What do you think?
Rate this book
Go Big or Go Home
A meteorite is hurtling toward the Black Hills of South Dakota. . . .Brady Steele watches in awe as a fireball comes crashing through the roof of his house. Brady immediately calls up his cousin, Quinn. They both love all things extreme, and this is the most extreme thing ever!
Fred, as Brady names his space rock, turns out to be one of the rarest meteorites ever found. Professor Rip Ripley from the museum in Hill City wants to study a sliver of it in search of extraterrestrial bacteria. He's hoping to discover the first proof of life beyond Earth, a momentous breakthrough for the new science of astrobiology.
During a wild week of extreme bicycling, fishing, and caving, Brady and Quinn battle their rivals, the notorious Carver boys, for possession of the meteorite. With each new day, Brady is discovering he's able to do strange and wonderful feats that shouldn't be possible. At the same time, he's developing some frightening symptoms. Could he be infected with long-dormant microbes from space? Is Fred a prize or a menace?
192 pages, Hardcover
First published February 19, 2008
About the author
Will Hobbs
32 books176 followersWILL HOBBS is the author of seventeen novels for upper elementary, middle school and young adult readers, as well as two picture book stories. Seven of his novels, Bearstone, Downriver, The Big Wander, Beardance, Far North, The Maze, and Jason's Gold, were named Best Books for Young Adults by the American Library Association. ALA also named Far North and Downriver to their list of the 100 Best Young Adult Books of the Twentieth Centrury. Ghost Canoe received the Edgar Allan Poe Award in 1998 for Best Young Adult Mystery.
In outdoor stories that appeal to both boys and girls, Hobbs has readers discovering wild places, sharing adventures with people from varied backgrounds, and exploring how to make important choices in their own lives. A graduate of Stanford University and former reading and language arts teacher, Will has been a full-time writer since 1990. He lives with his wife, Jean, in Durango, Colorado.
Will's books have won many other awards, including the California Young Reader Medal, the Western Writers of America Spur Award, the Mountains and Plains Booksellers Award, the Colorado Book Award, and nominations to state award lists in over thirty states.
In outdoor stories that appeal to both boys and girls, Hobbs has readers discovering wild places, sharing adventures with people from varied backgrounds, and exploring how to make important choices in their own lives. A graduate of Stanford University and former reading and language arts teacher, Will has been a full-time writer since 1990. He lives with his wife, Jean, in Durango, Colorado.
Will's books have won many other awards, including the California Young Reader Medal, the Western Writers of America Spur Award, the Mountains and Plains Booksellers Award, the Colorado Book Award, and nominations to state award lists in over thirty states.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
April 27, 2017
This was on my Overdrive wishlist and I have no idea why.
I listened to it this week because I'm waiting for a long audiobook to come in so I can't start a full-on story right now. I prefer listening to stories over music when I'm doing my job (less of a chance I'll burst into song in the middle of a quiet room. Also, cuts down on chair dancing which, from what I hear, isn't a safe workplace activity) so I've decided the solution to my waiting period is to listen to middle grade books. They rarely take longer than 2 days to complete and I get to partake in reading at a level I don't usually read. It's win/win and I'll still be able to start my long audiobook pretty much as soon as it comes in.
So this one, it's a boy's book.
Yes, sexist, I know. But this seriously reads like something written for boys in the '90's (pub date = 2008) in the hope of interesting boys in reading because, back then, we didn't believe normal boys liked books, only socially maladroit nerdy boys. Things have changed, for the most part, so I'm going to pretend this was written with reluctant readers in mind, in general, though, it truly does seem like something aimed specifically at 5th-7th-grade boys in 1994.
Synopsis: Main character, Brady, is outside watching the Pleiades meteor shower during his last summer before 9th grade when he hears a crash nearby. He finds a meteor has fallen through the roof and through his bed. It would have killed him had he been where he was supposed to have been at that hour. Thank goodness he was outside watching the skies.
Brady likes astronomy. His biggest fear is being autopsied alive which seems like a strange fear but isn't when you consider the neighbor, Mr. Carver , is a coroner and Brady's heard stories from the twin neighbor kids, his closest frenemies, about dead bodies and the like. Brady has asthma that is managed really well and only flares up when he leaves South Dakota for areas with more pollen OR when he's around animals. Brady and his BFF/cousin, Quinn, are into extreme everything and wind up on an extreme adventure after the meteor arrives, an adventure in which everything mentioned above, and then some, comes into play.
I'm not going to give this book to my youngest nephew. He's a little science nerd and he would throw this back at me the minute he ran into the first inaccuracy or inconsistency. I don't think he'd make it out of the first chapter. However, I think this would be a fun read for most 4th-6th graders who are easily able to suspend disbelief, who don't really care about scientific accuracy, who can tolerate history lessons and South Dakota explainyness, who don't mind a somewhat slow protagonist who takes a long time to realize things, and/or who just like a quick, exciting read.
However, if you do give this to a kid, maybe tell that child that it is really not a good idea to use your bare hands to pick up a space rock that just crashed through your house. You know, just in case.
And if you're a helicopter parent? Don't read this, it will hurt you. A lot.
I listened to it this week because I'm waiting for a long audiobook to come in so I can't start a full-on story right now. I prefer listening to stories over music when I'm doing my job (less of a chance I'll burst into song in the middle of a quiet room. Also, cuts down on chair dancing which, from what I hear, isn't a safe workplace activity) so I've decided the solution to my waiting period is to listen to middle grade books. They rarely take longer than 2 days to complete and I get to partake in reading at a level I don't usually read. It's win/win and I'll still be able to start my long audiobook pretty much as soon as it comes in.
So this one, it's a boy's book.
Yes, sexist, I know. But this seriously reads like something written for boys in the '90's (pub date = 2008) in the hope of interesting boys in reading because, back then, we didn't believe normal boys liked books, only socially maladroit nerdy boys. Things have changed, for the most part, so I'm going to pretend this was written with reluctant readers in mind, in general, though, it truly does seem like something aimed specifically at 5th-7th-grade boys in 1994.
Synopsis: Main character, Brady, is outside watching the Pleiades meteor shower during his last summer before 9th grade when he hears a crash nearby. He finds a meteor has fallen through the roof and through his bed. It would have killed him had he been where he was supposed to have been at that hour. Thank goodness he was outside watching the skies.
Brady likes astronomy. His biggest fear is being autopsied alive which seems like a strange fear but isn't when you consider the neighbor, Mr. Carver , is a coroner and Brady's heard stories from the twin neighbor kids, his closest frenemies, about dead bodies and the like. Brady has asthma that is managed really well and only flares up when he leaves South Dakota for areas with more pollen OR when he's around animals. Brady and his BFF/cousin, Quinn, are into extreme everything and wind up on an extreme adventure after the meteor arrives, an adventure in which everything mentioned above, and then some, comes into play.
I'm not going to give this book to my youngest nephew. He's a little science nerd and he would throw this back at me the minute he ran into the first inaccuracy or inconsistency. I don't think he'd make it out of the first chapter. However, I think this would be a fun read for most 4th-6th graders who are easily able to suspend disbelief, who don't really care about scientific accuracy, who can tolerate history lessons and South Dakota explainyness, who don't mind a somewhat slow protagonist who takes a long time to realize things, and/or who just like a quick, exciting read.
However, if you do give this to a kid, maybe tell that child that it is really not a good idea to use your bare hands to pick up a space rock that just crashed through your house. You know, just in case.
And if you're a helicopter parent? Don't read this, it will hurt you. A lot.
June 19, 2023
Taking place in the Black Hills of South Dakota, what happens when Brady encounters a meteor? Why is he suddenly stronger and faster than he has ever been in the past? Could the meteor contain a virus, germs or microbe that changes the human body systems or DNA? Could an encounter with the meteor be deadly? Could it be a sign of life from Mars?
This has been on my TBR pile ever since I saw Will Hobbs at Children's Literature Workshop 13 years ago. It was a fascinating look at our universe which may lead you to question what you thought you knew about the planets of our solar system and the possibility of other forms of life in space. Give it to fans of science fiction book like Fuzzy Mud or those looking for a story with a setting in South Dakota.
This has been on my TBR pile ever since I saw Will Hobbs at Children's Literature Workshop 13 years ago. It was a fascinating look at our universe which may lead you to question what you thought you knew about the planets of our solar system and the possibility of other forms of life in space. Give it to fans of science fiction book like Fuzzy Mud or those looking for a story with a setting in South Dakota.
March 22, 2008
Brady's life is changed by a meteroite - that crashes through the roof and lands on his bed. From that improbable beginning comes a story of Brady and his cousin Quinn and their constant quests for excitement. Brady gets a little more than he bargained for this time. The plot moves along nicely, but the writing was a little too plodding and the ending too pat. Lots of good information about the area around the Crazy Horse National Monument,but that's just what it felt like - an author giving us information. But middle school boys who like adventure may identify with Brady and be enticed to read some more of Hobbs' adventure stories.
January 22, 2009
Go Big or Go Home was a really great book. At first I didn't think it would be all that great and I put it off to the end of winter recess to read (it was required). I ended up really liking it, and read it in two days. A teen named Brady and his cousin Quinn are having a normal summer of adventure, but they end up finding a valuable space rock that crashed through Brady's roof. When Brady accidently drools on the rock, he gets super human powers. He saves a little kid from a bull and beats all-star Quinn in basketball. Brady soon figures out that the rock's bacteria will cause his body to shut down. When this happens, everyone thinks Brady is dead. Luckily, he told Quinn about his realization so that the coroner, Brady's sort-of enemies' dad, won't do an autopsy on him. Quinn and the coroner's sons, Buzz, Max, and Cal Carver, sneak Brady to a secret cave they discovered. A scientist that is a friend of theirs, Dr. Rip, cures Brady and the Carver's dog, Attila, who also was infected by the "space germs". In the end, everything works out. Quinn, who was almost going to move farther away, stays in the Blacks Hills of South Dakota. Brady goes to the prom with his dream girl Crystal. Quinn's dad dates Crystal's mom, and the Carver's, Brady, and Quinn become friends. This book was good because it was full of adventure and suspense. I could barely put it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2011
The only things about this book that I enjoyed... was that the main character named the meteorite FRED that crashed through his roof and went through his bed. Nearly killing him if it weren't for watching the skys that very night.
February 12, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. The adventures that Brady and Quinn had together, the other characters that they interacted with along the way, and the lessons they learned from having the meteorite made this a great book.
The author, Will Hobbs, did a great job developing the characters with literary geography. The reader learns about the family background of each boy, which helps the reader imagine them more vividly in South Dakota. For example, I can only imagine what it might be like to speed up the mountains in South Dakota to the very top, taking in the surroundings, feeling free and strong. The boys ultimately learn what is most important, their family and friendships.
Hobbs picks an excellent symbol for the plot; a meteorite, affectionately named Fred. The symbolism is reflected in the different ways that the characters connect with Fred. Brady seeks adventure, Quinn seeks financial stability, and the Professor seeks knowledge. The plot is sophisticated enough to allow the reader to make the different symbolic connections for each character.
Ultimately, it was the many quests that the characters had that had me hooked on the book. Brady’s new-found strength was a great twist, which certainly surprised Brady, Quinn and his neighbors. In particular, speeding up the mountain and tangling with a buffalo are out of character for Brady, but nevertheless he surprisingly excels. This brings his relationship even closer to Fred. So, when Fred is lost in the bottom of the lake, Hobbs shows how the boys deal with disappointment and disaster. The characters come close to dealing with death; which just allows them to reflect and appreciate what they truly have, their families and each other.
Even though many adults may enjoy this book, I recommend it for those ages 10 to 15. They will relate best to the two main characters, Brady and Quinn.
The author, Will Hobbs, did a great job developing the characters with literary geography. The reader learns about the family background of each boy, which helps the reader imagine them more vividly in South Dakota. For example, I can only imagine what it might be like to speed up the mountains in South Dakota to the very top, taking in the surroundings, feeling free and strong. The boys ultimately learn what is most important, their family and friendships.
Hobbs picks an excellent symbol for the plot; a meteorite, affectionately named Fred. The symbolism is reflected in the different ways that the characters connect with Fred. Brady seeks adventure, Quinn seeks financial stability, and the Professor seeks knowledge. The plot is sophisticated enough to allow the reader to make the different symbolic connections for each character.
Ultimately, it was the many quests that the characters had that had me hooked on the book. Brady’s new-found strength was a great twist, which certainly surprised Brady, Quinn and his neighbors. In particular, speeding up the mountain and tangling with a buffalo are out of character for Brady, but nevertheless he surprisingly excels. This brings his relationship even closer to Fred. So, when Fred is lost in the bottom of the lake, Hobbs shows how the boys deal with disappointment and disaster. The characters come close to dealing with death; which just allows them to reflect and appreciate what they truly have, their families and each other.
Even though many adults may enjoy this book, I recommend it for those ages 10 to 15. They will relate best to the two main characters, Brady and Quinn.
July 7, 2008
Brady Steele watches in awe as a meteorite crashes through the roof of his bedroom. Brady immediately calls up his cousin, Quinn. They both love all things extreme, and this is the most extreme thing ever! The meteorite is one of the rarest meteorite ever found. Professor Rip Ripley wants to study a sliver of it in search of extraterrestrial bacteria. With each new day, Brady discovers that he's able to do strange and wonderful feats. At the same time, he's developing some frightening symptoms. Could he be infected with long-dormant microbes from space?
I really enjoyed this book. Intended for ages 10 and up. While the story line is a bit extreme, it is believable, and there's enough going on that it would keep kids interested.
I really enjoyed this book. Intended for ages 10 and up. While the story line is a bit extreme, it is believable, and there's enough going on that it would keep kids interested.
Read
November 23, 2015 Go Big or Go Home by Will Hobbs is about an average boy named Brady who's bedroom is attacked by a meteorite him and his cousin, Quinn name Fred. Fred gives Brady newly profound superpowers; speed and strength. They both find out that Fred carries dormant microorganism that gives Brady a sickness that makes him weak and might also cause paralysis. Luckily, Quinn and Doctor Carter cure him by shooting vinegar up Brady's nose. This is a very interesting book. It's fast going and entertaining. I like it because the author draws you in and you can't wait to find out what happens next. It's a real life roller coaster!
January 22, 2009
This book was about a teen boy who was watching a meteorite shower one night and one crashed through his roof! He names it Fred. His cousin Quin and him both love extreame things and the meteorite is the most extreme thing that they have encountered yet! I loved this book. I was VERY action packed. I would recommend this book to boys and girls of anyage (even adults) who love action books but not violent action.
September 10, 2015
There were a few things in this book that were a bit dorky. However, my 11-year-old son, who is not a big fan of reading, found the plot compelling and the book easy enough to read and understand. He enjoyed reading it every night before he went to bed. That's enough of an endorsement for me to find the book worthwhile, and I didn't find the book objectionable in any way.
May 8, 2008
A slight sci-fi departure from Hobbs' usual survival fare.
May 3, 2011
A likable book about a sort of magical meteorite. A good read for young boys.
Read
October 29, 2012“Go BIG or Go Home”
Brady Steele was a simple boy who lived in Hill City, South Dakota. He lived with his dad who worked at Crazy Horse on the monument, his mom who stayed at home and his two little sisters Jodi and Rae. His family wasn’t poor but they were only an average family. Brady’s mom and sisters were in Iowa for the last few weeks of the summer with their grandparents but Brady didn’t go with them anymore cause of his asthma was so bad and they lived on a farm plus they had dogs and cats and it was just to much for to be there. Brady’s dad didn’t get much time off so he also stayed home when the rest Brady’s family left for their vacation. Most of the times they were gone it had been ok because his cousin Quinn came from Lead and stayed with Brady for a few weeks or longer. This year it wasn’t the same cause Quinn’s dad had been laid off from the mine he worked at. They didn’t have hardly any money at all so Quinn was working to help out his dad. Quinn’s mom had died when he was only 3. His summer was so boring this year he played a lot of video games and rode bikes on Sunday with his dad. He tried to practice basketball because he wanted to be on the JV team when school started. Both Brady and Quinn were good enough to be on the JV teams.
The night the Perseid meteor shower happened Brady was sitting on his roof watching the rocks fall into space from Mars sense July almost every night. Tonight was different for Brady because this would be the only time in a couple 100 years again. He watched for awhile then just when he decided he was going to go to bed, he heard a big loud boom, in just a second everything changed the sky went from black to glowing blue. It scared Brady. He heard 2 booms again that shook his bedroom and then he heard a roar and seen a fireball coming right at him. He went into his bedroom and seen junk everywhere in his room. He looked at his bed and saw it had been burned right where he would have been sleeping. He looked at his bed and then up to the ceiling and back at his bed there was a hole burned in it and he saw something shiny on the floor. He thought wow could it be a meteorite. He dug into his bed and picked it up, it was shiny, but with pits and rough edges but it sparkled and it was almost to hot to hold.
Brady called Quinn right away and when he answered Brady told him he had seen the meteor shower. He told him he had a piece of the meteor that it came through his bedroom roof and hit the bed. Quinn told him he was lucky he wasn’t in bed and he used his 2 favorite words at one time, extreme and insane. Brady asked if he could come see it and Quinn answered that he would talk his dad into and be there the next day. Quinn even quit his job, to go stay with Brady for the rest of the summer. He waited for his dad to get home to tell him but his dad was tired that he wasn’t as excited as Brady wanted him to be. All he said was good thing you weren’t in bed and they would fix the hole in the roof in the morning. When his dad went to bed Brady told him he called Quinn to ask him to come visit and all his dad said was just don’t count on it. The next morning Brady asked his dad what he thought Quinn’s dad was going to do about work and he told Brady that he had been to Wyoming to look at jobs and even put a payment on a trailor, and he told Brady not to count on them coming because they might already be on their way there. He decided to wait outside and play basketball and he felt a vibration run through his body. The phone rang and he thought it might be Quinn but it was his mom. She was checking on him and wanted to make sure the neighbors dog Attila wasn’t still coming into their yard and stealing the rocks from her flowers. There were 3 boys Cal and he had twin brothers Max and Buzz and they weren’t very nice. Their dad was a coroner and Brady had a dream all the time that he tried to do a autopsy on him when he was still alive. He had that dream that night before and woke up drooling all over his rock, he didn’t want Quinn to know that. After Brady hung up the phone he went outside to get his rock and the dog had it in his mouth. He thought if he stood still he could get the dog to drop it but instead Attila took off running. He chased him right into the Carver’s yard and jumped on him he got the rock back he didn’t know how he did that cause of his asthma but he did feel that tingle all in his body right before but then the Carver boys showed up and asked if he was crazy their dog could have killed him. Then the dog hit Brady’s hand and he dropped the rock the dog picked it up and ran away with it. He told the boys it was a rock from his moms flowerbed and he wanted it back.
When he got home he washed the rock and he heard a truck coming. He ran outside and it was Quinn he showed him his space rock. Quinn’s dad started to take his things out of the truck and then told them he was going to go to Sturgis on his Harley. They were excited to see each other. They decided to play basketball and Brady had never beat Quinn in anything. It surprised both of them but it nice to beat at least 1 time. They decided they would go on a bike ride. They stopped at Crystals mom’s coffee shop to get a sandwich and smoothies. When they were leaving she told Quinn that his dad had stopped there on his way to Sturgis and flittered with her mom Maggie. They ate and took off on their bikes and Brady felt that electrical feeling again and he didn’t think about it and took off he left Quinn behind and even passed up 3 bikers that were pros. When they stopped Brady told Quinn he felt this power and it made him stronger. They talked about Quinn moving and decided he could live with them for the school year. Brady told him he named the space rock Fred and it meant Far Roaming Earth Diver. On their way home they stopped and talked to Crystal again.
The next day they decided to take another bike ride and when they were ridding they stopped to watch the visitors take pictures of the buffalo and they warned one guy that he shouldn’t get to close, just then the buffalo turned to go after the guy. He ran to his car and we turned around just to see a little 4 year old boy doing the same thing and the buffalo was getting ready to attack him. Next thing they knew Brady ran and grabbed the boy out of the buffalos way. He realized the buffalo was coming after him now he stood still but then took off running and jumped over the buffalo, after that the buffalo left him alone. It happened so fast the next thing Brady knew a guy was offering him $100.00 dollars for saving his son and everyone was asking to take pictures with him. There were even 2 girls who asked him to sign his shirt and give it to them. Brady told Quinn he wanted to leave. They took off to see the professor at the museum to see about Fred. They asked for the meteor professor and this crazy looking guy said that was him. His name was Dr. Ripley Ripley but they could call him Dr. Rip. At first he didn’t really want to be bothered but when they told him they had Fred he was excited. He was upset when they asked how much he was worth and he treated them like they didn’t know anything but then Brady told him Quinn knew everything about space after testing him he believed them. He told them that the rock was basaltic shergotties and was from Mars. There were only 34 Mars rocks on the Earth that they knew of. The doctor cut a piece of Fred off to look at and told them to come back the next day. They decided they would go fishing for the night and be back just in time the next day. They knew they needed a tent and poles sense they were going to ride to the lake to catch a big trout. They bought a 2 man raft and to poles that folded up, they found the perfect ones called the Eliminators.
They got home and packed everything and took off. They finally found a camp spot and decided to sleep on top of their tent instead. They wanted to fish early but in the middle of the night a huge storm came and they put up their tent but the wind blew it around. That morning they headed out to the middle of the lake but realized they couldn’t use their lures cause the boat wasn’t moving so Brady paddled why Quinn fished. Nothing happened and the raft was starting to fill up with water. They decided to go to shore and empty the water out paddled to shore and a man named Curly came up to them and gave them chicken, pop, and salad. He told them they needed to fish with worms on the bottom and he helped dig some worms for them and put them in a empty chicken box. He fixed the poles with sinkers and worms and they headed back out. When they were fishing Quinn got a big bite a trout he hooked it and just then the Carver boys showed up on their boat to watch they told us it was probably a Pactola Lake record. It was the biggest trout any of them had ever seen. Brady decided to call him Stan and Quinn said whatever just don’t lose him. We didn’t have a net to get him so Brady decided to use his hands to get it in the raft but after a lot of tries it ended up breaking the line and got away. Brady felt so bad and he knew Quinn was upset. The Carver boys told them they better look at their raft it had a hole in it and the water was coming in fast. The Carvers offered to help take them back to shore they got Quinn on the boat and Brady went to hand them his backpack and it slipped out of Max’s hand and started sinking to the bottom. Brady jumped in and tried to grab it he went so far down and still couldn’t reach it. He came to the top and was so upset because he knew Fred was in there and was lost forever. He told the Carver’s it was his inhaler.
When they got to land they rode their bikes to the museum even though they didn’t want to they figured they might as well see what Dr. Rip said about Fred. He told them that the rock was alive that it had been asleep for millions and millions of years but when it hit Earth it woke up. They looked at Fred in the microscope and it looked like worms moving around. After they listened to the doctor tell them about how Fred woke up when he spit on him they decided not to tell him they lost him. When they got home they both were upset they lost something important to both of them, Brady lost Fred and Quinn lost his monster trout. Brady decided to go to bed and Quinn watched tv for awhile. That night Brady had the same dream of being alive and Dr. Carver doing an autopsy on him but this time he felt paralyzed and couldn’t move. The next thing he knew it was morning and Quinn asked him if he always moved around like that. Brady didn’t want him to know how scared he was so he didn’t answer him but he decided to ask Quinn if he wanted to go explore the cave they found last summer and were to scared to go in. They decided they would but they need lights and water. They rode to Walmart and Attila followed them. Brady tried to make him go home but he wouldn’t leave his side. After they did their shopping they took off again to the cave they named it Halls of the Dead. It was damp and cold inside so they put on rain gear and lamps on their helmets. They crawled through the first part and Attila followed them. They didn’t know why he stayed so close to Brady cause he didn’t like anyone. They went into the cave a found a new part of it. It made them hold their breath they couldn’t believe it cause it was pretty and exciting. They looked around and seen lots of limestone that formed to the roof and in the middle of the cave was a slab of limestone it looked like a bed. They went over and sat down on it to eat their lunch and Brady even gave one of his sandwiches to the dog. They decide to name this part of the cave Palace of the Dead King cause it looked like a tomb. After they ate they started to go into the cave more. It was narrow and very dark. When they were walking Quinn stopped and told Brady to be careful that there was only room for him to stand right next to him. When Brady got there he looked over a cliff that was like a black bottom. Quinn decided they could go farther they just had to be careful he went first and made to the next opening. Brady started behind him and he slipped he was holding on as hard as he could but was starting to lose his grip. Quinn yelled for him to hold on and started coming back he knew wouldn’t make in time and so did Brady. Then he seen Attila coming over to him he grabbed his collar and told the dog to hold on but he knew he was slipping and he almost pulled Attila over the cliff with him. When he looked the dog he saw that the dog was looking at him and all of a sudden Attila had so much strength he pulled him and Brady right back on the cliff it scared them so bad and when they were sitting there resting they decided to name the hole and cliff Abyss of Hades. They left right after that and Quinn asked why Brady didn’t use his strength. Finally Brady told him about his dream and how he was going numb now and paralyzed. He made Quinn promise to not let Dr. Carver do a autopsy on him no matter what cause he would be alive just like in his dream. After begging Quinn to promise he felt better he knew Quinn wouldn’t ever break a promise.
When they got home there was a message on the phone it was Max and Buzz they told him they found his backpack and that ownership was 9 10ths of the law. They offered them a chance to get Fred back but they had to come to their house right then. When they got to the Carver’s house all the boys were sitting by their catapult and after telling them the history and how they made it they decided to show them how it worked. As they were waiting Attila laid by Brady which confused the boys but they started their demostration of the Destructo, that’s what they had named it. They shot their first boulder and they told Brady and Quinn that was all they could see until the opening show where everyone was invited but had to pay $5.00 dollars. Brady and Quinn talked them into throwing one toilet they watched it shoot through the air and land. That was the most awesome thing any of the boys had seen. Brady looked down at Attila and realized he was staying by Brady because he had the same thing happening to him. He had the space rock in his mouth and had spit combined with Fred to give him powers. When they started to leave the Carvers asked them if they wanted their space rock back with all the excitement they had forgot about Fred. When they told them yes they explained would be a contest to see who owned it. They decided they would shoot it into the woods and whoever got to it first won. Max and Buzz were on one side and Brady and Quinn on the other, Brady told Quinn just run for it cause he wasn’t going to be able to he felt the numbness coming back. Just then they all took off running including Attila. Brady felt weak and all numb all he could remember after that was falling to the ground. When he woke up he couldn’t move he looked around and seen a white ceiling and bright lights he thought he was in a hospital. Next thing he knew both Max and Buzz were leaning over him and looked sad they were talking about Brady as if he couldn’t hear them, they even looked sad. Then he heard his cousin and Quinn told them about Brady’s dream and told him he wasn’t dead he was dormant and the promise he made. The boys knew their dad was coming to do the autopsy and Brady couldn’t scream or move. The boys went outside the door and Brady couldn’t really hear them but then all of a sudden he seen the doctor sit next to him and had his tools in his hand. This is when he usually woke up but he didn’t and just when Dr. Carver pulled the sheet down the boys ran in and told him someone had found Attila. Their dad said the autopsy could wait till tomorrow good thing he loved his dog. He told the boys he was going to go get him. When he left the Brady heard the boys come back in and they put him on a stretcher and left. They stuffed him into the trunk of Cal’s car and took off. Brady knew that Quinn would keep his promise but he didn’t know where they were going until he heard Quinn tell them to stop and they had to walk the rest of the way. Max and Buzz carried him why Quinn headed them towards the cave. When they got there they seen that Attila was lying on the floor of the Palace of the Dead with Fred right next to him. They laid Brady on the slab and decided they were going to go get Dr. Rip. When they got back they all came into the cave and over to Brady the doctor looked at him and told him he hoped he had the antidote not only for him but himself cause he was starting to feel the same. When he pulled out the bottle it was in a nose spray but he told them all that it was Acetic acid just plain vinegar. He squirted it up Brady’s nose and then his own. He told Brady he hoped it would cure him. The Carver boys were talking and decided sense Attila found the rock it was theirs cause he was a Caver and they picked it up to take it home. Dr. Rip explained how dangerous that would be cause of how fast it could spread and kill millions people at one time including them. After talking about it Cal said the doctor was right, Brady could hear them talking and then he heard Quinn say I have the perfect place for Fred and they all followed him. They decided the Abyss of Hades would be Fred’s last resting place. They dropped him off the cliff and watched him fall until they didn’t see him anymore. When they started coming back Brady felt all tingly and started to move, he sat up and waited for them to get there. They were surprised to see Brady sitting there, and Quinn yelled Brady your alive. They all were surprised but the doctor was happy to see him and then he squirted the rest of the vinegar up Attila’s nose and he woke up too.
When they got home they seen Quinn’s dads truck in their yard and it had all of Quinn things in it. His dad told him he was moving to Wyoming but that Quinn was going to be able to live with Brady for the school year. Brady was so happy but Quinn didn’t say anything then he told his dad no they were a family and he was going with him no matter where it was. Brady looked at Quinn and they both knew it was the right thing, after all they went through it was best just to be together and alive. They left the next day and Brady’s mom and sisters came home summer was over. Brady missed Quinn already and wished he would have stayed. That night Brady went to watch the Carver’s opening show and Crystal sat next to him.
Brady was sitting on his porch watching the sunset when he seen Quinn’s dads truck coming. He ran to see what was going on and Quinn jumped out he explained that his dad and him didn’t like Wyoming and that they belong in the Black Hills. They decided to move to town and his dad could do odd jobs to pay the rent. Quinn told Brady he knew his dad and Maggie liked each other. Quinn knew Brady liked her and he told him he better ask her out before Buzz did. The next day the started school and they both made the JV team as freshmen. After practice that day Brady asked Crystal to go to homecoming and she said yes.
Fred or what had happened that summer but they all knew it was a summer they would never forget. One night when Brady and Quinn were practicing basketball Quinn asked Brady if he missed the powers that Fred gave him and if he wished he was still that strong even though he was trying to kill him. Brady answered him and said he did miss Fred sometimes but he was glad to be alive and he was just going to have to make it on his own merits instead of Fred’s. The next day Dr. Rip told Brady good bye he was going back to England but he decided every summer from now on the Black Hills would be his home. They shook hands and never mentioned Fred just said good bye and to study hard.
Author: Will Hobbs
Brady Steele was a simple boy who lived in Hill City, South Dakota. He lived with his dad who worked at Crazy Horse on the monument, his mom who stayed at home and his two little sisters Jodi and Rae. His family wasn’t poor but they were only an average family. Brady’s mom and sisters were in Iowa for the last few weeks of the summer with their grandparents but Brady didn’t go with them anymore cause of his asthma was so bad and they lived on a farm plus they had dogs and cats and it was just to much for to be there. Brady’s dad didn’t get much time off so he also stayed home when the rest Brady’s family left for their vacation. Most of the times they were gone it had been ok because his cousin Quinn came from Lead and stayed with Brady for a few weeks or longer. This year it wasn’t the same cause Quinn’s dad had been laid off from the mine he worked at. They didn’t have hardly any money at all so Quinn was working to help out his dad. Quinn’s mom had died when he was only 3. His summer was so boring this year he played a lot of video games and rode bikes on Sunday with his dad. He tried to practice basketball because he wanted to be on the JV team when school started. Both Brady and Quinn were good enough to be on the JV teams.
The night the Perseid meteor shower happened Brady was sitting on his roof watching the rocks fall into space from Mars sense July almost every night. Tonight was different for Brady because this would be the only time in a couple 100 years again. He watched for awhile then just when he decided he was going to go to bed, he heard a big loud boom, in just a second everything changed the sky went from black to glowing blue. It scared Brady. He heard 2 booms again that shook his bedroom and then he heard a roar and seen a fireball coming right at him. He went into his bedroom and seen junk everywhere in his room. He looked at his bed and saw it had been burned right where he would have been sleeping. He looked at his bed and then up to the ceiling and back at his bed there was a hole burned in it and he saw something shiny on the floor. He thought wow could it be a meteorite. He dug into his bed and picked it up, it was shiny, but with pits and rough edges but it sparkled and it was almost to hot to hold.
Brady called Quinn right away and when he answered Brady told him he had seen the meteor shower. He told him he had a piece of the meteor that it came through his bedroom roof and hit the bed. Quinn told him he was lucky he wasn’t in bed and he used his 2 favorite words at one time, extreme and insane. Brady asked if he could come see it and Quinn answered that he would talk his dad into and be there the next day. Quinn even quit his job, to go stay with Brady for the rest of the summer. He waited for his dad to get home to tell him but his dad was tired that he wasn’t as excited as Brady wanted him to be. All he said was good thing you weren’t in bed and they would fix the hole in the roof in the morning. When his dad went to bed Brady told him he called Quinn to ask him to come visit and all his dad said was just don’t count on it. The next morning Brady asked his dad what he thought Quinn’s dad was going to do about work and he told Brady that he had been to Wyoming to look at jobs and even put a payment on a trailor, and he told Brady not to count on them coming because they might already be on their way there. He decided to wait outside and play basketball and he felt a vibration run through his body. The phone rang and he thought it might be Quinn but it was his mom. She was checking on him and wanted to make sure the neighbors dog Attila wasn’t still coming into their yard and stealing the rocks from her flowers. There were 3 boys Cal and he had twin brothers Max and Buzz and they weren’t very nice. Their dad was a coroner and Brady had a dream all the time that he tried to do a autopsy on him when he was still alive. He had that dream that night before and woke up drooling all over his rock, he didn’t want Quinn to know that. After Brady hung up the phone he went outside to get his rock and the dog had it in his mouth. He thought if he stood still he could get the dog to drop it but instead Attila took off running. He chased him right into the Carver’s yard and jumped on him he got the rock back he didn’t know how he did that cause of his asthma but he did feel that tingle all in his body right before but then the Carver boys showed up and asked if he was crazy their dog could have killed him. Then the dog hit Brady’s hand and he dropped the rock the dog picked it up and ran away with it. He told the boys it was a rock from his moms flowerbed and he wanted it back.
When he got home he washed the rock and he heard a truck coming. He ran outside and it was Quinn he showed him his space rock. Quinn’s dad started to take his things out of the truck and then told them he was going to go to Sturgis on his Harley. They were excited to see each other. They decided to play basketball and Brady had never beat Quinn in anything. It surprised both of them but it nice to beat at least 1 time. They decided they would go on a bike ride. They stopped at Crystals mom’s coffee shop to get a sandwich and smoothies. When they were leaving she told Quinn that his dad had stopped there on his way to Sturgis and flittered with her mom Maggie. They ate and took off on their bikes and Brady felt that electrical feeling again and he didn’t think about it and took off he left Quinn behind and even passed up 3 bikers that were pros. When they stopped Brady told Quinn he felt this power and it made him stronger. They talked about Quinn moving and decided he could live with them for the school year. Brady told him he named the space rock Fred and it meant Far Roaming Earth Diver. On their way home they stopped and talked to Crystal again.
The next day they decided to take another bike ride and when they were ridding they stopped to watch the visitors take pictures of the buffalo and they warned one guy that he shouldn’t get to close, just then the buffalo turned to go after the guy. He ran to his car and we turned around just to see a little 4 year old boy doing the same thing and the buffalo was getting ready to attack him. Next thing they knew Brady ran and grabbed the boy out of the buffalos way. He realized the buffalo was coming after him now he stood still but then took off running and jumped over the buffalo, after that the buffalo left him alone. It happened so fast the next thing Brady knew a guy was offering him $100.00 dollars for saving his son and everyone was asking to take pictures with him. There were even 2 girls who asked him to sign his shirt and give it to them. Brady told Quinn he wanted to leave. They took off to see the professor at the museum to see about Fred. They asked for the meteor professor and this crazy looking guy said that was him. His name was Dr. Ripley Ripley but they could call him Dr. Rip. At first he didn’t really want to be bothered but when they told him they had Fred he was excited. He was upset when they asked how much he was worth and he treated them like they didn’t know anything but then Brady told him Quinn knew everything about space after testing him he believed them. He told them that the rock was basaltic shergotties and was from Mars. There were only 34 Mars rocks on the Earth that they knew of. The doctor cut a piece of Fred off to look at and told them to come back the next day. They decided they would go fishing for the night and be back just in time the next day. They knew they needed a tent and poles sense they were going to ride to the lake to catch a big trout. They bought a 2 man raft and to poles that folded up, they found the perfect ones called the Eliminators.
They got home and packed everything and took off. They finally found a camp spot and decided to sleep on top of their tent instead. They wanted to fish early but in the middle of the night a huge storm came and they put up their tent but the wind blew it around. That morning they headed out to the middle of the lake but realized they couldn’t use their lures cause the boat wasn’t moving so Brady paddled why Quinn fished. Nothing happened and the raft was starting to fill up with water. They decided to go to shore and empty the water out paddled to shore and a man named Curly came up to them and gave them chicken, pop, and salad. He told them they needed to fish with worms on the bottom and he helped dig some worms for them and put them in a empty chicken box. He fixed the poles with sinkers and worms and they headed back out. When they were fishing Quinn got a big bite a trout he hooked it and just then the Carver boys showed up on their boat to watch they told us it was probably a Pactola Lake record. It was the biggest trout any of them had ever seen. Brady decided to call him Stan and Quinn said whatever just don’t lose him. We didn’t have a net to get him so Brady decided to use his hands to get it in the raft but after a lot of tries it ended up breaking the line and got away. Brady felt so bad and he knew Quinn was upset. The Carver boys told them they better look at their raft it had a hole in it and the water was coming in fast. The Carvers offered to help take them back to shore they got Quinn on the boat and Brady went to hand them his backpack and it slipped out of Max’s hand and started sinking to the bottom. Brady jumped in and tried to grab it he went so far down and still couldn’t reach it. He came to the top and was so upset because he knew Fred was in there and was lost forever. He told the Carver’s it was his inhaler.
When they got to land they rode their bikes to the museum even though they didn’t want to they figured they might as well see what Dr. Rip said about Fred. He told them that the rock was alive that it had been asleep for millions and millions of years but when it hit Earth it woke up. They looked at Fred in the microscope and it looked like worms moving around. After they listened to the doctor tell them about how Fred woke up when he spit on him they decided not to tell him they lost him. When they got home they both were upset they lost something important to both of them, Brady lost Fred and Quinn lost his monster trout. Brady decided to go to bed and Quinn watched tv for awhile. That night Brady had the same dream of being alive and Dr. Carver doing an autopsy on him but this time he felt paralyzed and couldn’t move. The next thing he knew it was morning and Quinn asked him if he always moved around like that. Brady didn’t want him to know how scared he was so he didn’t answer him but he decided to ask Quinn if he wanted to go explore the cave they found last summer and were to scared to go in. They decided they would but they need lights and water. They rode to Walmart and Attila followed them. Brady tried to make him go home but he wouldn’t leave his side. After they did their shopping they took off again to the cave they named it Halls of the Dead. It was damp and cold inside so they put on rain gear and lamps on their helmets. They crawled through the first part and Attila followed them. They didn’t know why he stayed so close to Brady cause he didn’t like anyone. They went into the cave a found a new part of it. It made them hold their breath they couldn’t believe it cause it was pretty and exciting. They looked around and seen lots of limestone that formed to the roof and in the middle of the cave was a slab of limestone it looked like a bed. They went over and sat down on it to eat their lunch and Brady even gave one of his sandwiches to the dog. They decide to name this part of the cave Palace of the Dead King cause it looked like a tomb. After they ate they started to go into the cave more. It was narrow and very dark. When they were walking Quinn stopped and told Brady to be careful that there was only room for him to stand right next to him. When Brady got there he looked over a cliff that was like a black bottom. Quinn decided they could go farther they just had to be careful he went first and made to the next opening. Brady started behind him and he slipped he was holding on as hard as he could but was starting to lose his grip. Quinn yelled for him to hold on and started coming back he knew wouldn’t make in time and so did Brady. Then he seen Attila coming over to him he grabbed his collar and told the dog to hold on but he knew he was slipping and he almost pulled Attila over the cliff with him. When he looked the dog he saw that the dog was looking at him and all of a sudden Attila had so much strength he pulled him and Brady right back on the cliff it scared them so bad and when they were sitting there resting they decided to name the hole and cliff Abyss of Hades. They left right after that and Quinn asked why Brady didn’t use his strength. Finally Brady told him about his dream and how he was going numb now and paralyzed. He made Quinn promise to not let Dr. Carver do a autopsy on him no matter what cause he would be alive just like in his dream. After begging Quinn to promise he felt better he knew Quinn wouldn’t ever break a promise.
When they got home there was a message on the phone it was Max and Buzz they told him they found his backpack and that ownership was 9 10ths of the law. They offered them a chance to get Fred back but they had to come to their house right then. When they got to the Carver’s house all the boys were sitting by their catapult and after telling them the history and how they made it they decided to show them how it worked. As they were waiting Attila laid by Brady which confused the boys but they started their demostration of the Destructo, that’s what they had named it. They shot their first boulder and they told Brady and Quinn that was all they could see until the opening show where everyone was invited but had to pay $5.00 dollars. Brady and Quinn talked them into throwing one toilet they watched it shoot through the air and land. That was the most awesome thing any of the boys had seen. Brady looked down at Attila and realized he was staying by Brady because he had the same thing happening to him. He had the space rock in his mouth and had spit combined with Fred to give him powers. When they started to leave the Carvers asked them if they wanted their space rock back with all the excitement they had forgot about Fred. When they told them yes they explained would be a contest to see who owned it. They decided they would shoot it into the woods and whoever got to it first won. Max and Buzz were on one side and Brady and Quinn on the other, Brady told Quinn just run for it cause he wasn’t going to be able to he felt the numbness coming back. Just then they all took off running including Attila. Brady felt weak and all numb all he could remember after that was falling to the ground. When he woke up he couldn’t move he looked around and seen a white ceiling and bright lights he thought he was in a hospital. Next thing he knew both Max and Buzz were leaning over him and looked sad they were talking about Brady as if he couldn’t hear them, they even looked sad. Then he heard his cousin and Quinn told them about Brady’s dream and told him he wasn’t dead he was dormant and the promise he made. The boys knew their dad was coming to do the autopsy and Brady couldn’t scream or move. The boys went outside the door and Brady couldn’t really hear them but then all of a sudden he seen the doctor sit next to him and had his tools in his hand. This is when he usually woke up but he didn’t and just when Dr. Carver pulled the sheet down the boys ran in and told him someone had found Attila. Their dad said the autopsy could wait till tomorrow good thing he loved his dog. He told the boys he was going to go get him. When he left the Brady heard the boys come back in and they put him on a stretcher and left. They stuffed him into the trunk of Cal’s car and took off. Brady knew that Quinn would keep his promise but he didn’t know where they were going until he heard Quinn tell them to stop and they had to walk the rest of the way. Max and Buzz carried him why Quinn headed them towards the cave. When they got there they seen that Attila was lying on the floor of the Palace of the Dead with Fred right next to him. They laid Brady on the slab and decided they were going to go get Dr. Rip. When they got back they all came into the cave and over to Brady the doctor looked at him and told him he hoped he had the antidote not only for him but himself cause he was starting to feel the same. When he pulled out the bottle it was in a nose spray but he told them all that it was Acetic acid just plain vinegar. He squirted it up Brady’s nose and then his own. He told Brady he hoped it would cure him. The Carver boys were talking and decided sense Attila found the rock it was theirs cause he was a Caver and they picked it up to take it home. Dr. Rip explained how dangerous that would be cause of how fast it could spread and kill millions people at one time including them. After talking about it Cal said the doctor was right, Brady could hear them talking and then he heard Quinn say I have the perfect place for Fred and they all followed him. They decided the Abyss of Hades would be Fred’s last resting place. They dropped him off the cliff and watched him fall until they didn’t see him anymore. When they started coming back Brady felt all tingly and started to move, he sat up and waited for them to get there. They were surprised to see Brady sitting there, and Quinn yelled Brady your alive. They all were surprised but the doctor was happy to see him and then he squirted the rest of the vinegar up Attila’s nose and he woke up too.
When they got home they seen Quinn’s dads truck in their yard and it had all of Quinn things in it. His dad told him he was moving to Wyoming but that Quinn was going to be able to live with Brady for the school year. Brady was so happy but Quinn didn’t say anything then he told his dad no they were a family and he was going with him no matter where it was. Brady looked at Quinn and they both knew it was the right thing, after all they went through it was best just to be together and alive. They left the next day and Brady’s mom and sisters came home summer was over. Brady missed Quinn already and wished he would have stayed. That night Brady went to watch the Carver’s opening show and Crystal sat next to him.
Brady was sitting on his porch watching the sunset when he seen Quinn’s dads truck coming. He ran to see what was going on and Quinn jumped out he explained that his dad and him didn’t like Wyoming and that they belong in the Black Hills. They decided to move to town and his dad could do odd jobs to pay the rent. Quinn told Brady he knew his dad and Maggie liked each other. Quinn knew Brady liked her and he told him he better ask her out before Buzz did. The next day the started school and they both made the JV team as freshmen. After practice that day Brady asked Crystal to go to homecoming and she said yes.
Fred or what had happened that summer but they all knew it was a summer they would never forget. One night when Brady and Quinn were practicing basketball Quinn asked Brady if he missed the powers that Fred gave him and if he wished he was still that strong even though he was trying to kill him. Brady answered him and said he did miss Fred sometimes but he was glad to be alive and he was just going to have to make it on his own merits instead of Fred’s. The next day Dr. Rip told Brady good bye he was going back to England but he decided every summer from now on the Black Hills would be his home. They shook hands and never mentioned Fred just said good bye and to study hard.
Author: Will Hobbs
October 9, 2026
“There might be more unlikely ways to die, but I can't think of any” is exactly what Brady says after nearly getting hit by a meteorite. Brady, confused and surprised, knew he hit the jackpot after he saw what flew through the roof and landed inside of his bedroom. Feeling powerful, Brady gets a new type of strength that allows him to do things that most people can't. After enjoying his super powers by jumping his mountain bike and dunking a basketball, he realized he had scary symptoms that could have been caused by microbes from space. Ignoring all of the symptoms, Brady and his cousin Quinn go on tons of quests throughout the black hills together and even have a battle with their devious neighbors to win back the meteorite.
Will Hobbs does a great job of making this book interesting to teenagers by adding crazy action sports, such as mountain biking, road biking, and caving. Hobbs adds a mix of both the real world, and fiction world into this book, which draws me closer to the book. The pace of the story is fast which makes it more intense. The humorous and energetic, but also relatable dialogue between Brady and Quinn, keeps the reader invested in their friendship. The part that I enjoyed the most was how they named the meteorite Fred which made me view the meteorite as more of a character rather than just a rock.
Those that are interested in crazy action sports, mixed with a little bit of science fiction would be interested in this book because it will draw you in and you will relate to it. Those that are from ages twelve to sixteen would be interested in this book because the adrenaline filled activities will make you love the book even more.
Will Hobbs does a great job of making this book interesting to teenagers by adding crazy action sports, such as mountain biking, road biking, and caving. Hobbs adds a mix of both the real world, and fiction world into this book, which draws me closer to the book. The pace of the story is fast which makes it more intense. The humorous and energetic, but also relatable dialogue between Brady and Quinn, keeps the reader invested in their friendship. The part that I enjoyed the most was how they named the meteorite Fred which made me view the meteorite as more of a character rather than just a rock.
Those that are interested in crazy action sports, mixed with a little bit of science fiction would be interested in this book because it will draw you in and you will relate to it. Those that are from ages twelve to sixteen would be interested in this book because the adrenaline filled activities will make you love the book even more.
November 24, 2020
This book fell flat on its face. The plot is full of plot holes and the only maybe interesting part in it is telling about the black hills area. The book starts with A meteor landing in his house. If the author had known anything about meteors he would know that a meteor that size would blow the entire house up. Afterwards there is a drama about keeping the rock from two rival boys who are the only relatable characters in the entire book. They take the meteorite to a scientist and surprise it has martian life on it. Then they decide to name the rock Fred and take it with them everywhere they go, why because we need something to move the plot forward. The boys drop the Rock in the lake. They should have expected that when they went fishing with it in the middle of the lake. Then The main character is a superhuman realizing that it was the bacteria on the rock that did it, he also magically predicts that he is going to go into a state of suspended animation. But he's cured by the same boys and the scientist from earlier with vinegar. Despite the cure being so mundane, They decide to put the rock in a cave instead of just destroying the bacteria and studying it further. all in all this was a horrible book that tried to be sci-fi but failed miserably it is full of holes and the plot makes no sense at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2019
I read the book GO BIG OR GO HOME written by Will Hobbs. The main characters are Brady Steele and his cousin Quinn. The setting is Bradys house in Black Hills, South Dakota. I found the book in the fiction section and seemed like a good book.
Brady is a fourteen year old who found a meteorite in his house after it had crashed into his house while he was outside. Quinn is bradys cousin which was better at anything than Brady, until the meteorite gave Brady superpowers. Brady used his powers for everything. Brady saved a four year old from being hit by a car and he also used his powers to play basketball. He had it all until he went camping and he lost the meteorite it fell out his bag while his was on a boat and sunk to the bottom of the river. What will Brady do now?
My favorite part is when he had the meteorite in his bag and he went to play ball with friends and he found out he had powers because he could dunk a basketball. The ending is inspiring.
My opinion is that it's good and I recommend this book to whoever likes adventures and mysteries. Similar books are Black Ducks by Janet Lisle and Gabriel's Horse's by Alice Leonhardt. I give the book four stars.
Brady is a fourteen year old who found a meteorite in his house after it had crashed into his house while he was outside. Quinn is bradys cousin which was better at anything than Brady, until the meteorite gave Brady superpowers. Brady used his powers for everything. Brady saved a four year old from being hit by a car and he also used his powers to play basketball. He had it all until he went camping and he lost the meteorite it fell out his bag while his was on a boat and sunk to the bottom of the river. What will Brady do now?
My favorite part is when he had the meteorite in his bag and he went to play ball with friends and he found out he had powers because he could dunk a basketball. The ending is inspiring.
My opinion is that it's good and I recommend this book to whoever likes adventures and mysteries. Similar books are Black Ducks by Janet Lisle and Gabriel's Horse's by Alice Leonhardt. I give the book four stars.
January 25, 2017
A meteorite is hurtling toward the Black Hills of South Dakota. Brady Steele watches in awe as a fireball comes crashing through the roof of his house. Brady immediately calls up his cousin, Quinn, they both love all things extreme, and this is the most extreme thing ever! This space rock turns out to be one of the rarest meteorites ever found.
A meteorite goes through Brady's house. A couple of professors want to search the meteorite and what's inside it. He researches the meteorite and finds out it's one of the rarest ones ever found in history. He is completely amazed at his discovery, but sad about his house being destroyed.
I liked the book because there's a lot of interesting things that happen. For example the meteorite crashes into Brady's house, Brady is starting to be able to do strange things, He things he might have a infection with long dormant microbes from space. They did a lot of dangerous things that i think are pretty awesome. In conclusion I liked the book because of the interesting things that occurred.
A meteorite goes through Brady's house. A couple of professors want to search the meteorite and what's inside it. He researches the meteorite and finds out it's one of the rarest ones ever found in history. He is completely amazed at his discovery, but sad about his house being destroyed.
I liked the book because there's a lot of interesting things that happen. For example the meteorite crashes into Brady's house, Brady is starting to be able to do strange things, He things he might have a infection with long dormant microbes from space. They did a lot of dangerous things that i think are pretty awesome. In conclusion I liked the book because of the interesting things that occurred.
December 16, 2025
Another update to my newest reader challenge: reading all of the Mark Twain books from when I was in fourth and fifth grade. From the 2010-2011 list, I remember not loving this one, but I was also a stubborn girl who hated books about boys and sports. Though this one is not just boys and sports, it also has the fantastical element of Brady having symptoms of the meteorite.
Does this book hold up in the 2020s? Kind of. There is a LOT of slang used, but I think young boys would still like the elements of extreme sports. I could definitely see myself recommending this to a kid looking for a book with action, but I would make sure they are a strong enough reader that the slang wouldn't distract them.
Does this book hold up in the 2020s? Kind of. There is a LOT of slang used, but I think young boys would still like the elements of extreme sports. I could definitely see myself recommending this to a kid looking for a book with action, but I would make sure they are a strong enough reader that the slang wouldn't distract them.
December 7, 2017
Listening to this book was interesting. The reader tried to sound like he was an extreme biker in the 90’s. Story not great, but interesting enough for me to not turn it off. Before I listened to this I was trying to listen to a well known author who book I couldn’t get through. The other author spent way to much time giving back stories on characters who I had no idea how they connected to the story and none of the characters seemed relevant to what I thought the story was about.
I’m saying all of that to say, yes the story was not very deep, but it was simple and got to the point. Easy read for anyone willing to put in a little time.
I’m saying all of that to say, yes the story was not very deep, but it was simple and got to the point. Easy read for anyone willing to put in a little time.
June 10, 2023
If I have to read one more conversation of fictional teens saying “tOtAlY eXtReMe!!!” ever again, I’m gonna lose it. 🤣🤣 The story was funny…? I guess? It kind of went nowhere and the space disease was immediately cured by the rando deus ex machina professor and household vinegar. Strange pacing as well, the events just happen for the story, and don’t feel natural?
Anyway, I loved Far North, so I gave this book an eager shot, but it did not tickle the same itch for me. A silly, goofy read, definitely more suited to readers much younger than me.
Anyway, I loved Far North, so I gave this book an eager shot, but it did not tickle the same itch for me. A silly, goofy read, definitely more suited to readers much younger than me.
Read
September 4, 2021Read this book in an attempt to find a book some of my non-readers will like, and I think this book is it!
This combines extreme biking, fishing, and adventure with a meteorite from Mars to create a unique adventure science fiction book that I think a lot of my students will enjoy. It’s written at about a 4th or 5th grace reading level, but the addition of some family complexity makes it a good choice for some of my 8th graders.
This combines extreme biking, fishing, and adventure with a meteorite from Mars to create a unique adventure science fiction book that I think a lot of my students will enjoy. It’s written at about a 4th or 5th grace reading level, but the addition of some family complexity makes it a good choice for some of my 8th graders.
December 4, 2022
Brady can’t believe his luck when he very nearly misses being roasted by a falling meteorite. He and his cousin investigate the background of the meteorite and discover that it is from Mars! Meanwhile weird things start happening to Brady and he begins to wonder if he’s really as lucky as as he thought.
An imaginative and fun story. The dialog was a little much for me at times, but I kept reading for the zany plot twists.
An imaginative and fun story. The dialog was a little much for me at times, but I kept reading for the zany plot twists.
October 25, 2017
Go Big Or Go Home a young adult novel by Will Hobbs. Set in the USA. It's about a boy in South Dakota Who found a note and went on a quest to find out who it was. It picture was a bmx bike doing a trick and i love bmx i read the back and it seemed pretty interesting. Then Iflipped to the middle of the book. The one page felt like heaven. I don't really like to read but i liked the book.
September 9, 2018
This book was fun to read. I like the way Will Hobbs incorporates information about astronomy and archaeology into the story. This would be a good choice for reluctant readers because it is fast paced and includes a lot of foreshadowing.
June 21, 2017
Great adventure book for 5th through 8th grade students, especially boys! There's enough factual scientific and historical information and action to attract a variety of readers.
April 25, 2018
I don't know how to ride a bicycle.
February 4, 2019
Different kind of sci fi story. Quite a bit of it was very creative. I quite enjoyed it.
February 7, 2019
I’d recommend this to middle school boys. It seemed to be your typical middle grade novel aimed at boys. Lots of history, some adventure, decent enough plot. I’m just not the target audience.
Read
October 9, 2019gud
March 27, 2020
loved it in middle school
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews