Finally Thirteen

by Richard Read

Everything changes when you’re thirteen!When they were in sixth grade, Calista Snipe and her best friends, Skyler McCray and Tabitha Tyler, narrowly escaped being kidnapped by Flash and Joint, two subordinates of crime boss, Wee Willie Sturgis. That horrific event is behind the children as they now prepare to enter Parkington Junior High. They soon find that the junior high school presents its own set of challenges and hurdles. Four elementary schools send students to Park Junior. The kaleidoscope of new faces, seventh and eighth grade students, is at first overwhelming. In addition to the familiar but always stress producing tasks encountered with academic assignments, Cali, Sky, and Tab must now make new friends, must take on new activities, and deal with the tantalizing and embarrassing excitement of their budding sexuality.The three friends are soon involved with eighth grader Talia Murphy, who helps a classmate expand her junior high drug trade; with Bill Baxter, who has an exceptional athletic talent and a keen interest in romance with almost every girl he meets; with Melanie Kent, a girl blessed both with physical precociousness and extremely affluent parents; with Leantos and Lee Ann Mosley, eighth grade twins who also happen to become Cali’s, Tab’s, and Sky’s first African-American friends; and with Pablo Cruz, who is using amphetamines to enhance his athletic skills and is involved with older youths who often attempt to manipulate younger students into providing sexual benefits.In the meantime, the children’s past nemeses, senior high student, Carl Huff, and Wee Willie Sturgis continue to practice their illegal dealings. Is it possible that the criminal behavior of Huff and Sturgis will once more impact the lives of Calista, Tabitha, and Skyler?

427 pages, Paperback

Published December 14, 2015

Reviews

[milly refrers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Thirteen perfectly captures that confusing, magical age when everything begins to change. The mix of friendship, danger, and personal growth keeps readers hooked. Richard Read’s writing is heartfelt and beautifully detailed, making this story unforgettable.

[miaa mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel shines with emotional depth and authenticity. Richard Read’s portrayal of Calista and her friends is honest and warm. Finally Thirteen is both an engaging adventure and a meaningful reflection on growing up.

[nick jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Read has created a world that young readers can easily relate to. The mix of school drama, friendship, and danger keeps the pages turning. Finally Thirteen is a thoughtful, emotional, and inspiring novel.

[jack ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard Read has delivered a masterpiece of youthful energy and moral strength. The girls’ friendship is the heart of Finally Thirteen, and it beats with love and courage. This is an inspiring and important book.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard Read writes with empathy and clarity, making Finally Thirteen an absolute delight to read. The story blends everyday school life with suspenseful undertones. A powerful book about friendship and courage.

[Amily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Thirteen shows that courage and friendship can overcome even the darkest moments. Richard Read brings these characters to life with compassion and skill. A touching, inspiring book for all readers.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting read. I'm not sure I'll continue this story, it doesn't feel realistic. But it's worth a read if you're looking for something new

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Thirteen is both an emotional roller coaster and a thoughtful reflection on growing up. The friendships are heartwarming and authentic. Richard Read’s storytelling leaves a lasting impact.

[jones edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world of Finally Thirteen feels so alive and relatable. The mix of school life, friendship, and danger makes it unforgettable. Richard Read’s writing glows with warmth and humanity.

[Michelle Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally Thirteen tells the story of best friends Calista Snipe, Tabatha Tyler, and Skylar McCray's experiences as they embark on to Junior High. Like their peers, these teenagers have to traverse the daily life of high school with its cliques, many new faces, after school clubs, and sporting and social events, as well as the all-important teen issues of working out what to wear! As if they did not already have enough to deal with, there are also a few other dramas along the way, such as a blossoming drug trade in their school. The friends already had a testing time in sixth grade, when they were nearly kidnapped by the evil crime boss Wee Willie Sturgis and his two cronies, who are currently serving time in prison for the offense. Author Richard Read mentions this incident a few times throughout this book, so it is unnecessary to read previous books in the series to follow the novel.

This is a very character-driven story. Read does very well in attempting to explain who is who among the minor characters, although it may confuse some young readers, especially at the dances or party. When Tabatha sneaks off to a party, there are no holds barred where Read describes some of the trouble she could get into, and an active imagination could certainly fill in the blanks.

This is a great book to show young readers how others of their age range may traverse the complexities of adolescence and some of the situations that girls, especially, may find themselves in. I personally love the strength of the friendships described in Finally Thirteen, as friendships are an important part of growing up.

Originally reviewed for Manhattan Book Review.