put it down but had school work