Sam's grandfather vanished from his life the day Sam's father was buried. Now, ten years later, Grandpa Max wants to make amends. He sends letters that lead Sam on a scavenger hunt. Sam follows his grandfather's bizarre instructions though he's still not ready to forgive. To alleviate his anger at his grandfather, Sam turns to his favorite stress release: climbing onto roofs and leaving his tag, a spray painted symbol for Aquarius. When he gets caught by an elderly couple, Sam learns a valuable lesson about forgiveness. He's ready to forgive his grandfather, but is he too late?
Rebel's Tag is a realistic fiction story by K.L. Denman. Even though the story is interesting, I have to point out that the book does not give its main character, Sam, much depth. We don't get to see much into his head. Though he has some good background, I think that if the book was longer, Sam would be a much more realistic character.
The book doesn't give much detail about the side characters either. It leaves you with a lot of questions, such as, How did Sam and Indi meet, Or, why was henry sad before he met grandpa Max? Why did Grandpa Max send Sam on this scavenger hunt anyway? To me, the world of Rebel's Tag just isn't real enough.
When Sam Connors was four his father died in a car accident, and his grandfather exited his life rather than deal with the pain. Sam's now 14 and doesn't really remember much from those days. Then his mom gives him an envelope with a letter from his long lost Grandpa Max sending Sam on a scavenger hunt of sorts. Sam brings his friend Indi, a girl and neighbor who he's enjoyed secretly climbing roofs and watching the sky with since they were eleven. But time changes all things. There's freedom on the roof and a rebel planet in the sky to help guide Sam through it all. The author does a great job tying together roofing, astronomy, Sumerian sayings, forgiveness and more in this very good, short read.
I chose this book because the cover seemed interesting. I like this book because I like mystery and drama in my books. I watch a lot of shows with mystery and drama I find it interesting because it makes you want to keep reading the book. Its a good book I recommend you read it. It will make you want to keep reading it. If you don't like books that are super heavy this is the book to read.
This book makes me want to read other books like this because it is very nice. These types of books makes you want to keep reading it. If this books had a series I would want to keep reading it because its nice and I like it.
The story took a rather philosophical turn that wasn't allowed the proper room to develop in such a short story. The main plot was interesting as it followed Sam on both his adventures with Indi and on his quest to reconnect with his past. The use of astrology, astronomy and Sumarian history could have been more interesting but for the manner in which that information was shredded out to the reader and left hanging throughout the story. It left a feeling of someone throwing out fortune cookie papers in an attempt to bring more meaning to the book. The story and characters were strong enough to have done just fine without so much interference.
Although written for Young Adults, the Orca publishers appear to select works that have relevant and current issues facing our youth. I enjoy keeping up to date with the challenges facing our young people.
This book was pretty awesome. It is all about coming to a realization, and leaving childhood behind to move forward. A 'coming of age' story, if you will!
Like I have said about every Orca Soundings/Currents/Sports books, too short! I keep reading them because they have good ideas and there have been some that I have really liked.