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Full Ride
Becca has plenty to hide and everything to lose—but with her future on the line, she’s willing to risk it all. A gripping novel from New York Times bestselling author Maragaret Peterson Haddix.
Becca’s claim to fame is one she’s been hiding from for the past three Her father is a notorious embezzler, and when he was caught, his excuse was, “How else is a guy like me supposed to put his kid through college?”
Three years after the trial and imprisonment that destroyed Becca’s life, she and her mother have started over again and are living in a town where no one knows their secret. But as college—and its cost—looms large, Becca begins to wonder how they’ll afford it. And how she can apply for financial aid without divulging her secret? A local scholarship opportunity seems like a dream come true, but as the application process commences, Becca uncovers a chain of secrets that could destroy everything she’s worked so hard to build. But the truth could also lead her toward the future she’s always dreamed of…
Becca’s claim to fame is one she’s been hiding from for the past three Her father is a notorious embezzler, and when he was caught, his excuse was, “How else is a guy like me supposed to put his kid through college?”
Three years after the trial and imprisonment that destroyed Becca’s life, she and her mother have started over again and are living in a town where no one knows their secret. But as college—and its cost—looms large, Becca begins to wonder how they’ll afford it. And how she can apply for financial aid without divulging her secret? A local scholarship opportunity seems like a dream come true, but as the application process commences, Becca uncovers a chain of secrets that could destroy everything she’s worked so hard to build. But the truth could also lead her toward the future she’s always dreamed of…
352 pages, Hardcover
First published November 12, 2013
59 people are currently reading
1471 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Peterson Haddix
132 books6,351 followersMargaret Peterson Haddix grew up on a farm near Washington Court House, Ohio. She graduated from Miami University (of Ohio) with degrees in English/journalism, English/creative writing and history. Before her first book was published, she worked as a newspaper copy editor in Fort Wayne, Indiana; a newspaper reporter in Indianapolis; and a community college instructor and freelance writer in Danville, Illinois.
She has since written more than 25 books for kids and teens, including Running Out of Time; Don’t You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey; Leaving Fishers; Just Ella; Turnabout; Takeoffs and Landings; The Girl with 500 Middle Names; Because of Anya; Escape from Memory; Say What?; The House on the Gulf; Double Identity; Dexter the Tough; Uprising; Palace of Mirrors; Claim to Fame; the Shadow Children series; and the Missing series. She also wrote Into the Gauntlet, the tenth book in the 39 Clues series. Her books have been honored with New York Times bestseller status, the International Reading Association’s Children’s Book Award; American Library Association Best Book and Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers notations; and more than a dozen state reader’s choice awards.
Haddix and her husband, Doug, now live in Columbus, Ohio, with their two children.
She has since written more than 25 books for kids and teens, including Running Out of Time; Don’t You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey; Leaving Fishers; Just Ella; Turnabout; Takeoffs and Landings; The Girl with 500 Middle Names; Because of Anya; Escape from Memory; Say What?; The House on the Gulf; Double Identity; Dexter the Tough; Uprising; Palace of Mirrors; Claim to Fame; the Shadow Children series; and the Missing series. She also wrote Into the Gauntlet, the tenth book in the 39 Clues series. Her books have been honored with New York Times bestseller status, the International Reading Association’s Children’s Book Award; American Library Association Best Book and Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers notations; and more than a dozen state reader’s choice awards.
Haddix and her husband, Doug, now live in Columbus, Ohio, with their two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
December 17, 2013
Becca has competitive nerd friends, heh
also, even though she's lower class poor for [plot] reasons, it's still nice to have someone who isn't run-of-the-mill middle class and also not an abjectly impoverished plucky thief type character
also
oh man
so
i quote
"But how is that fair, when the odds are so stacked against me?" Stuart asks. He stabs his fork a little too hard against his cafeteria tray. "It used to be, if you were a decent student, you did okay on the ACT or SAT, you could go anywhere you wanted."
"If you were a white male," Rosa mutters. "And rich."
OH BURN
THANKS HADDIX FOR BRINGING THAT MOMENT INTO THE BOOK WORLD
also, even though she's lower class poor for [plot] reasons, it's still nice to have someone who isn't run-of-the-mill middle class and also not an abjectly impoverished plucky thief type character
also
oh man
so
i quote
"But how is that fair, when the odds are so stacked against me?" Stuart asks. He stabs his fork a little too hard against his cafeteria tray. "It used to be, if you were a decent student, you did okay on the ACT or SAT, you could go anywhere you wanted."
"If you were a white male," Rosa mutters. "And rich."
OH BURN
THANKS HADDIX FOR BRINGING THAT MOMENT INTO THE BOOK WORLD
January 24, 2020
The first book I read by Margaret Peterson Haddix was Running Out of Time in my Children’s Lit class. I loved it so much that when I was teaching 5th grade, I spent my own money and bought a class set so I could teach it rather than whatever the school had in storage for years to meet the fantasy genre requirement. Neither the students nor I regretted my decision. I grabbed this book at the library, along with a few other YA titles, so I would have a some fast reads while I recuperated from hip surgery a few weeks ago. This wasn’t nearly as good as Running Out of Time, but it was a decent read.
It started off slowly, so I kept putting it aside but the story eventually pulled me in to finish it up in one sitting. Becca’s Dad, Roger, was sent to jail when she was in 8th grade for embezzling millions. He told Becca “How else is a guy like me supposed to send his daughter to college?”, leaving her to always feel a small part of guilt. Becca and her mom left Atlanta to escape the attention and embarrassment of losing literally everything they had after Roger was arrested. They moved to a small town in Ohio and it was like living in the Witness Protection Program. Becca kept her head low, focused on her schoolwork, and didn’t have many friends. After 4 years of having her sole focus on her studies, Becca wants to go to college. Becca is fourth in her class and she is applying to Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, but Becca knows she will need financial aide so she applies for a full scholarship unbeknownst to her mother. Now their backgrounds could be found out after they both worked so hard to stay under the radar to keep their past in the past. Since Becca has filled out online applications, she has exposed her mother and herself and now their lives may be in jeopardy. . Now that they have exposed their whereabouts again, they have put themselves in danger. Danger Becca’s mother thought they left behind in Atlanta. Becca learns that there were death threats against her and her mother and that they had FBI protection while they were in Atlanta and that is the biggest reason they left. For the last 4 years, Becca thought her mom was being way to overbearing and began to blame everything on her mom creating a deep rift in their relationship. Once the truth is finally revealed to Becca, she decides to risk it all and go back to Atlanta to speak to their original attorney. She has blown it and now they need help and new identities.
The plot really picks up the pace once you are about 50 pages in and I wish I had stuck with it the very first time I started reading this book because once I got into the “suspense”, I read it straight through. Haddix always writes suspense well, even though there is a red herring thrown in that sets things off that could be confusing to a middle schooler, the intended audience. There is no foul language, no sex scenes, there is talk of drug use but only briefly, and there is even a brief scene where Becca follows her mom into church. This scene is treated normally and written with no heavy hand. Frankly, it’s unusual to see a teen character in church for “normal” reasons in a “non-Christian” genre book. During the scene, it’s described that Becca’s mom goes to church all the time, however, and I may be wrong, I don’t remember reading any previous church scene in the book. Her mom was actually leaving during the “Lord’s Prayer” and Becca can’t believe she would be leaving church at that point. Becca’s mom admits that ever since her husband went to jail she can’t say the line “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”
because she can’t forgive her husband nor herself. It’s a very honest mother-daughter scene about forgiveness whether it is written in a church scene or not and that marks a turning point in the book when rather than constantly fighting against each other, Becca and her mom finally have a heart to heart and decide that they really do need each other’s support.
This would be a great addition to any middle grade classroom library or could definitely be taught as suspense fiction/YA contemporary fiction genre. Like I said at the beginning of the review, this isn’t my favorite book written by this author, but I think students would like it and if you are looking for something quick to read, pick this up. If you do Reading Challenges, this book fits many requirements, from an “X” in the author’s name, an author with a hyphenated last name, text on the cover, and fire/candle wick on cover. 4 solid stars.
It started off slowly, so I kept putting it aside but the story eventually pulled me in to finish it up in one sitting. Becca’s Dad, Roger, was sent to jail when she was in 8th grade for embezzling millions. He told Becca “How else is a guy like me supposed to send his daughter to college?”, leaving her to always feel a small part of guilt. Becca and her mom left Atlanta to escape the attention and embarrassment of losing literally everything they had after Roger was arrested. They moved to a small town in Ohio and it was like living in the Witness Protection Program. Becca kept her head low, focused on her schoolwork, and didn’t have many friends. After 4 years of having her sole focus on her studies, Becca wants to go to college. Becca is fourth in her class and she is applying to Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, but Becca knows she will need financial aide so she applies for a full scholarship unbeknownst to her mother. Now their backgrounds could be found out after they both worked so hard to stay under the radar to keep their past in the past. Since Becca has filled out online applications, she has exposed her mother and herself and now their lives may be in jeopardy. . Now that they have exposed their whereabouts again, they have put themselves in danger. Danger Becca’s mother thought they left behind in Atlanta. Becca learns that there were death threats against her and her mother and that they had FBI protection while they were in Atlanta and that is the biggest reason they left. For the last 4 years, Becca thought her mom was being way to overbearing and began to blame everything on her mom creating a deep rift in their relationship. Once the truth is finally revealed to Becca, she decides to risk it all and go back to Atlanta to speak to their original attorney. She has blown it and now they need help and new identities.
The plot really picks up the pace once you are about 50 pages in and I wish I had stuck with it the very first time I started reading this book because once I got into the “suspense”, I read it straight through. Haddix always writes suspense well, even though there is a red herring thrown in that sets things off that could be confusing to a middle schooler, the intended audience. There is no foul language, no sex scenes, there is talk of drug use but only briefly, and there is even a brief scene where Becca follows her mom into church. This scene is treated normally and written with no heavy hand. Frankly, it’s unusual to see a teen character in church for “normal” reasons in a “non-Christian” genre book. During the scene, it’s described that Becca’s mom goes to church all the time, however, and I may be wrong, I don’t remember reading any previous church scene in the book. Her mom was actually leaving during the “Lord’s Prayer” and Becca can’t believe she would be leaving church at that point. Becca’s mom admits that ever since her husband went to jail she can’t say the line “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”
because she can’t forgive her husband nor herself. It’s a very honest mother-daughter scene about forgiveness whether it is written in a church scene or not and that marks a turning point in the book when rather than constantly fighting against each other, Becca and her mom finally have a heart to heart and decide that they really do need each other’s support.
This would be a great addition to any middle grade classroom library or could definitely be taught as suspense fiction/YA contemporary fiction genre. Like I said at the beginning of the review, this isn’t my favorite book written by this author, but I think students would like it and if you are looking for something quick to read, pick this up. If you do Reading Challenges, this book fits many requirements, from an “X” in the author’s name, an author with a hyphenated last name, text on the cover, and fire/candle wick on cover. 4 solid stars.
May 31, 2014
Becca is a daddy's girl whos world is turned upside down when her father is arrested during her 8th grade year. From this branches a story of treachery, fear, and growing up. After the trials, Becca and her mother move to a small town in Ohio and start a new life. This book documents Becca's life after the trial and all of the dark details of the law and public.
Good points of the book
- Good characterization of main characters
- Interesting plot and take on the idea
- Moderately realistic
- Very easy to understand
- Funny
Bad points of the book
- Slow buildup
- Wasn't very interesting for the majority of the book, even after climax
- Doesn't elaborate very much on backstory
All in all, it's a solid book, worth a read if you enjoy Margaret Peterson Haddix's books. While it's not very interesting, it can certainly keep your attention even with it's simple storyline.
Good points of the book
- Good characterization of main characters
- Interesting plot and take on the idea
- Moderately realistic
- Very easy to understand
- Funny
Bad points of the book
- Slow buildup
- Wasn't very interesting for the majority of the book, even after climax
- Doesn't elaborate very much on backstory
All in all, it's a solid book, worth a read if you enjoy Margaret Peterson Haddix's books. While it's not very interesting, it can certainly keep your attention even with it's simple storyline.
February 21, 2023
This book was good. It definitely isn't one of my favorite books, but I wouldn't shy away from recommending this to others. The plot was written well, and it had quite a few plot twists to keep you interested.
Oscar and Becca though❤️🤭
Oscar and Becca though❤️🤭
December 29, 2021
What if everything that’s shiny and gleaming and beautiful has something nasty and disgusting and evil at its core?
When Becca's father is convicted of embezzlement, her life is turned upside down. Becca and her mom are forced to leave their home and relocate to avoid publicity or retribution from people angry with her father for his crimes. Becca gradually creates a new life and 4 years later, she is ready to apply to colleges. However, she will need scholarships if she wants to go to college, and doing that could compromise her family's safety.
This book is suspenseful and fun.
When Becca's father is convicted of embezzlement, her life is turned upside down. Becca and her mom are forced to leave their home and relocate to avoid publicity or retribution from people angry with her father for his crimes. Becca gradually creates a new life and 4 years later, she is ready to apply to colleges. However, she will need scholarships if she wants to go to college, and doing that could compromise her family's safety.
This book is suspenseful and fun.
November 10, 2013
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
My Summary: Becca thought it was the end of the line for her familly when her father was sent to prison for embezzlement and she and her mother were forced to pack up and move to Georgia. Now with college application time looming, she has a choice to make: use her past to her advantage and get into a good school, or keep quiet and stay under the radar like she's been doing for years.
As she digs deeper into her past, Becca realizes she and her mother are in a lot more danger than she ever imagined. And by looking into her past, Becca may have brought about even more....
My Thoughts: I've been a fan of Margaret Peterson Haddix since childhood, so when I found a copy of Full Ride waiting for me in the mailbox, I was more than a little excited. Needless to say, this story-telling pro did not disappoint.
I felt that Becca's character was very well-written and dynamic. Becca's reactions to the amount of stress she was under felt very realistic to me. I was rooting for her the entire time; the poor girl just wanted to get an education!
The plot twists and turns and keeps you hooked. I loved following Becca as she dug deeper and deeper into her past. This was definitely one of those books that you can't put down from start to finish. I really enjoyed the flashback chapters and how they let you get to know Becca, and the first-person narrative really helped you connect with her. The emotional complexity of the character felt very real to me: even though Becca knew her father had done a horrible thing, she still couldn't seem to let go of him.
Final Thoughts: I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys YA contemporary lit, and anyone who (like me!) is a huge fan of Margaret Peterson Haddix.
My Summary: Becca thought it was the end of the line for her familly when her father was sent to prison for embezzlement and she and her mother were forced to pack up and move to Georgia. Now with college application time looming, she has a choice to make: use her past to her advantage and get into a good school, or keep quiet and stay under the radar like she's been doing for years.
As she digs deeper into her past, Becca realizes she and her mother are in a lot more danger than she ever imagined. And by looking into her past, Becca may have brought about even more....
My Thoughts: I've been a fan of Margaret Peterson Haddix since childhood, so when I found a copy of Full Ride waiting for me in the mailbox, I was more than a little excited. Needless to say, this story-telling pro did not disappoint.
I felt that Becca's character was very well-written and dynamic. Becca's reactions to the amount of stress she was under felt very realistic to me. I was rooting for her the entire time; the poor girl just wanted to get an education!
The plot twists and turns and keeps you hooked. I loved following Becca as she dug deeper and deeper into her past. This was definitely one of those books that you can't put down from start to finish. I really enjoyed the flashback chapters and how they let you get to know Becca, and the first-person narrative really helped you connect with her. The emotional complexity of the character felt very real to me: even though Becca knew her father had done a horrible thing, she still couldn't seem to let go of him.
Final Thoughts: I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys YA contemporary lit, and anyone who (like me!) is a huge fan of Margaret Peterson Haddix.
April 21, 2024
After Becca’s father is convicted of federal money scamming crimes, she and her mother move to a small town in Ohio to start over anonymously, away from the cameras. Becca begins her freshman year hoping never to be outed as her father’s daughter. Her mother even changes her appearance, always in fear of being found. Now a senior, Becca wants to apply for scholarships to college. Secrets are about to be revealed.
I loved the premise of FULL RIDE, but the execution kept me rolling my eyes. Margaret Peterson Haddix created two of the least intellectually curious characters I’ve ever read who apparently never understood the concept of fact checking and googling. Whenever I wanted to empathize with Becca, she behaved like an entitled brat. I understood her missing the easier life and not having a therapist or open mother to process her feelings was unfair. That doesn’t excuse how cold she behaved or her judgments about people.
Haddix seemed to be reading off a diversity checklist by creating stereotypical characters, making sure many race and religion. Towards the end of the book she pushed a strong church/prayer scenario. The plot was fairly predictable, the end cheesy.
I did enjoy Haddix’s writing style, though FULL RIDE lagged at times. It was an easy, breezy read.
I’m not sure which to age group FULL RIDE would appeal. Older teens will see the story as sophomoric and younger teens might not be interested in the heavy plot of planning for college.
I loved the premise of FULL RIDE, but the execution kept me rolling my eyes. Margaret Peterson Haddix created two of the least intellectually curious characters I’ve ever read who apparently never understood the concept of fact checking and googling. Whenever I wanted to empathize with Becca, she behaved like an entitled brat. I understood her missing the easier life and not having a therapist or open mother to process her feelings was unfair. That doesn’t excuse how cold she behaved or her judgments about people.
Haddix seemed to be reading off a diversity checklist by creating stereotypical characters, making sure many race and religion. Towards the end of the book she pushed a strong church/prayer scenario. The plot was fairly predictable, the end cheesy.
I did enjoy Haddix’s writing style, though FULL RIDE lagged at times. It was an easy, breezy read.
I’m not sure which to age group FULL RIDE would appeal. Older teens will see the story as sophomoric and younger teens might not be interested in the heavy plot of planning for college.
March 31, 2014
Haddix was my go-to author when I worked with elementary and middle school kids so high hopes for a true YA book from her. The premise had meaty potential. But the relationships between most of the characters didn't ring true. The consistently unpleasant dialogue between Becca her mother was equally unpleasant to read. I don't think you have to "like" a character to enjoy a book but I found Becca quite off-putting. The scholarship interview and setup was odd, awkward and added nothing to the plot. Just didn't gel. That said, if she writes another YA, I'll still give it a shot.
March 23, 2018
The book Full Ride by Margaret Peterson Haddix, is a very suspenseful book. This book is about a teenage girl who is attempting to go to college with a secret identity to hide from her past. When Becca, the main character, was young her father went to prison for tricking people into giving him money. Throughout the story Becca tries to find ways to attend college, but the poor conditions her and her mother are living in limit her options. During this time of finding a solution to be able to go to college, she learns new things and uncovers secrets about her mother, father, and her fathers lawyer. In my opinion, watching Becca develop throughout her journey of having to make hard decisions on her own, was my favorite part. It made me realize that we are capable of a lot of things. But we rely on friends and family to do things for us, or help us. But in reality we make our own decisions no matter what. Which is why I gave this book a 5 star rating. For people who enjoy reading mysterious, suspenseful, and shocking books, this book is for you. Overall, I think the main lesson or theme of this book, is that life goes on whether or not you're ready. There will also be a lot of challenges on the way, but you just have to remember to stay strong.
Read
February 12, 2019Living in consequences. Living in stupid decisions. Living in hell. That's what Becca's life was all about. She moved away from a luxurious mansion after her father got arrested because of his crime. She had to move away from all her friends. She had to move away from her old life. She had to leave everything she had, just for her own benefit. Crazily enough, this isn't something that just happens in books, it's something that happens in real life.
Many criminal's families are deeply effected by their wrong being and bad decisions. Becca was just one of the many people that had to move away and flee to safety or try not to get media attention. Things like this happen all the time in many places of the world and so this story really proves that if theres a ton of bad things in your life, the things will also bring good news to your life.
Many criminal's families are deeply effected by their wrong being and bad decisions. Becca was just one of the many people that had to move away and flee to safety or try not to get media attention. Things like this happen all the time in many places of the world and so this story really proves that if theres a ton of bad things in your life, the things will also bring good news to your life.
September 7, 2018
This book was amazing. A story about a girl with a normal life, but changes all of a sudden. From prison for her dad, to moving to Ohio, to new school, new friends and all of the struggles that's gonna be there. But things happen for a reason, maybe not just for yourself, but the result for other people too.
May 22, 2019
While the writing was extremely simple and the protagonist called her father “daddy” one too many times, I think Margaret Peterson Haddix has a unique skill of making any situation seem suspenseful and thrilling. She’s the reason I picked this book up at all, and it still gave me the rush some of her previous books did.
March 16, 2020
I thought the book was very good, in fact, I read it in one day. :) The ending was very surprising, but I do wish it ended a little bit different with more information on what actually happened. In the end, however, it was a very good book.
April 2, 2017
5.0/5.0 http://aminoapps.com/p/sp5avv my full book review is up!
June 3, 2023
ehh boring and i didnt care
June 20, 2015
This review is also available on my blog,
Okay, okay, enough examples. My point is that I could totally own what Becca was going through, college-wise, and that Full Ride came alive to me in a whole new way because of it. But the really neat thing was that when I read it for the first time, I didn't have that angle and I still really enjoyed it. Full Ride is multi-focused enough that you could read it from quite a few different backgrounds, and get different things out each time. This makes it a great re-read as you go through life, because as you discover more about different issues Becca is struggling with (and watches others struggle with), you will find more and more angles in the book that interest you.
Of course, having so many different balls in the air at the same time means that a few of them get dropped by the end of the book - no, "dropped" isn't the right word. They get "sidelined." Mrs. Haddix opts for a dramatic and relatively fulfilling ending, but she leaves a lot of storylines up for grabs. I for one would have liked to read more about Becca's relationship with her friends, how it shifts as they come to grips with the new knowledge they gain as the book goes along. Do they question everything they ever thought they knew about her? Do they feel tricked? Or do they just blink for a minute, go "okay," and keep moving? I don't know, I think that could have been explored a little more.
Altogether, though, it's a very well-written and engaging book, with lots of really interesting topics woven together. And as for the true test of my feelings toward Full Ride? Yeah, I stayed up until after midnight re-reading it. In another year or two, I'll probably do that again.
Okay, okay, enough examples. My point is that I could totally own what Becca was going through, college-wise, and that Full Ride came alive to me in a whole new way because of it. But the really neat thing was that when I read it for the first time, I didn't have that angle and I still really enjoyed it. Full Ride is multi-focused enough that you could read it from quite a few different backgrounds, and get different things out each time. This makes it a great re-read as you go through life, because as you discover more about different issues Becca is struggling with (and watches others struggle with), you will find more and more angles in the book that interest you.
Of course, having so many different balls in the air at the same time means that a few of them get dropped by the end of the book - no, "dropped" isn't the right word. They get "sidelined." Mrs. Haddix opts for a dramatic and relatively fulfilling ending, but she leaves a lot of storylines up for grabs. I for one would have liked to read more about Becca's relationship with her friends, how it shifts as they come to grips with the new knowledge they gain as the book goes along. Do they question everything they ever thought they knew about her? Do they feel tricked? Or do they just blink for a minute, go "okay," and keep moving? I don't know, I think that could have been explored a little more.
Altogether, though, it's a very well-written and engaging book, with lots of really interesting topics woven together. And as for the true test of my feelings toward Full Ride? Yeah, I stayed up until after midnight re-reading it. In another year or two, I'll probably do that again.
March 21, 2015
I think Margaret Peterson Haddix is one of the better teen fiction writers out there. She definitely put some thought into this book. As a mom I wish she had made Becca's mom more loveable. I couldn't really relate to Becca referring to her father as 'Daddy' all the time and wondering whether he loved her. On the other hand I'm glad Haddix showed us that criminals are more than just their dastardly deeds. They are fathers and mothers and once they have served their time should get the chance to go back into the world and try to be a model citizen and parent. As long as they weren't put in prison for abusing or killing their families that is. I think the author could have spent more effort in making us sympathetic to the victims of Becca's father's crimes. There could be young people out there that had their dreams dashed when Becca's father stole their college fund. Becca seemed a bit whiny about her own lost opportunities. Many times in the story Becca wrestles with the concept of living an honest life and I think this gives the reader a chance to think about who really is the loser when they lie and cheat.
I liked the twists and turns in the story and loved the fact that the author included such a diverse group of friends even one that wears a headscarf. This is the changing face of America in many cities. The thing I could have done without was all the obsession with getting into a good college--writing essays and filling out applications. I'm tired of seeing so many books that stress how important it is to get into an Ivy League college. It guarantees debt not necessarily a great job. College often ends up being an excuse for debauchery rather than an opportunity to develop a career. Becca looks down on the receptionist at a law firm thinking that that is the kind of job she will be stuck with if she doesn't go to a 'good' college. My daughter went to college and still ended up working as a receptionist. Being a quality receptionist is a worthy job and often leads to a position with more responsibility.
The author also gives us a compassionate glimpse of someone with schizophrenia. This disease grabs young people that have so much promise in life and leaves them with a very limited future. Despite Becca's worries, she is so much better off than this individual. Really going to college isn't as important as Becca makes it seem. If you are sane, smart and hardworking you can go far in life with or without a college education. I wish this had been Becca's epiphany.
I liked the twists and turns in the story and loved the fact that the author included such a diverse group of friends even one that wears a headscarf. This is the changing face of America in many cities. The thing I could have done without was all the obsession with getting into a good college--writing essays and filling out applications. I'm tired of seeing so many books that stress how important it is to get into an Ivy League college. It guarantees debt not necessarily a great job. College often ends up being an excuse for debauchery rather than an opportunity to develop a career. Becca looks down on the receptionist at a law firm thinking that that is the kind of job she will be stuck with if she doesn't go to a 'good' college. My daughter went to college and still ended up working as a receptionist. Being a quality receptionist is a worthy job and often leads to a position with more responsibility.
The author also gives us a compassionate glimpse of someone with schizophrenia. This disease grabs young people that have so much promise in life and leaves them with a very limited future. Despite Becca's worries, she is so much better off than this individual. Really going to college isn't as important as Becca makes it seem. If you are sane, smart and hardworking you can go far in life with or without a college education. I wish this had been Becca's epiphany.
November 17, 2019
Full Ride is one of the most intriguing books I’ve read lately. Margaret Peterson Haddix wrote a realistic fiction that helps the reader empathize with a teenager dealing with her father’s arrest, applying to colleges, and just trying to make friends. She wants to go to a good college, just like all of her friends, but has a much harder time and comes to realize that she isn't like everyone else and that may just be a good thing.
The main character and protagonist is Becca Jones, who is 14 during her father’s trial and persecution in Atlanta. Becca and her mom are advised to move to a small town in Ohio, to avoid press and attention being drawn to them. The story shifts from sections -- “Now” and “Then”-- “Now” sections take place during Becca’s senior year of high school and “Then” sections take place directly after her father’s trial and later. The story of her father’s criminal record is told through Becca’s narrated flashbacks.
The biggest conflict throughout the book is Becca against her inner thoughts and doubts. I won't include an in-depth plot description, to avoid spoilers. The theme that develops throughout the book is that good friends and family can help you get through anything. Becca is characteristically a headstrong person who doesn't think to ask others for help. It takes the point of her trying to run away from her problems then, running into her mom at the church and breaking down and crying. After this point, she allows her mom to help her when she admits she can't handle everything going on in her life. Becca also is slow to trust people and let her friends see everything she has to handle.
My favorite part of this book is that there are always twists, turns and new problems introduced to the characters. While some aspects of this book seem a little far-fetched, none of it is completely impossible. I recommend this book to any high school student and anyone who has ever had an imprisoned parent. The way this book is written, it’s very easy to have empathy for the Joneses and strike a chord in all readers.
The main character and protagonist is Becca Jones, who is 14 during her father’s trial and persecution in Atlanta. Becca and her mom are advised to move to a small town in Ohio, to avoid press and attention being drawn to them. The story shifts from sections -- “Now” and “Then”-- “Now” sections take place during Becca’s senior year of high school and “Then” sections take place directly after her father’s trial and later. The story of her father’s criminal record is told through Becca’s narrated flashbacks.
The biggest conflict throughout the book is Becca against her inner thoughts and doubts. I won't include an in-depth plot description, to avoid spoilers. The theme that develops throughout the book is that good friends and family can help you get through anything. Becca is characteristically a headstrong person who doesn't think to ask others for help. It takes the point of her trying to run away from her problems then, running into her mom at the church and breaking down and crying. After this point, she allows her mom to help her when she admits she can't handle everything going on in her life. Becca also is slow to trust people and let her friends see everything she has to handle.
My favorite part of this book is that there are always twists, turns and new problems introduced to the characters. While some aspects of this book seem a little far-fetched, none of it is completely impossible. I recommend this book to any high school student and anyone who has ever had an imprisoned parent. The way this book is written, it’s very easy to have empathy for the Joneses and strike a chord in all readers.
September 17, 2014
When it comes to reading Margaret Haddix, I either walk away with a win or a loss. Rarely does her writing fit neatly in the middle. My last couple of tries with her ended in losses, this one, however, was a pleasant surprise!
Full Ride follows the story of a young woman whose upper class life falls apart when it comes out her Dad embezzled all his money. He goes to prison....she and her Mom go into hiding. For her high school years, she flies under the radar, trying not to get anyone's attention. And then it comes time to apply for college and everything changes.
Now she learns she can't apply for financial aid, that all her difficulties aren't over yet. So she chooses to enter a full-ride scholarship. The end result is a fast paced adventure about growing up, facing your demons, and learning grace.
I really enjoyed it.
I liked the nerdy group that surrounds our heroine. I love the scene outside of the church. I like that Oscar is an Asian... I even like the predictable climax/resolution. Becca is a sympathetic character.
Overall, a win of a read.
Full Ride follows the story of a young woman whose upper class life falls apart when it comes out her Dad embezzled all his money. He goes to prison....she and her Mom go into hiding. For her high school years, she flies under the radar, trying not to get anyone's attention. And then it comes time to apply for college and everything changes.
Now she learns she can't apply for financial aid, that all her difficulties aren't over yet. So she chooses to enter a full-ride scholarship. The end result is a fast paced adventure about growing up, facing your demons, and learning grace.
I really enjoyed it.
I liked the nerdy group that surrounds our heroine. I love the scene outside of the church. I like that Oscar is an Asian... I even like the predictable climax/resolution. Becca is a sympathetic character.
Overall, a win of a read.
December 22, 2013
Best Haddix book I've read in the past few years. After her last few middle-grade novels, I had begun to think I had outgrown her writing. Game Changer and the Found trilogy were interesting and had some good ideas, but their writing was just so simplistic!
But Full-Ride reminded me of Leaving Fishers or even Uprising in tone and style - realistic and thought-provoking with excellent pacing. Her depiction of the college-entrance phenomenon is spot-on. As someone who has recently lived through the stress, I sympathized with many of the story's elements. High-achieving friends with crazy goals? Yup. Scholarship worries? Yup. Filling out blank after blank, hoping that it'll somehow earn money? Yup.
That said, certain plot elements were a bit contrived and far-fetched. I could have done without the romantic subplot, but I understood why it was there. Was it a perfect book? No, of course not. But it was certainly the best Margaret Peterson Haddix book I've read in years.
But Full-Ride reminded me of Leaving Fishers or even Uprising in tone and style - realistic and thought-provoking with excellent pacing. Her depiction of the college-entrance phenomenon is spot-on. As someone who has recently lived through the stress, I sympathized with many of the story's elements. High-achieving friends with crazy goals? Yup. Scholarship worries? Yup. Filling out blank after blank, hoping that it'll somehow earn money? Yup.
That said, certain plot elements were a bit contrived and far-fetched. I could have done without the romantic subplot, but I understood why it was there. Was it a perfect book? No, of course not. But it was certainly the best Margaret Peterson Haddix book I've read in years.
April 1, 2014
This book is about a innocent little girl named Rebecca. She lives in a small town with her parents. She is the only child. Her father has just been convicted of burglary. Becca and her mother lost all the friends they had. Everyone is talking about her family. Her dads picture is all over the news, tv, and magazines. They are trying to excape their past with small notice and have to face a challenge.
I disliked the fact that Becca had to go through something like that. It's very tragic. I like that she keeps her circle of friends small at her new school to keep under the radar. Becca is my favorite character because she shows what a lot of teens nowadays go through making it seem like it's from experience. This story often kept me guessing. It made me happy for her.
I recommend this book to whom may like to read about teens and challenges they have to go through. Being harassed or neglected. This author is a very good one and also has a boook called Speak.
I disliked the fact that Becca had to go through something like that. It's very tragic. I like that she keeps her circle of friends small at her new school to keep under the radar. Becca is my favorite character because she shows what a lot of teens nowadays go through making it seem like it's from experience. This story often kept me guessing. It made me happy for her.
I recommend this book to whom may like to read about teens and challenges they have to go through. Being harassed or neglected. This author is a very good one and also has a boook called Speak.
March 22, 2015
Becca Jones had a fabulous life. She was popular in school, and had lofty yet reachable aspirations. Her Daddy went to Vanderbilt, and she had every intention to follow in his footsteps... that is until the day she found out that all of it was a lie. When her father was arrested for major embezzlement, her life was turned upside down. She was forced to flee from her hometown with her mother, and the two of them started over, like nothing had happened. The problems come when Becca decides to apply for college, and the family's identity is on the edge of being revealed. Becca and her mom are living in fear that they will be discovered and run out of town.. again.
I enjoyed this book, because every page held a plot twist and turn. Becca was constantly surprising me with the things she did, whether they be on purpose or accident. This book kept me on my toes, never knowing what would be coming next.
I enjoyed this book, because every page held a plot twist and turn. Becca was constantly surprising me with the things she did, whether they be on purpose or accident. This book kept me on my toes, never knowing what would be coming next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2015
I really enjoy the fact that Ms. Haddix writes YA with female protagonists that are not love stories. I enjoy love stories as much as the next person, but there's something refreshing about the fact that she tackles interesting and intriguing issues with female leads that doesn't end with a kiss or center around a boy. Stress about college and the future is something very real and I found myself identifying with Becca's fear and anxiety about it all, even if my life is nothing like her circumstances. I also enjoyed the diversity and the way she brought Becca's faith into it without being preachy. The fact that she had more lady friends than guy friends also pleased me, because I don't see a lot of girl-girl friendships in YA fiction these days. But Ms. Haddix has always been great at focusing on the appeal and love and support that are in platonic relationships.
Long story short, I really liked this book, and I'm glad I've continued to read Ms. Haddix's books throughout the years.
Long story short, I really liked this book, and I'm glad I've continued to read Ms. Haddix's books throughout the years.
July 10, 2013
I've been a fan of Haddix's books since I read the first few pages of "Among the Hidden." With "Full Ride," she did not fail to impress me once again. Becca, the main character, made you love her and support her fight to become a college student. The problem, or joy for the reader, was the surprises in store behind every attempt Becca made to continue her education. I never expected the various turns of events that happened throughout the book, and in turn found the book hard to put down. I'll admit,the plot lulls a bit towards the middle. When it picks back up, I promise you it never slows again until the final word is read. A definite must read!
January 15, 2014
After her father is arrested and tried for embezzlement, Becca and her mom go into hiding. They already happen to have a generic name, but they leave their home state and relocate to a small town in Ohio. Terrified that someone will recognize her, Becca spends the next 3 years with her head down, making few friends and studying more than is normal. But can she ever escape the damage that her father did? As time comes to apply to college, Becca realizes that she may have to reveal her secret.
March 21, 2016
So I think this book was pretty well written out, but I would have liked less depression in the middle because every time Becca runs into something good, it turns into something bad. The ending is the best part because Mr. Trumbull, their lawyer, is finally exposed and his true colors are revealed. Although depressing throughout most of the book, the mood ends up happy in the end for all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2013
Sorry, I just couldn't get into this book. The main character was very annoying and whiny. The premise was just too unbelievable.
November 21, 2021
The synopsis is not at all what the book actually delivers, which is a melodramatic, too-long novel where the narrator-protagonist whines like a mosquito. Would you like some cheese with that whine? There's a vineyard full of whine in this book, and a small dairy operation of cheese to go with it! It seemed like the book would have begun with Becca having applied for the scholarship on the first page, and the rest of the book would be her dealing with her new circumstances, and dedicated to why her life was supposedly being threatened. She applies for the scholarship halfway through the book. Ninety percent of this book is Becca's thoughts and feelings about nothing really. Something about college scholarships, a paragraph about her mom, a page about her dad, and blahblah college versus hiding our identities blahblah we're poor and I can't have friends BLAH. Sooo much of this is implausible and inaccurate. Legal trials and guilty pleas rarely lead to blackmailing by skeezy attorneys. Come on. Kids and parents in Witness Security (protection) programs and fleeing domestic violence relationships can and do lead normal lives and have jobs and play sports and stuff, just under different names and in different places. This is much better explored in "Black and Blue" by Anna Quindlen, and there's memoirs out there from kids, now adults, who were in Witness Protection because of something their parents got involved in. This book is just stupid. Many plot points are implausible, and the last three chapters are mind-blowingly unrealistic and a sad attempt at action.
Whitney Court is a character that's only on the actual page for five pages itself, despite a huge mystery and plot point being built around her. Why was she even in there? Why schizophrenia, no matter how compassionate her parents were to her? Why on earth did she fly out every year to read essays about how great she was before her schizophrenia set in? How would that help a mentally ill person -at all-? "You suck now that you're sick! Let's design a scholarship around who you were before your illness! You peaked in high school!" Whitney Court is not only a Road to Nowhere, she's a massive Big Lipped Alligator Moment. Becca's -reaction- to her was supposed to be this plot transition but it was just her screeching instead of whining. Guidance counselors are useless, and Whitney's parents especially should have known that. They're certainly not going to be able to recommend psychiatric services for such a misunderstood illness that is hard to treat. They counsel on education and career stuff, NOT PSYCHIATRIC.
The mom was useless as a character. If they'd written notes or texted each other supportive things, I'd be happier because the novel would be more interesting! The mom just whispered about how scared she was and worked a lot. The friends have absolutely no characterization and are barely on the page. I hate to say it, but they were there so Haddix could check off diversity boxes. I was more interested in their lives than a whiny rich girl turned poor! Memories of Becca's dad should have been explored at length beyond wailing about his crimes. She says within the first few chapters she was close to her dad. Tell me about it! But noooo, this is college scholarship my life sucks no friends BLAHBLAH. It is -so- unlikely she wouldn't have social media. Most teens would have sneaked it earlier on their friends' phones, or in the computer lab, orrr at a LIBRARY. Those EXIST. But for some reason she accesses it from an adult's phone near the end of the book? Come on. The now/then device and chapter headings were absolutely pointless and annoying. Most of the book is "now" and memories could have been smoothly folded in but nooo, Haddix chose stupid melodrama. Does she not know how to write anything happy, or even the narrator-protagonist reaching her own peace about the whole situation?.
There are several programs to provide financial aid for children with incarcerated parents. I haaaated that the book pushed forth the opposite idea for "plot' purposes. I was so worried that a kid IRL would read this book and think it was true, and decide not to even try to apply. How irresponsible of Haddix! And all that DRRRRRAMAA about social security numbers and dying the hair--THIS IS COMMON. Read Anna Quindlen's book "Black and Blue" or a witness protection memoir because THEY ADDRESS THIS FAR MORE REALISTICALLY AND RESPECTFULLY. Why did Haddix even write this? She obviously thinks her audience is rock stupid and incarcerated parents are something to make fun of. UGH. Teens also have lives outside of getting into college. Becca hardly mentions getting crushes or having hobbies or reading books or movies or whatever. She never spends time with friends who clearly want to; just whines and is scared. Insufferable AND poorly characterized.
Skip this.
Whitney Court is a character that's only on the actual page for five pages itself, despite a huge mystery and plot point being built around her. Why was she even in there? Why schizophrenia, no matter how compassionate her parents were to her? Why on earth did she fly out every year to read essays about how great she was before her schizophrenia set in? How would that help a mentally ill person -at all-? "You suck now that you're sick! Let's design a scholarship around who you were before your illness! You peaked in high school!" Whitney Court is not only a Road to Nowhere, she's a massive Big Lipped Alligator Moment. Becca's -reaction- to her was supposed to be this plot transition but it was just her screeching instead of whining. Guidance counselors are useless, and Whitney's parents especially should have known that. They're certainly not going to be able to recommend psychiatric services for such a misunderstood illness that is hard to treat. They counsel on education and career stuff, NOT PSYCHIATRIC.
The mom was useless as a character. If they'd written notes or texted each other supportive things, I'd be happier because the novel would be more interesting! The mom just whispered about how scared she was and worked a lot. The friends have absolutely no characterization and are barely on the page. I hate to say it, but they were there so Haddix could check off diversity boxes. I was more interested in their lives than a whiny rich girl turned poor! Memories of Becca's dad should have been explored at length beyond wailing about his crimes. She says within the first few chapters she was close to her dad. Tell me about it! But noooo, this is college scholarship my life sucks no friends BLAHBLAH. It is -so- unlikely she wouldn't have social media. Most teens would have sneaked it earlier on their friends' phones, or in the computer lab, orrr at a LIBRARY. Those EXIST. But for some reason she accesses it from an adult's phone near the end of the book? Come on. The now/then device and chapter headings were absolutely pointless and annoying. Most of the book is "now" and memories could have been smoothly folded in but nooo, Haddix chose stupid melodrama. Does she not know how to write anything happy, or even the narrator-protagonist reaching her own peace about the whole situation?.
There are several programs to provide financial aid for children with incarcerated parents. I haaaated that the book pushed forth the opposite idea for "plot' purposes. I was so worried that a kid IRL would read this book and think it was true, and decide not to even try to apply. How irresponsible of Haddix! And all that DRRRRRAMAA about social security numbers and dying the hair--THIS IS COMMON. Read Anna Quindlen's book "Black and Blue" or a witness protection memoir because THEY ADDRESS THIS FAR MORE REALISTICALLY AND RESPECTFULLY. Why did Haddix even write this? She obviously thinks her audience is rock stupid and incarcerated parents are something to make fun of. UGH. Teens also have lives outside of getting into college. Becca hardly mentions getting crushes or having hobbies or reading books or movies or whatever. She never spends time with friends who clearly want to; just whines and is scared. Insufferable AND poorly characterized.
Skip this.
December 19, 2016
Book Review
December
Full Ride
Margaret Peterson Haddix
Full ride is a story about Becca Jones and her troubled life from the summer between eighth and ninth grade forward. Becca's dad was arrested for embezzlement, and her whole life fell upside. Her father supported his family by owning a computer software company, but in truth he found scams, and call innocent people tricking them into giving money to some relative or friend. Becca had always been closer to her father than her mother, she acted just like him. With her father in custody, Becca did not know what that made her; a criminal, with a mind that worked and thought just like her father. Becca became afraid of herself, and her thoughts. Becca's mother and herself had to escape out of the mansions, money, and gossip town they lived in. They fled following their lawyers instruction to a shabby town in Ohio, the last place you would expect them to be. Living only on the cash in their pockets, they became poor, with her mom always working. Becca was a great student, and extremely smart. The time for college had come, but no money to send her there. Since her mom is afraid to give away who they are she can not apply for finical aid. Will she risk trying for a scholarship?
Their are many themes in the story Full ride, but I feel that the main theme is that sometimes you have to leave your comfort zone and take a chance. When Becca's dad was taken away they fled and hid. They did not want to take the chance of people figuring out who they were and treating them bad. They suffered after her father went into custody, even though herself and her mother did nothing wrong. They did not want to take the chance of being treated bad where they lived, so they left the life they knew. They tried to start over fresh, and clean, but in the process of hiding their past they told many lies. The main theme of Full ride is that sometime you have to take a risk, and hope every thing works out.
December
Full Ride
Margaret Peterson Haddix
Full ride is a story about Becca Jones and her troubled life from the summer between eighth and ninth grade forward. Becca's dad was arrested for embezzlement, and her whole life fell upside. Her father supported his family by owning a computer software company, but in truth he found scams, and call innocent people tricking them into giving money to some relative or friend. Becca had always been closer to her father than her mother, she acted just like him. With her father in custody, Becca did not know what that made her; a criminal, with a mind that worked and thought just like her father. Becca became afraid of herself, and her thoughts. Becca's mother and herself had to escape out of the mansions, money, and gossip town they lived in. They fled following their lawyers instruction to a shabby town in Ohio, the last place you would expect them to be. Living only on the cash in their pockets, they became poor, with her mom always working. Becca was a great student, and extremely smart. The time for college had come, but no money to send her there. Since her mom is afraid to give away who they are she can not apply for finical aid. Will she risk trying for a scholarship?
Their are many themes in the story Full ride, but I feel that the main theme is that sometimes you have to leave your comfort zone and take a chance. When Becca's dad was taken away they fled and hid. They did not want to take the chance of people figuring out who they were and treating them bad. They suffered after her father went into custody, even though herself and her mother did nothing wrong. They did not want to take the chance of being treated bad where they lived, so they left the life they knew. They tried to start over fresh, and clean, but in the process of hiding their past they told many lies. The main theme of Full ride is that sometime you have to take a risk, and hope every thing works out.
March 26, 2018
Imagine this. You’re just about to start highschool, and suddenly your whole life gets turned around. That’s how it was for Becca. Becca, your generic thirteen year old, didn’t know what was coming to her. Becca’s father went to jail for embezzlement, and it turned her life upside down. This lead to her fearing for her life. Becca and her mother had to get out of town. Fast.
One feature from this book I want to talk about is the relationship between Becca and her mother. Ever since the big move after her father was put in jail, Becca and her mother have only had each other. But, over the years, Becca learns that her mother has kept many secrets. Becca and her mother always seen on edge with each other. What will this lead to?
I would also like to talk about another important part of the story. In the story, Becca and her mother had to change their identity and leave town. Becca and her mother CAN’T let anyone know who they truly are. So, to make sure that doesn't happen, Becca isn’t allowed to have any social medias, has to lie to her friends and classmates about her name and backstory, and leave behind everything they’ve always knew. No one will find out. Right?
Over all, I really enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed reading it because I really enjoy mysterious and suspenseful books. This book will keep you reeled in every time you read it. I recommend this book if you enjoy being on the edge of your seat. I would definitely read it again.
One feature from this book I want to talk about is the relationship between Becca and her mother. Ever since the big move after her father was put in jail, Becca and her mother have only had each other. But, over the years, Becca learns that her mother has kept many secrets. Becca and her mother always seen on edge with each other. What will this lead to?
I would also like to talk about another important part of the story. In the story, Becca and her mother had to change their identity and leave town. Becca and her mother CAN’T let anyone know who they truly are. So, to make sure that doesn't happen, Becca isn’t allowed to have any social medias, has to lie to her friends and classmates about her name and backstory, and leave behind everything they’ve always knew. No one will find out. Right?
Over all, I really enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed reading it because I really enjoy mysterious and suspenseful books. This book will keep you reeled in every time you read it. I recommend this book if you enjoy being on the edge of your seat. I would definitely read it again.
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