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The First Stone
The First Stone by Don Aker
novel
Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
40 people are currently reading
635 people want to read
About the author
Don Aker
20 books42 followersBorn in 1955 in Windsor, Nova Scotia, Don Aker grew up in rural Hants County. He later attended Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where he received his Bachelor of Arts (1976), Bachelor of Education (1977), and Master of Education (1991) degrees. He has been a classroom teacher since 1977, and he currently works as Literacy Mentor for the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board. The father of two daughters, he lives in Middleton, Nova Scotia, with his wife, who is his "first editor."
Don began writing in 1988 after taking a course for language arts teachers at the Martha's Vineyard Summer Writing Workshops in Massachusetts, where educators were encouraged to write along with their students. Since then, he has published 13 books and numerous shorter pieces, consulted on several projects for publishers of educational materials, conducted a variety of workshops on teaching and writing, and given readings across Canada. He is a member of the Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia (WFNS), the Writers' Union of Canada (TWUC), the Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC), The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), the Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators, and Performers (CANSCAIP), and PEN Canada.
Don began writing in 1988 after taking a course for language arts teachers at the Martha's Vineyard Summer Writing Workshops in Massachusetts, where educators were encouraged to write along with their students. Since then, he has published 13 books and numerous shorter pieces, consulted on several projects for publishers of educational materials, conducted a variety of workshops on teaching and writing, and given readings across Canada. He is a member of the Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia (WFNS), the Writers' Union of Canada (TWUC), the Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC), The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), the Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators, and Performers (CANSCAIP), and PEN Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
March 2, 2015
3.5 stars rated up
When I saw this book in my recommendations, the synopsis immediately grabbed me. I quickly looked it up on the kobo website to see if the price of the ebook and when I found out that it was less than $5 I purchased it right away.
Goodreads synopsis: Reef is a troubled sixteen-year-old, who likes to smoke pot and drink with his friends in a derelict abandoned building. He also likes to throw stones from bridges over roads. There's a reason he throws stones - stemming from an abusive childhood - but one of his stones ends up smashing the windshield of seventeen-year-old Leeza Hemming's car, causing a horrific accident and landing Leeza in a hospital for three months, learning to walk again. Meanwhile, Reef faces charges in court and ends up being sentenced to a group home, where he will have to attend classes and volunteer at a rehabilitation center. Because of some fluke in the assignment, he ends up volunteering with Leeza - they both don't know who each other is - and they start to help each other face life. Ironically, Reef is the key to Leeza's recovery, and vice versa. Then Leeza's mother walks in her daughter's hospital room and recognizes Reef from the courtroom...
My thoughts: This book started out very slow for me. After reading the synopsis I thought we would see a lot more interaction between the two characters Reef & Leeza. However, they didn't even meet each other in the hospital until almost 60% of the way through the book. Although the elements of the story that were presented during the first half of the book were important and relevant, I just wish it didn't drag on for so long.
The main characters of Reef and Leeza were written pretty well in my opinion. Reef starts out as this really rough around the edges, bad boy who begins to grow and change between living in a group home and volunteering at the hospital. Leeza has already suffered a terrible loss before the accident with Reed even occurred which gives her character a very dark and depressed feel which I think was written well and was very effective. There were a few minor characters that stood out to me as well. Brett, Leeza's roommate had a very casual, fun and witty voice which was a great addition to the story and acted almost as a comic relief as well as the voice of reason in between all of the depressing parts. Alex was another character who stood out to me. Alex is another boy who is living with Reef at the group home. He has a very flamboyant and outgoing personality. We soon learn about his troubled past and how he ended up in the group home and he becomes one of Reef's closer friends even though Reef didn't particularly enjoy Alex's presence at first. Most of the other characters fell a little flat to me, maybe with the exception of Frank Colville, the head of the group home.
This story was particularly depressing for the most part. Not to many happy moments occur throughout this story, and the ones that did were cut short.
I've seen a couple of reviewers state that the ending didn't give enough closure and some questions were left unanswered. This is where I disagree. I thought the wrap up at the end gave quite a bit of closure. Not all stories have a happy ending and I think that was saved this book for me. It was extremely realistic and any of the events that take place in this story could take place in real life.
I didn't realize this story took place in Canada (specifically Halifax, Nova Scotia) until I started reading. That was a pleasant surprise as I will always support Canadian writing and Canadian authors.
I recently have found out that there is a sequel to this novel called The Fifth Rule that continues where The First Stone left off. At this point in time I don't think that I want to continue on to the next book. I actually liked the way this ended unhappily and realistically. I of course am not 100% sure that book two ends happily by any means, but I think this story should have been left as a stand alone.
Overall, I would definitely check out this book especially if you want something a little different from young adult fiction. Not everything has to end happily for it to be good and I think this story did a good job in reminding me of that.
Just a side note: I've also been adding my book reviews to my new blog, www.popculturecanuck.wordpress.com, as well as TBRs, Monthly Wrap Ups, Hauls, Movie Reviews, Television reviews and so much more. So if you're interested in that check it out! I'd also love to discover some more blogs on wordpress, so if you're also blogging through the wordpress platform I would love to check it out! Thanks!
When I saw this book in my recommendations, the synopsis immediately grabbed me. I quickly looked it up on the kobo website to see if the price of the ebook and when I found out that it was less than $5 I purchased it right away.
Goodreads synopsis: Reef is a troubled sixteen-year-old, who likes to smoke pot and drink with his friends in a derelict abandoned building. He also likes to throw stones from bridges over roads. There's a reason he throws stones - stemming from an abusive childhood - but one of his stones ends up smashing the windshield of seventeen-year-old Leeza Hemming's car, causing a horrific accident and landing Leeza in a hospital for three months, learning to walk again. Meanwhile, Reef faces charges in court and ends up being sentenced to a group home, where he will have to attend classes and volunteer at a rehabilitation center. Because of some fluke in the assignment, he ends up volunteering with Leeza - they both don't know who each other is - and they start to help each other face life. Ironically, Reef is the key to Leeza's recovery, and vice versa. Then Leeza's mother walks in her daughter's hospital room and recognizes Reef from the courtroom...
My thoughts: This book started out very slow for me. After reading the synopsis I thought we would see a lot more interaction between the two characters Reef & Leeza. However, they didn't even meet each other in the hospital until almost 60% of the way through the book. Although the elements of the story that were presented during the first half of the book were important and relevant, I just wish it didn't drag on for so long.
The main characters of Reef and Leeza were written pretty well in my opinion. Reef starts out as this really rough around the edges, bad boy who begins to grow and change between living in a group home and volunteering at the hospital. Leeza has already suffered a terrible loss before the accident with Reed even occurred which gives her character a very dark and depressed feel which I think was written well and was very effective. There were a few minor characters that stood out to me as well. Brett, Leeza's roommate had a very casual, fun and witty voice which was a great addition to the story and acted almost as a comic relief as well as the voice of reason in between all of the depressing parts. Alex was another character who stood out to me. Alex is another boy who is living with Reef at the group home. He has a very flamboyant and outgoing personality. We soon learn about his troubled past and how he ended up in the group home and he becomes one of Reef's closer friends even though Reef didn't particularly enjoy Alex's presence at first. Most of the other characters fell a little flat to me, maybe with the exception of Frank Colville, the head of the group home.
This story was particularly depressing for the most part. Not to many happy moments occur throughout this story, and the ones that did were cut short.
I've seen a couple of reviewers state that the ending didn't give enough closure and some questions were left unanswered. This is where I disagree. I thought the wrap up at the end gave quite a bit of closure. Not all stories have a happy ending and I think that was saved this book for me. It was extremely realistic and any of the events that take place in this story could take place in real life.
I didn't realize this story took place in Canada (specifically Halifax, Nova Scotia) until I started reading. That was a pleasant surprise as I will always support Canadian writing and Canadian authors.
I recently have found out that there is a sequel to this novel called The Fifth Rule that continues where The First Stone left off. At this point in time I don't think that I want to continue on to the next book. I actually liked the way this ended unhappily and realistically. I of course am not 100% sure that book two ends happily by any means, but I think this story should have been left as a stand alone.
Overall, I would definitely check out this book especially if you want something a little different from young adult fiction. Not everything has to end happily for it to be good and I think this story did a good job in reminding me of that.
Just a side note: I've also been adding my book reviews to my new blog, www.popculturecanuck.wordpress.com, as well as TBRs, Monthly Wrap Ups, Hauls, Movie Reviews, Television reviews and so much more. So if you're interested in that check it out! I'd also love to discover some more blogs on wordpress, so if you're also blogging through the wordpress platform I would love to check it out! Thanks!
February 13, 2014
This book has been one of my favorites so far.
Chad Kennedy ( Reef ) was an angry teenager, I think to say the least. His had a tough childhood, starting off with his mother dying during childbirth with Reef. The father wasn't every in the picture
Reef ended up living and growing up with his mothers parents. Reef absolutely adored his grandmother. She was his mother figure in his life until she passing away. After his grandmother dies his grandfather has a lot of anger and takes it out on Reef far too often. Reef is then moved to a foster home.
Reef was moved from foster home to foster home throughout his young age.
Reef and his buddies are on an hwy over pass and thinks if would be funny to toss rocks on the below oncoming traffic. Little did Reef know at that time this event would completely change his life forever. When he through those rocks one hit a car below and caused a chain car piled up. Fortunately no one was killed, but a girl named Leeza was severely hurt.
Reef get a lenient judge and the just sentences him to a place called North Hills which is like a group home for young offenders. Reef has a huge attitude when arriving there and it gets him into lots of chore work around the house. Reef also is sentenced to do community service at a rehab facility. Little does Reef know but soon to find out that the girl that he injured doing his little stunt is at this rehab.
At first Reef doesn't even know that Leeza is the person he injured that day on the passing. They end up connecting in the rehab but neither one knows how connected they truly are in their life. Leeza is also dealing with the loss of her older sister from Cancer. This brings Reef and Leeza to a close friendship based on their life experiences. When Leeza and Reef put two and two together with Leeza's mom's help, Leeza freaks out understandably and they loose that connection that they both to felt for each other.
Reef has these two friends that before this accident were his best friends. They got in all kinds of trouble together and loved every minute of it. Jink (Stanley) and Bigger (Bobby) were like the three stooges, if one did it, they all did it.
While Reef was at North Hills. He was changing for the better. He wanted to be someone better then he was. He began to distance himself from bigger and jink. He was heading in the right direction finally.
Reef and Leeza never become friends, and I can understand that, but Reef really did turn his life around.
As part of his Community duties he was to go talk to students his age about what he had done. At the beginning he thought that was the worst thing the judge could have made him do, but as time went on that anger that Reef had inside started to go away. When his community service hours were up Reef made the choice to continue to talk to these students. He finally felt like he had a purpose in life.
Way to go Reef!!
Chad Kennedy ( Reef ) was an angry teenager, I think to say the least. His had a tough childhood, starting off with his mother dying during childbirth with Reef. The father wasn't every in the picture
Reef ended up living and growing up with his mothers parents. Reef absolutely adored his grandmother. She was his mother figure in his life until she passing away. After his grandmother dies his grandfather has a lot of anger and takes it out on Reef far too often. Reef is then moved to a foster home.
Reef was moved from foster home to foster home throughout his young age.
Reef and his buddies are on an hwy over pass and thinks if would be funny to toss rocks on the below oncoming traffic. Little did Reef know at that time this event would completely change his life forever. When he through those rocks one hit a car below and caused a chain car piled up. Fortunately no one was killed, but a girl named Leeza was severely hurt.
Reef get a lenient judge and the just sentences him to a place called North Hills which is like a group home for young offenders. Reef has a huge attitude when arriving there and it gets him into lots of chore work around the house. Reef also is sentenced to do community service at a rehab facility. Little does Reef know but soon to find out that the girl that he injured doing his little stunt is at this rehab.
At first Reef doesn't even know that Leeza is the person he injured that day on the passing. They end up connecting in the rehab but neither one knows how connected they truly are in their life. Leeza is also dealing with the loss of her older sister from Cancer. This brings Reef and Leeza to a close friendship based on their life experiences. When Leeza and Reef put two and two together with Leeza's mom's help, Leeza freaks out understandably and they loose that connection that they both to felt for each other.
Reef has these two friends that before this accident were his best friends. They got in all kinds of trouble together and loved every minute of it. Jink (Stanley) and Bigger (Bobby) were like the three stooges, if one did it, they all did it.
While Reef was at North Hills. He was changing for the better. He wanted to be someone better then he was. He began to distance himself from bigger and jink. He was heading in the right direction finally.
Reef and Leeza never become friends, and I can understand that, but Reef really did turn his life around.
As part of his Community duties he was to go talk to students his age about what he had done. At the beginning he thought that was the worst thing the judge could have made him do, but as time went on that anger that Reef had inside started to go away. When his community service hours were up Reef made the choice to continue to talk to these students. He finally felt like he had a purpose in life.
Way to go Reef!!
November 13, 2012
Swearing, violence, drama, young love, aggression, this is one of the most well liked novels I have encountered in the high school reading curriculum. Students who claim to hate reading even like this book, and the ones who I've been reading it out loud to, beg for me to continue.
Don Aker does a wonderful job relating to readers and I have to say I am impressed with the school board for taking the chance on this novel! Aker seems to capture the cruelties of the world and how these misfortunes cause an adolescent grow up far to quickly. Saying that, he also manages to portray the innocence that surrounds these characters. He pulls sympathy and compassion from the reader and encourages the realistic need for second chances.
Don Aker does a wonderful job relating to readers and I have to say I am impressed with the school board for taking the chance on this novel! Aker seems to capture the cruelties of the world and how these misfortunes cause an adolescent grow up far to quickly. Saying that, he also manages to portray the innocence that surrounds these characters. He pulls sympathy and compassion from the reader and encourages the realistic need for second chances.
December 6, 2021
I'll forever love this book for so many reasons! I love how each chapter switches back and forth between 2 characters and how the perspectives work so well together. Don Aker has been one of my favorite authors for as long as I can remember.
July 15, 2013
I found this to be your typical "bad-boy from a dysfunctional family turns good with help" kind of book. Predictable, wasn't too impressed with the ending, but I did like the characters.
April 9, 2025
I read this book as a young teenager and recently stumbled across it again. Just as melodramatic and cringy as I remembered lol
May 15, 2024
☹️☹️
The ending redeemed it a little bit for me but we read this for class and this is not something id pick up on my own time 💔💔
The ending redeemed it a little bit for me but we read this for class and this is not something id pick up on my own time 💔💔
May 22, 2011
One stone can do so much damage....
After throwing one stone that almost kills some girl. And after several long boring court hours. And after that stupid judge makes him move to yet another foster home, school, and has him volunteer at this lame rehab place,all just for probation. And after he starts volunteering. And after he meets Leeza. And after his best friend's pain. And after talking and sharing. And after finding out Leeza had been that "some girl" he almost killed. And after being forbidden to contact her. And after telling others. Reef finds his way through the twisting corridors of his mind.
After throwing one stone that almost kills some girl. And after several long boring court hours. And after that stupid judge makes him move to yet another foster home, school, and has him volunteer at this lame rehab place,all just for probation. And after he starts volunteering. And after he meets Leeza. And after his best friend's pain. And after talking and sharing. And after finding out Leeza had been that "some girl" he almost killed. And after being forbidden to contact her. And after telling others. Reef finds his way through the twisting corridors of his mind.
January 17, 2011
Oh dear god this book was amazing! I got so frustrated with the characters though and then the end broke my heart. I would seriously recommend this book for anyone and everyone! this is definitly a book I'm gonna be up late at night thinking about.
October 20, 2008
The first Stone is about a boy named, Reef, who is a young offender and has anger issues. This book contains foul language and may offend some readers. Reader discretion is advised.
January 8, 2009
Compelling read. Great premise. I love Don's book voice.
April 3, 2023
4.25⭐️ okay wow this really surprised me. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. Reef was such a little piece of shit, a product of his surroundings. I was waiting for his redemption arc the whole way through and when I got it… damn that was good. It just came so full circle. And Leeza, my heart just went out to that poor girl. Truly. She went through so much and yet came out the other side like I knew she would. I honestly loved the ending. It was stunning with Reef’s redemption and the way he changed so much for the better, and Leeza’s recovery and acceptance. This is not a happy story. It did start slow and drag on at times but it was worth it. I loved that this wasn’t a happily ever after ending and I cannot wait for book two.
• troubled teen
• redemption
• coming of age
• troubled teen
• redemption
• coming of age
February 18, 2021
I have to give this YA novel 5 stars. Although I didn't like the characters at the beginning of the story, the story took a sharp turn. The bad boy of the story became a person the reader feels sorry for and cheers on.
This story follows Reef after he causes a devastating accident, the consequences of his actions and his recovery. We also see the journey the victim takes as she recovers from her injuries.
The lessons learned in this novel were heartbreaking and yet heartwarming.
This is a must read of both young and older.
This story follows Reef after he causes a devastating accident, the consequences of his actions and his recovery. We also see the journey the victim takes as she recovers from her injuries.
The lessons learned in this novel were heartbreaking and yet heartwarming.
This is a must read of both young and older.
September 19, 2020
honestly, a great book and amazing characters.
however, the ending left a sour taste in my mouth and it just didn't feel right for an ending.
I do know that the author created a sequal but I had to read this for my 10th grade English class so idk if I'll read the second book.
good overall I guess.
the writing style some times seemed very..... awkward...? I don't know, but other than that it was a good book.
however, the ending left a sour taste in my mouth and it just didn't feel right for an ending.
I do know that the author created a sequal but I had to read this for my 10th grade English class so idk if I'll read the second book.
good overall I guess.
the writing style some times seemed very..... awkward...? I don't know, but other than that it was a good book.
May 31, 2024
Read this book in high school and I have to say all I remember is the story was an interesting way to show consequences. But there was a weird scene where Reef sees what’s her faces hospital gown get accidentally pulled up and she has a catheter in so she has no undergarments on. (Why was that needed?) Also she just was weirdly just like ‘this is fine’.
I’m going to read it again to see if it’s what I remember it being.
I’m going to read it again to see if it’s what I remember it being.
October 18, 2024
An interesting book. I read this to help one of my students with her schoolwork about this book.
What happens when the boy who caused your debilitating accident ends up working with you in rehab as part of his probation and he doesn’t know you are the girl he nearly killed and you don’t know he was the boy that put you there.
We learn how Leeza and Reef get to this place and how this story turns out is compelling.
I didn’t like the ending but I understood it.
What happens when the boy who caused your debilitating accident ends up working with you in rehab as part of his probation and he doesn’t know you are the girl he nearly killed and you don’t know he was the boy that put you there.
We learn how Leeza and Reef get to this place and how this story turns out is compelling.
I didn’t like the ending but I understood it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2017
Reef (Chad Kennedy) is a young offender. After throwing a rock off the overpass at a moving car, Leeza (Elizabeth Hemming) ends up in hospital. Everyone expects Reef to have harsher consequences, but the judge sends him to North Hills group home. Leeza and Reef meet, not knowing who the other is, and become friends. And a bunch of stuff happens after that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2017
For a book that I was made to read in grade 11 english and the sequel in grade twelve I have to say that this book was by far one of the best books my High school made us read. It was captivating and interesting. Don did an excellent job at making characters that everyone was able to relate too.
Also Alex <3 I wish the books went into better detail about him and how his life ends up
Also Alex <3 I wish the books went into better detail about him and how his life ends up
December 16, 2017
The First Stone is solid YA fiction, the kind, where you want to punch the characters in the face. I think the depiction of a "tough" teen was good and the other characters and storylines were also gripping. As always with YA, I was scared of the ending, but it was OK.
I was only annoyed by
I was only annoyed by
May 21, 2019
I read this book back in high school and it really stood out to me. How everything ties together and the consequences of one's actions stood out to me at the time at it still does. It was easy to relate to the characters and made it an interesting read. This is a book I often recommend to people, I feel as if a lot can be learned through reading it.
August 5, 2019
This book is a great Canadian story by an amazing Canadian author. I actually emailed him and he sent me some questions to ask to my students.
It is a story of teenagers who just have bad luck. Reef is the orphan no one wants and Leeza is the girl who wants to keep going. It is a beautiful story. With a surprise ending.
Don Aker is one of my new favorite authors!
It is a story of teenagers who just have bad luck. Reef is the orphan no one wants and Leeza is the girl who wants to keep going. It is a beautiful story. With a surprise ending.
Don Aker is one of my new favorite authors!
November 30, 2018
Recommended by my 17 year son and I'm glad that I listen to him.
I really enjoyed the story, characters and smooth prose.
More importantly, gave me some really amazing time with my son discussing it.
I really enjoyed the story, characters and smooth prose.
More importantly, gave me some really amazing time with my son discussing it.
May 24, 2017
I really enjoyed this. Read it because Jake is reading it in English class.
February 10, 2018
not good
April 14, 2018
had to read this for English class, I enjoyed it very much surprisingly
October 18, 2018
moving and thought provoking, reminds you that people can always change!
December 6, 2018
An engaging enough read for grade 9 students. Many were motivated to pick up the sequel The Fifth Rule.
March 10, 2020
Can anybody tell me the brife storyline with some details of this book?
April 21, 2021
Read this in high school-in the hallway-twice as fast as the teacher in the classroom. So it was a nice light read altogether, and the work for each chapter was supaa easyyy:))
May 15, 2022
Read it for English class but I ended up enjoying it a lot, deffo recommend
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews