Operation Tree Roper: An Eye Above

by Robert Polk

Twelve-year-old Declan Parker was born with only one eye, but all he seems to have trouble seeing in proper perspective is himself. All he wants is for kids to see him as normal before he starts a new school in the fall. To that end, he sets out to make money helping with his dad’s tree care business.

Unfortunately, when his dad lands in the hospital after a climbing accident, Declan’s surgery hopes are wrecked. His only hope remains in a neighbor girl and her uncle, a wounded army veteran. Can they help him save his dad’s business, or will Declan’s once-courageous drive turn into total despair?

Operation Tree Roper: An Eye Above is a well-crafted story about a strong, dauntless young man who redefines the value of self-reflection. Declan is a character you won’t be able to forget.

Welcome to your new favorite book…

ebook

First published October 7, 2014

About the author

A stay home father of seven and former school counselor and teacher, Robert Polk lives in western Nebraska where he writes, climbs trees with a chainsaw, and homeschools his children. Although he doesn't like to fold laundry, and his home looks very "lived in", he'll settle for mess as long as the kids get what they need.

Reviews

[DoRena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delight to read. I was hooked from the start, and didn't want to put it down. The characters are warm and real, and the story is engaging. I enjoyed getting to know Declan and his friends and family, and, though the story has a satisfying ending, was left wanting more. The descriptions of tree roping gave me an appreciation for the details of the craft, but while remaining engaging and not at all dry or long winded. I especially loved the humor throughout the story.

[Kathryn Svendsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Operation Tree Roper was an excellent adventure story for preteen children about Declan, a preteen with only one eye whose father is in the tree care business. When his father ends up in the hospital after a climbing accident, Declan is determined to help save his father’s business and his last opportunity for a surgery that in his mind will help other kids see him as normal before he starts a new school in the fall.

Declan learns a lot about himself and others in this story. The author does an exceptional job of developing the characters and telling their stories. It’s their life stories that make them who they are and the author is able to bring those across in the telling of this tale of the tree roper.

I enjoyed the definition at the beginning of each chapter. It gives the reader (whether youth or adult) a chance to expand their vocabulary of words related to tree climbing and other associated words.

I didn’t care for the swearing that Declan sometimes used in the novel. I suppose this was used so that the character was more relatable to the readers his age, but I don’t really think the lack of the swearing would have made a difference.

The pace of the book was excellent. The book moved along quickly enough to maintain interest and the plot was plausible. As a teacher of visually impaired students I think that Declan could have learned to do what he was able to do despite only having vision in only one eye. He might have had some trouble judging distances, but with care he could have conceivably have been successful.

I liked Operation Tree Roper and I think it would be very suitable for middle-grade readers (grades 5 to 7). I gave it 4 stars.

Thank you to the publishers for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.

This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...

[Akoss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky to be born with a complete set of body parts. I will never know what it feels like to be missing an eye like Declan the main character in this book. However, thanks to his story I have gained so much empathy for people in his situation or any similar situation. This is one of the beauties of books and reading books.

I loved how Declan grew from the beginning of the story to the end. How he turned from being so selfish and often times self centered to a completely selfless boy. Unfortunately it was hard for me not to notice how much the story at times seemed to be wanting to "teach" a moral. I am one of those readers who prefers morals to be subtle. And that was basically my only main issue. Some secondary characters came off a little cliche but it didn't ruin the story for me.

The writing flowed which made reading the story so effortless, and that takes skill. The overall feel of the characters, and how caring and supportive most of them were to each other was heart warming. Another highlight, in addition to Declan's emotional journey was learning so much about tree climbing in a fun and entertaining way. Not once did I feel like I was being given a lecture.

This is a story about kindness, family, loving who you are as a person and also giving unconditional love. I can imagine the fascinating conversations kids can have with their parents over this book.

[Angela Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed to obtain a copy of Operation Tree Roper from the publisher before it's release on Oct 7th. An I could not be more pleased with the debut author Robert Polk's story. Except I want more! It's a wonderful story that will touch hearts young and old. The characters were real and fluid. I've been subjected to a lot of MG books because of my son. But right away I knew this one was very different. I urge you to get this for your kiddo or for yourself. I think everyone can learn something from this story.

[Rick Stuckwisch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid, well written story, thoughtful and down to earth. Especially strong in it's integration of tree trimming with the development of the realistic characters, their relationships and interactions, and the story line. Let's hope for more from this new author. Of course, we enjoyed the book all the more, know Rob well, but, as my older daughter also expressed, this is simply good writing. From our "insider" perspective, we know that Rob has written of things that he knows and understands personally, and that has contributed real strength and a genuine "vibe" to his work.

[Becky Villareal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by Robert Polk's Operation Tree Roper: An Eye Above.
The characters ring true and mesh well together and Polk's writing is clear and enjoyable. Each chapter begins with a definitions of the different components of working on trees. This was not only enjoyable but educational as well. I would like to see more of these characters in additional stories.

[Carrie Dalby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Interesting storyline and characters.