Grape Thief

by Kristine L. Franklin

With refreshing honesty, heart, and humor - and a compelling young narrator - the author of the award-winning LONE WOLF takes readers back to 1925, and a place where a boy must become a man all too soon.


It’s 1925 in multiethnic Roslyn, Washington, and twelve-year-old Slava has earned the nickname "Cuss" because he can swear in fourteen languages. In fact, Cuss loves languages, unlike his older brothers, who left school after sixth grade to work in the coal mines, he likes reading about as much as he likes goofing around with his friends - or planning the great grape heist of Roslyn. But when bootleggers stir up trouble and force his big brothers to skip town, Cuss feels the weight of family responsibility dropping onto his shoulders. How can he hold on to his dream to stay in school - and still do the honorable thing by his ma and little brother?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Teen

304 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2003

About the author

Kristine L. Franklin is the author of several novels for young readers, including ECLIPSE, NERD NO MORE, DOVE SONG, and the best-selling LONE WOLF, a SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Best Book of the Year.

Reviews

[Viviana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s 1925 in Roslyn, Washington, and a boy named Slava has earned the nickname "Cuss" because he can swear in fourteen languages. In fact, Cuss loves languages. Unlike His older brothers,Matt and joey,who left school after sixth grade to work in the mines to earn money for their mom. Slava likes reading as much as he likes playing around and planning how to get grapes from the grape train. But when bootleggers come to town, cuss brothers are involved and leave to another state.Cuss feels the weight of family responsibility. but when he decides to leave to work somewhere else, he gives up and goes home again. when he gets to his family something amazing for him happens.

This actually was based on a true story, when at that time the coal mines were laying off people. some didn't have work, and the ones who did have were very lucky. this connects to the world from now, because there are many families that have very little money and they can barely have a place to live.

I rate this book 3 stars. Kristine Franklin did a good job with this book, she made it realistic and she used a lot of examples that sometimes happen in the world. This book is better for boys, because it shows what were his struggles, and boys would understand better his actions.

[Mara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yet another "life-time" story which was actually quite good and not teribly boring. Perhaps part of why I found it so entertaining is because it takes place in my home state (Washington) and though it is a little disconcerting to read familiar landmarks and towns in a book, discovering the rarely-mentioned Washington State in a story always makes me feel a little smug. Who doesn't like to read about their home state? Especially in such a fascinating era.

The storyline could have been far more interesting. I was, in fact, hoping that the trouble Cuss's brothers get caught up in would become the prominent event - it involved Mobsters, after all, and Mobsters always promise a good story. Sadly, though, this event is given a pretty cursory glance and things return to the daily antics and struggles of Cuss and his relatives. Too bad; I really started to like the book when it promised Mob involvement. Still, even with this basic "poor-immigrant-family-struggling-to-make-ends-meet" storyline, Grape Thief was a book which I would recommend to those who are looking for a leisurely time-period story, and which doesn't have any annoying female characters. Given the sort of books I have been slogging my way through of late, it was unbelievably relaxing to find a book which mainly had young boy characters. Cuss is actually pretty likable, too, as are his friends, though Skinny was, at times, a tiny bit aggravating, but I still liked him for the majority of the book.

No complaints - a good "life-time" story that, had it pursued the storyline with the Mob, would have made it onto my favorites list, but even so, I intend to buy it.

[Mateo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy named Slava has earned the nickname "Cuss" because he can swear in fourteen languages. In fact, Cuss loves languages. Unlike his older brothers ,Matt and Joey, who left school after sixth grade to work in the mines to earn money for their mom. Slava likes reading as much as he likes playing around and planning how to get grapes from the grape train. But when bootleggers come to town, cuss brothers are involved and leave to another state. Cuss feels the weight of family responsibility. but when he decides to leave to work somewhere else, he gives up and goes home again. when he gets to his family something amazing for him happens.
I can relate this to the world, when at that time the coal mines were laying off people. some didn't have work, and the ones who did have were very lucky. this connects to the world from now, because there are many families that have very little money and they can barely have a place to live.
I have to rate this book 4 stars. Kristine Franklin did a good job with this book, she made it realistic and she used a lot of examples that sometimes happen in the world. It just didn't make much sense at times. This book is better for boys, because it shows what were his struggles, and boys would understand better his actions.

[Salsabrarian]

Some SPOILERS: Set in Roslyn, WA. Slava Petrovich is a 7th grader in a Croatian family. His older brothers Matt and Joey work in the mines to support their widowed mother. Mine work is the money-maker for much of the town. One night Slava witnesses Matt and Joey confronting the man that was courting their sister Mary. The man dies when he falls and hits his head against a wall. Turns out the man has bootlegger connections and Matt and Joey could be in real trouble. One day Matt and Joey are gone, to pursue work in logging further west. Slava, his mother and younger brother Phillip struggle to keep the home afloat. Slava loves school but realizes he may have to leave it to work and support the family. When Phillip becomes seriously ill and loses his hearing, Slava realizes the burden on him to support the family especially now that Matt and Joey have married. He decides to jump the grape train to California with his friends as Matt and Joey did and find better-paying work. But jumping the train isn't a decision that Slava is comfortable with and he jumps off to return to Roslyn. All ends up well when Father Duval announces that Slava has earned a full scholarship to St. Martin's Academy.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book!!! Sometimes it's sad. Others it's suspenseful. But most of all, funny. I suggest this book to strong readers and people who can relate to stuff easily.
Young Cuss tries to stay in school with lots happening. Ma is taking care of Cuss's sick little brother. He meets a priest after the doctor came to try to heal the little brother. The priest ends up coming to Cuss's school to come and teach Latin. Cuss is very good at Latin and aced the Latin test. Then his older brother moves away to become a lumberjack and sends money to the family but it seems to go away quickly since of the sickness.
Ma wants Cuss to go work in the coal mines but he thinks it's to dangerous. Cuss and his friend make a plan to go away to the lumberjack job and find his brother to work there and get money. The only way to get there is by train. They take the grape train. Cuss figures he'll tell ma once he sends in money.
This book is very touching. I enjoyed it but it took me a little while to read. It taught me to expect the unexpected. I wanted to read more of it every day and really think that it made me think different about times back then.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My little book club of four sixth grade boys just finished reading Kristine Franklin's Cuss, originally titled the Grape Stealer(great move by publisher to the title). I was concerned my readers would have difficulty with the dialog and even more difficulty making personal connections to the time period (1920s), but Franklin had them enthralled within the first few pages when Cuss, the protagonist, is convinced by his friend Perks if he "makes water on a rock" they'll be able to find some stray cows. After a discussion on what "making water" meant, the boys were hooked and even more so when they found out Cuss had the outstanding talent of swearing in 14 languages, thus the nickname. A heartwarming book that introduces kids to the harsh realities of the coal mining and the strength of love and friendship. A great companion is the nonfiction book Growing Up in Coal Country by Susan Campbell Bartoletti.

[Jack Tyrone THE FOURTH · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Grape Thief, by Kristine Franklin, was good in my opinion, the story is loosely based off of real events that happened to the authors grandfather, which, I think, helped make the story seem more realistic. The author does a good job of developing all of the characters which only helped make the story more inviting. The book takes place in the late 1800’s which, to me, is a very interesting time period for stories because there were very many sad things going on then and for the next thirty or so years. The only problems I had with the book, is that the brothers weren't known by the reader for long enough for them to be cared about enough, and also the book felt like it was a sequel. But overall I think the author did a good job in portraying most of the characters and the setting was very compelling which ended up helping the book be very interesting

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

12 yr old Slava Petrovich is a scholar. He loves school and doesn't want to work in the coal mines like his older brothers to support the fatherless family. Slava's nickname is Cuss since he has learned to cuss in 14 different languages, representing the multiculturalness of the Washington state coal mining town. It is 1925, the local boot leggers are getting muscled in by the big city mobsters for their share of the "cut" of the moonshine produced in the area during prohibition. Slava's older brothers become involved. A mysterious death of one of these mobsters and they hop the grape train to get out of town. The grape train brings luscious Black Bear grapes from NAPA valley which the local people use to make their owm wines. Great

[Sheralan M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I usually read about three books a week and rarely write reviews (though I keep promising myself I will get better about doing that) but I was so moved by this book, which was titled GRAPE THIEF when I picked it up. It was an emotional journey and I recommend everyone take it. I kept thinking I was going to make the read last, but I was done with it in an otherwise busy day and a half. I laughed, I choked back tears, I worried, I hoped, and laughed and nearly cried some more. For me, the sign of a great book is when I shut the back cover, I don't immediately dive for another book because I want time to let this one soak in and settle, and that's what happened when I finished GRAPE THIEF/CUSS.

[Miss Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

gr 5-8 290 pgs

1925, Roslyn, Washington. 12 year old Slava "Cuss" Petrovich has a gift for languages. He can curse in 14 languages and learning Latin in school is a breeze. Unlike the other boys in town, Slava is determined not to go to work in the mines. His dream is to continue school, but with his two older brothers on the run from the mob and his widowed mother struggling to make ends meet, Slava knows his dream will never happen. Instead, Slava must find work to help support his family.

The story gets off to a slow start, but picks up speed as the story moves along. The ending was a nice surprise.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my son's independent reading book for literature. It is the story of Slava, nicknamed Cuss, a seventh grader, who lives in the mining town of Roslyn, Washington in the mid 1920’s. Cuss learns an important life lesson near the end. “I stared at the sky. No matter where I went, no matter how far I ran, the lying and stealing I’d done, just like the stars in the sky, they’d follow me, watching, hovering over my head, reminding me that I was a crook. It didn’t matter if no one else ever knew about it. I could get away from Roslyn, but I couldn’t get away from me.”

[Victor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book shows a lot about a life of a American back in the early 1900s. It gives out a lot of ideas about the people, and how they lived. Cuss is a strange name for a book, but was originally called "Grape Thief" which I felt as a better title. The end of the book was in total satisfactory for me, because Cuss got what he wanted, and didn't hurt anyone or tried to commit a sin on purpose. I kind of do want to be a bit like Cuss, because he's smart and knows how to make a living, and survive in the real world.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because I love good historical fiction, I knew Grape Thief might "fit the bill." Bingo! It was an awesome read that I know I'll recommend to students this year. Each chapter ended on a "need to read more" note. The combination of humor, drama, and history was pure enjoyment. My 10 year old son, Jess, picked Grape Thief up as I was reading, and he couldn't put it down either. I hope there's more coming down the line from Kristine L. Franklin soon!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy named Slava has earned the nickname "Cuss" because he can swear in fourteen languages.he plans all day to get grapess.

It was based on a true about the cold mines.so i can connect it the world.
I gave this book 3 stars. I gave it it 3 stars because i though author did really good on wirting this book.It was really relistic and kind of intersesting. it was not really my type.

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guten Tag. Cuss is my name cuz I can cuss in 14 languages. But that’s not all I can say since languages come easy to me. We came to this country from Croatia and we’re working now in the coal mines. Me and my friends tried to steal from the grape train but things got out of hand and now my brothers are in trouble and have to leave town because of me.

[Taiyiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good read, seriously once you get into the characters you can't put this book down! I think this is the book that got me into historical fiction (which is my favorite genre btw). The setting and details are great and I love the main character. I'm usually neutral about main characters, but he was just such a delightful person to read.

[Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

its about a boy who knows all the cuss words in all the lanuges and lives with his mom and little brother because his older brothers went to go get money for there mom and cuss was the only one that went to school but then he quit because his brother got sick and he needed to help his mom. if u want to know more read the book!

[Angela Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

So weird, I was searching for the book Cuss, but it is now named The Grape Thief. Seriously strange. My hard copy is called Cuss, by Franklin. Loved it, even if meant for the younger reader. We should all branch out to see what the youngsters are reading, or being asked to read, at some point. Very honest story with little getting in the way of the storytelling.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, interesting read. Takes place in Roslyn, WA in the 1920's and explores a young boy's battle to reconcile his desire to continue his education and his growing family responsibilities. Historical issues addressed included prohibition, the mining industry, and immigrants.

[Nikita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was very funny, adventurous, enthralling and all-out exciting. This is the book that may look long, but when you read it, it feels very short, and you can finish it in no time at all, because it's one of those books that's hard to put down.

[Kelseylethco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both of my sister have already read it, but I hadn't even heard of it. The main character in this one is from Croatia too. :) I learned a bit about life in the 1920's and it ended well. I liked it.

[Rochelle Jewel Shapiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters and important historical information about a small town in Roslyn, Washington in the twenties.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer]

The original title of this book was Grape Thief.

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book included some cool history, it didn't necessarily have a point. Something I found semi frusterating.

[Cmerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for a young man to read, but perhaps the parent should read it first. It was a quick read for me and just what I was looking for at the time.

[Jayden valencia · Rating 4 out of 5]

is dat u can cuss in 3 dif3rrnt languag3s ight

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish everyone could read this book. I came across it by accident and I am SO glad that I did! Wonderful book that teaches so much and in such an enjoyable way:)

[Katrinadohn Dohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great historical fiction set in Roslyn, WA in the 1920s! Delightful read!

[Savannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very interesting book and I enjoyed reading it.

[Shala Mccolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll admit the title, "Cuss" drew me in. (It was previously printed as "Grape Thief"). And that it takes place in Washington and talks about places I know. Great book.