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Diary of a Maxed Out Kid #1
Diary of a Maxed Out Kid
Middle school isn't easy for anyone, especially not Max Lapin. He gets bullied, has anxieties about almost everything (including seeing his own blood) and has a crush on the smartest girl in his class. But through it all, 12-year-old Max finds solace in his favorite sport. Soccer.
When a government contractor destroys their favorite soccer pitch, Max falls into disarray. It doesn’t help that the meanest gang in school controls the town’s other soccer field.
See the world through Max’s eyes as he learns his lessons about growing up — the joy of helping others, finding compromise, and talking to girls. The book is set in Soviet-era Russia, but Max’s experiences of being a kid are universal.
Max must confront his fears to do what he loves. If he fails, he risks losing his friends, his passion for soccer, and the girl of his dreams. But, if he succeeds…
Join the club of satisfied readers who call Max! “One of the best books ever,” “Extraordinarily enjoyable,” and “Inspirational.”
When a government contractor destroys their favorite soccer pitch, Max falls into disarray. It doesn’t help that the meanest gang in school controls the town’s other soccer field.
See the world through Max’s eyes as he learns his lessons about growing up — the joy of helping others, finding compromise, and talking to girls. The book is set in Soviet-era Russia, but Max’s experiences of being a kid are universal.
Max must confront his fears to do what he loves. If he fails, he risks losing his friends, his passion for soccer, and the girl of his dreams. But, if he succeeds…
Join the club of satisfied readers who call Max! “One of the best books ever,” “Extraordinarily enjoyable,” and “Inspirational.”
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2014
18 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 29, 2017
This is the first book in the series. Max is a kid growing up in Russia in the 80s. This is just as a warning, since some of the names and situations may be a little difficult to understand if you do not know Russian culture. This isn't a major problem, it just makes it harder to relate to some of the situations in the book.
Overall, I find Max to be a likable character. He's a boy's boy with a heart of gold. I hope his character continues to develop through the other books.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Vic Connor
Publisher: Helvetic House
Publication Date: 13 Dec 2014
Overall, I find Max to be a likable character. He's a boy's boy with a heart of gold. I hope his character continues to develop through the other books.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Vic Connor
Publisher: Helvetic House
Publication Date: 13 Dec 2014
February 7, 2019
This book is about a boy named Max Lupin. Max is introduced to 5th grade with a twist. Bullies, relationships, and schoolwork. Max goes on an adventure in 5th grade with his friends, fighting for Monastry Park against Tolik the bully and his goons. I would recommend this book to someone who is just wanting to read a good book.
November 11, 2018
A good middle grade school book. writing was easy and story flowed smoothly.
March 4, 2016
Having previously read Max Candee’s work, I was enthusiastic as I picked up the Diary of a Maxed out kid. Now, I wanted to give my teenage cousin a book on her birthday and “Diary of a Maxed-out Kid” seemed like a great choice. Initially, I was a bit skeptical that the book might have similarities with Diary of a wimpy kid, but the story is widely different. Though this book is best suited for teens, but I found the writing style friendly and refreshing.
The book takes us back to the seventh grade where a young kid is having the same problems that every teenager faces. Girls! Each chapter of the book is an encounter of Maxim, or as he is popularly called, Max, and every chapter brings a fresh new incident of its own. I liked the fact that every chapter offers something new to the story but at the same time keeps pace with a general storyline. The kids are going to enjoy the different school incidents – from trying to stand out from the crowd to impressing the girl, the tales will either connect with you or leave you feeling nostalgic.
As I was diving more into the book, I thought the periodic narration of events might be a tad bit monotonous. But to my surprise, I quite enjoyed the flow of writing. It was simple and never lost the pace. There were many interesting incidents that keep the readers engaged. A lovely novel that is fun yet factual. I think teenagers can easily connect to the novel. Instead of creating a girl-next-door crush of the kid, the author has actually created a strong character, Tanya. From the very beginning of the story we are introduced to her personality, and despite feeling for Maxim the readers will love Tanya’s character too.
In the end, the book was an interesting and enjoyable read. Despite being a tad bit cliché, I think Max Candee has beautifully narrated the stories of a young kid. Besides kids, even adults will find the book a fun read and not at all monotonous. I loved the fresh vibe and vibrancy that the book brought, definitely looking forward to more.
February 14, 2016
"Diary of a Maxed-out Kid" is a very funny story and at heart, a very inspiring one.
Set in Russia during the Cold War era, it is the coming-of-age tale of Maxim who, as most teenagers, has to overcome the struggles that come with growing up. While having to confront peer pressure and bullying, Maxim has a crush on Tanya who, needless to say, does not return his attentions.
But just when it all seems too difficult for Maxim to handle, his grandfather steps in and starts telling him about his years during World War II and his fight for survival. Through these stories, and learning how his grandfather overcame his fears during the darkest of times, Maxim looks for new inspiration to overcome his own ordeals.
As a background to the plot, there is a lot of historical background of Russia, set in 1983, which really adds much depth to the story, together with the stories of the grandfather.
Although this book is for teenagers, young and old of any age will surely enjoy it as much as I have.
Good to know that there is already a second book in the series waiting to be read.
Set in Russia during the Cold War era, it is the coming-of-age tale of Maxim who, as most teenagers, has to overcome the struggles that come with growing up. While having to confront peer pressure and bullying, Maxim has a crush on Tanya who, needless to say, does not return his attentions.
But just when it all seems too difficult for Maxim to handle, his grandfather steps in and starts telling him about his years during World War II and his fight for survival. Through these stories, and learning how his grandfather overcame his fears during the darkest of times, Maxim looks for new inspiration to overcome his own ordeals.
As a background to the plot, there is a lot of historical background of Russia, set in 1983, which really adds much depth to the story, together with the stories of the grandfather.
Although this book is for teenagers, young and old of any age will surely enjoy it as much as I have.
Good to know that there is already a second book in the series waiting to be read.
May 19, 2016
I was given a copy of this book by the Author and it is my absolute pleasure to write this review.
I couldn't put the book down. In fact, when I had to stop and eat, it was a case of telling myself "just one more page..." And so it went, on and on. And I that's how the last few hours passed by.
This is an amazing story about a bright young guy who is discovering right from wrong and learning what not to do and what is acceptable. I loved the way he works things out logically and that he knows he can ask for advice when he needs to.
He finds himself attracted to a young lady and fumbles through that friendship in a very amusing kind of way. He fights a 'battle' for something he feels strongly about and wins it. He strengthens the bonds of his existing friendships and makes new friends with others.
The illustrations clearly show what has been written about and are just as I had imagined the incidents.
All in all, this is a beautiful story and one I would be happy for my grandchildren and any other children to read. Enjoy,
I couldn't put the book down. In fact, when I had to stop and eat, it was a case of telling myself "just one more page..." And so it went, on and on. And I that's how the last few hours passed by.
This is an amazing story about a bright young guy who is discovering right from wrong and learning what not to do and what is acceptable. I loved the way he works things out logically and that he knows he can ask for advice when he needs to.
He finds himself attracted to a young lady and fumbles through that friendship in a very amusing kind of way. He fights a 'battle' for something he feels strongly about and wins it. He strengthens the bonds of his existing friendships and makes new friends with others.
The illustrations clearly show what has been written about and are just as I had imagined the incidents.
All in all, this is a beautiful story and one I would be happy for my grandchildren and any other children to read. Enjoy,
March 13, 2016
Set against the backdrop of everyday life in the Soviet Union, this humorous coming-of-age story is both a young man’s journey of discovery, and a glimpse at this fascinating period of Russian history. The year is 1983, and the Cold War between America and the Soviet Union is escalating again. In the small Soviet town of Belsk though, a young Russian teenager has bigger things on his mind, matters much more pressing to a boy in the seventh grade.
An endearing read for any young teen. Max is dealing with more than childish problems at school. H learning valuable life lessons from the good and bad situations and people he encounters. I would love my son to read this and know he will enjoy it as much as other books he's read. I certainly find this a better read than those in the similar genre.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
An endearing read for any young teen. Max is dealing with more than childish problems at school. H learning valuable life lessons from the good and bad situations and people he encounters. I would love my son to read this and know he will enjoy it as much as other books he's read. I certainly find this a better read than those in the similar genre.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2016
I have read two of this author's other books. When I saw this one available I grabbed it. It is different than the other two I have read, yet just as good. That is kudos for the author!
Max is in seventh grade, along with all the issues that entails. Max is in Russia, during The Cold War. What, you didn't think just being in seventh grade was enough stress did you? Helping Max cope is his Grandfather, a Veteran of World War II. In this way we get lots of history, in a format that is easy to read and will suck younger readers right into learning without their noticing it so much. That was clever, and well done.
Like this authors other books, this book reads great for any age. I hope I can read the entire series. All the characters are strong and the story is page turning.
My copy came from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. (Thank you Net Galley!)
Max is in seventh grade, along with all the issues that entails. Max is in Russia, during The Cold War. What, you didn't think just being in seventh grade was enough stress did you? Helping Max cope is his Grandfather, a Veteran of World War II. In this way we get lots of history, in a format that is easy to read and will suck younger readers right into learning without their noticing it so much. That was clever, and well done.
Like this authors other books, this book reads great for any age. I hope I can read the entire series. All the characters are strong and the story is page turning.
My copy came from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. (Thank you Net Galley!)
September 16, 2018
Max was a extraordinary book.What the author did very well as really well was connecting to the reader.When things happened in the book I was intriguied.I would want to read more and never stop.I think the author did well and he made everything flawless.I absolutely loved this book.I am exited to read the next book.The author really did well with the events.I could really imagine those things happening.I think what seemed unrealistic was that the photo on the cover and on the illustrations seemed nothing like each other.But I saw the resembalance.In overall I would rate this a five star rating because if it has soccer I am usually intriguied.But if you are not a big fan of soccer you will still love this book.
April 15, 2016
I found this book easy to relate to, despite having few things in common with Maxim, the main character. He is a 7th grade boy just beginning his adolescence, having a serious crush, and lives in the Soviet Union. In my case, I have more in common with his dad!
It is Maxim's companionship with his grandfather that helps Maxim to put his day-to-day challenges in perspective. Sometimes his grandfather talks about the war. Sometimes he uses examples to help Maxim sort out what is the right thing to do. With the help of such good advice, Max grows a lot. I really liked reading about his journey.
It is Maxim's companionship with his grandfather that helps Maxim to put his day-to-day challenges in perspective. Sometimes his grandfather talks about the war. Sometimes he uses examples to help Maxim sort out what is the right thing to do. With the help of such good advice, Max grows a lot. I really liked reading about his journey.
June 24, 2016
Received this book from netgally and the publisher in exchange for review this has in no way affected my opinion.
I couldn't put this book down in fact I actually read this in one day. This is an amazing story about a bright guy who is discovering his morals and I loved the way he worked things out and asks for advice when it is needed. I loved that this also included how to deal with being attracted to another person. I also loved the friendships that are included within this story. I also enjoyed the illustrations that are show in this novel. This is a beautiful story and I would recommend this book for other children to read and enjoy
I couldn't put this book down in fact I actually read this in one day. This is an amazing story about a bright guy who is discovering his morals and I loved the way he worked things out and asks for advice when it is needed. I loved that this also included how to deal with being attracted to another person. I also loved the friendships that are included within this story. I also enjoyed the illustrations that are show in this novel. This is a beautiful story and I would recommend this book for other children to read and enjoy
September 6, 2016
Set in Russia, in 1983, Max is a seventh grader, who along with his best friend Alex and others, are dealing with an 8th grade bully named Tolik, who has claimed ownership of what soon becomes the only soccer field in the area when a building is constructed in the field they used to play in. In addition, Max finds that Alex likes Tanya, the same girl that he likes. The story is well written, funny, and all around, a great read. I think that middle grade kids will enjoy it a lot. I received this book free to review from Netgalley and I highly recommend it.
February 10, 2016
This book was given me in a box set by Rebecca Hamilton in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Although this book is for the 12-18 yr genre ( I'm in my 60's) I found it a very interesting story of Cold War Russia and the bullying that still goes on in today's society . Seen through his fantasy this story is well written and very enjoyable and worth reading , as much for the history lesson and moral outlook. Recommended and worth its 4* rating .
Although this book is for the 12-18 yr genre ( I'm in my 60's) I found it a very interesting story of Cold War Russia and the bullying that still goes on in today's society . Seen through his fantasy this story is well written and very enjoyable and worth reading , as much for the history lesson and moral outlook. Recommended and worth its 4* rating .
January 24, 2019
The author transition well when he went from one character to another. The book would have had been better if max had a twin brother. What seemed realistic was that the connection he had with Tanya. What seemed unrealistic is that Tanay brought Max soup because they weren’t dating.
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February 12, 2017I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews