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Ricky
Eric Walters is one of Canada's most popular writers for so-called "tween" readers and his latest book, Ricky , is sure to appeal to fans and new readers alike as Walters digs into his own tween years in Toronto for inspiration. Ricky's an eighth grader with an amazing menagerie of animals that includes dogs, cats, rats, squirrels, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, grouse, groundhogs, iguanas, budgies, and a three-foot-long alligator called Ollie. It's no wonder, then, that he's a big fan of his science teacher, Mr. Johnston, who has even more animals in his classroom, including Bogart, a pet boa constrictor. When vandals wreck Mr. Johnston's classroom, leading to Bogart's death, Ricky and his best friend Augie decide that it's up to them to put things right. Their plan is to surprise Mr. Johnston with a new snake with the financial help of every kid in the school. But keeping the plan a secret isn't easy when you're dealing with a six-foot boa! Ricky is a thoroughly engaging contemporary novel that will have particular resonance with boys. Walters looks at some pretty serious issues--including how to cope with the death of a parent, the nature of friendship, learning disabilities, and teen violence--but, as always, he has a light, quirky touch and a strong sense of plot. In an afterword, Walters explains his part in his latest fiction, which will delight readers interested in what inspires their favourite writers. (Ages 8 to 12) --Jeffrey Canton
168 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2002
4 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Eric Walters
159 books912 followersEric was born in Toronto in 1957, which makes him "real old". But, as Eric says, "Just because I have to grow old doesn't mean that I have to grow up!" In his many roles as parent, teacher, social worker, youth sports coach and writer he is in constant contact with children and young adults. He draws from these experiences and feels that this helps him to capture the realistic interaction between young people—the conflicts, tensions, stresses and interests that make up their lives.
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 27, 2019
So let's get started...Ricky loves animals so much that he shares his room with 29 creatures. There is another animal lover who loves the animals as much as Ricky is, Mr.Johnston, the science teacher. When some vandals break into the school, destroying school properties, and killed the animals that belong to Mr.Johnston. Ricky and his beat friend Augie know that its the time for him to do something right for the school. A warm-hearted story based on the author's own life.
(P.S IT SURPRISED ME WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A NOTE AT THE BACK OF THIS BOOK AND A PICTURE.!SNEAKY RIGHT?P.P.S IT IS KIND SAD AND MADE ME QUITE DISAPPOINTED THAT THET DIDN'T TELL THAT WHO BREAK INTO THE SCHOOL, THAT'S ALSO THE REASON WHY I GAVE IT 4 STARS)
(P.S IT SURPRISED ME WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A NOTE AT THE BACK OF THIS BOOK AND A PICTURE.!SNEAKY RIGHT?P.P.S IT IS KIND SAD AND MADE ME QUITE DISAPPOINTED THAT THET DIDN'T TELL THAT WHO BREAK INTO THE SCHOOL, THAT'S ALSO THE REASON WHY I GAVE IT 4 STARS)
September 22, 2013
Sneaky Eric Walters. To write a book about your own life and not have a note at the beginning. If there's anything I hate it's surprises in the Author's Notes.
This book is a semi-autobiographical novel about an event that happens in Eric Walters' grade eight year. We're not told what's fact and what's fiction, but after reading so many of his books I can begin to guess (I believe this is my 34th Eric Walter's book). I have begun to notice similarities in the lives of all of his characters, not that there aren't characters who stick out from this pattern.
I love the emotion potrayed through these books. Ricky's fascination with animals, is told with such beautiful feeling and imagery. I love how the relationships between characters are displayed. I love the inner emotions of Ricky, his "embarrassment" at cooking dinner.
I love the sprit to collect the money, and buy a new snake. Honestly I was worried. What if someone took the money (while they were transporting it)? What if someone killed the animals? However I completely did not see that twist coming.
The only bit that kind of stood out akwardly was the religious confessions. Not that I mind at all, it just seemed to be weird coming up. I got the hints way before Ricky did. I understand that they didn't talk about religion, so therefore the conversation was awkward, but it simply didn't seem to belong.
I loved the part with the alley way as well. This is one beautiful book. Though I kind of wish we found out who broke into the school.
This book is a semi-autobiographical novel about an event that happens in Eric Walters' grade eight year. We're not told what's fact and what's fiction, but after reading so many of his books I can begin to guess (I believe this is my 34th Eric Walter's book). I have begun to notice similarities in the lives of all of his characters, not that there aren't characters who stick out from this pattern.
I love the emotion potrayed through these books. Ricky's fascination with animals, is told with such beautiful feeling and imagery. I love how the relationships between characters are displayed. I love the inner emotions of Ricky, his "embarrassment" at cooking dinner.
I love the sprit to collect the money, and buy a new snake. Honestly I was worried. What if someone took the money (while they were transporting it)? What if someone killed the animals? However I completely did not see that twist coming.
The only bit that kind of stood out akwardly was the religious confessions. Not that I mind at all, it just seemed to be weird coming up. I got the hints way before Ricky did. I understand that they didn't talk about religion, so therefore the conversation was awkward, but it simply didn't seem to belong.
I loved the part with the alley way as well. This is one beautiful book. Though I kind of wish we found out who broke into the school.
April 10, 2009
Ricky has always loved animals. After all, he shares his house with 29 weird and wonderful creatures. So when vandals break into his school and destroy many of his beloved science teacher's animals, including Ricky's favourite, Bogart the boa constrictor, Ricky is shocked. Now it's up to Ricky and his best friend, Augie, to devise a plan to raise money to replace Bogart - and to surprise Mr. Johnston, the science teacher, at the same time. Raising the money is easy: what's tough is getting the rather large new reptile - who happens to be smart and slithery - safely to school."
September 26, 2014
I rated this book, 5 stars because I thought that the character, Ricky, was very brave and courageous, and without him, the story will end. It is a very good book and it was kinda sad when someone had killed all of the animals, which the teacher had owned... I wanted to read this book in the first place because I thought it was interesting and the summary said something about animals, in which I like animals, so yeah... I really like it. Based on a True Story From the Author, Eric Walters.
August 23, 2010
What a read to capture the interest of all readers. I knew the littlest bit about Rwanda, but was shocked by the characters who taught me there is so much more to learn. I am impressed that Ian wasn't a teen in crisis, but just your average kid with money. It made the story very believable for the kids.
October 15, 2013
This is the book that started it all. My love for books (to the point of crazy) started after I read this book. It was the first large book (at a young age, this was considered large for me)that made me realize how great a story can be. I recommend it for young kids, not just boys.
October 14, 2014
Ricky is an awesomely written book. It is about a boy about, an animal lover, who takes all the risks possible to do the right thing. I recommend this book to people looking for a read with a good ending and a little humor.
October 8, 2010
It wasn't the best, but was pretty good.
May 8, 2017
I will probably reread this book over Christmas holidays! I read its long time ago, but I remember I loved it!
February 10, 2016
It was cute
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews