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Mr. 60%
Matt Nolan is the high school drug dealer, deadbeat, and soon-to-be dropout according to everyone at his school. His vice principal is counting down the days until Mr. 60% (aka Matt) finally flunks out and is no longer his problem. What no one knows is the only reason Matt sells drugs is to take care of his uncle Jack, who is dying of cancer.
Meet Amanda. The overly cheerful social outcast whose optimism makes Matt want to hurl. Stuck as partners during an after-school club (mandatory for Matt), it’s only a matter of time until Amanda discovers Matt’s secret. But Amanda is used to dealing with heartbreak, and she’s determined to help Matt find a way to give life 100 percent.
Meet Amanda. The overly cheerful social outcast whose optimism makes Matt want to hurl. Stuck as partners during an after-school club (mandatory for Matt), it’s only a matter of time until Amanda discovers Matt’s secret. But Amanda is used to dealing with heartbreak, and she’s determined to help Matt find a way to give life 100 percent.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published August 22, 2017
13 people are currently reading
562 people want to read
About the author
Clete Barrett Smith
9 books91 followersClete Barrett Smith’s first novel, Aliens on Vacation, will be published by Disney-Hyperion Books for Children in May, 2011. A sequel, part of The Intergalactic Bed & Breakfast series for middle grade readers, will come out the following year. A lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, Clete taught English, Drama and Speech at the high school level for over a dozen years and has also worked in journalism. Clete received his MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts in January, 2010. He currently lives in Bellingham, Washington with his wife and two daughters.
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August 12, 2017
I received an ARC copy of Mr. 60% in exchange for an honest review. Thanks goes to NetGalley as well as Crown Books for Young Readers for this advanced copy which is expected to be released August 22 2017.
Mr. 60% by Clete Barrett Smith is exactly as the title states – sixty percent. This is an average book with nothing unique, outstanding or memorable about it. There is nothing to critique, rant about, acclaim. Everything that happens in this book is typical, ordinary and all together bland. I was not effected by the storyline in any way shape or form. It is only 192 pages so I was able to finish it in one sitting, but that is not to say that it was a page turner. It seems as though this book was just spit out over night. It was written hurriedly and with as little imagination as possible.
Mr. 60% is about a bad ass jerk, Matt, who goes to high school not for education, but to reach his customers. He averages – you guessed it – sixty percent in all of his classes. He lives with his Uncle Jack in a trailer park. He never knew his father and his mother is in jail. The money he makes off selling drugs at school goes to his uncle’s pain killers. Uncle Jack is slowly dying of cancer and there is little he or Matt can do but wait for the illness to overcome him and ultimately take his life away. Matt bears the weight of adult life on his shoulders and is seen as the “tough guy you don’t mess with” at school. He has few friends as his main objectives consist of scraping enough money through selling in order to get by. His vice principal and school counselor are on consistently on his back to pick his grades up or alternatively expel him from high school. A new school rule comes along that requires Matt to join a club and the only one he qualifies for is the community service club. Here, he meets Amanda, a fat girl with aspirations to go to nursing school. The two are paired together in the school club and after a rough beginning, have an unbreakable friendship.
Okay so where is the “umpf” that we are all waiting for? Step aside and allow me to say “it ain’t here.” We have our average kid selling drugs to pay his family’s medical expenses. A bubbly, way too happy-go-lucky girl comes along and becomes a part of this guy’s life. Amanda basically turns into Uncle Jack’s nurse and goes as far as missing some of school so she can babysit him. Matt is literally a miracle in Amanda’s life as she has had no friends up to this point. Reason? She’s fat. Really? I mean…really? Just because a girl is fat she has no friends? I find this so unrealistic and just straight out unnecessary. Excuse me for saying so but there are plenty of people out there who look past exteriors and into a person’s heart and personality. I mean, just about half the world’s population is overweight, thanks to fast food and microwave dinners, so to basically say that Amanda is lonely because she’s fat just irritated me beyond all measures.
While the book should have been heart-wrenching and deeply personal since it does draw upon the forces of cancer and the effects that it can have on loved ones, the author’s description and treatment of the issue was just dry and submissive. There did not seem to be any connection between Uncle Jack and Matt other than they have to live and deal with each other. There is a brief scene at where Matt is reading a card written to him by Uncle Jack that is pretty sentimental, that’s all we get. There is no character development and no great resolution. After Uncle Jack dies Matt literally spends the next few weeks in complete and utter isolation despite Amanda’s continuous attempts to help him.
The ending was unsatisfying and just as wishy-washy as the plot was. It is almost as though the writer got weary from writing that he just decided to send Matt off into Amanda’s pudgy arms and “happy days are here again.” There were no shocking endings or plot twists. There was little character conflict or development. I feel as though this book could have been easily written during a weekend stuck in Yosemite. The plot and idea is fine and dandy but there has to be something striking that separates this plot from several other books which have similar storylines. In Mr. 60% everything happens just as one would anticipate. A boy deals drugs at school and gets busted on multiple occasions. He hides his breaking life from the rest of the world. He gets stuck with a girl he doesn’t care for but eventually becomes friends with her. His family member dies and now he’s alone and depressed. Fast forward a few weeks and he is friends again with the girl. That is, bottom line, all that happens. I don’t understand how a reader is expected to enjoy a story that has the most typical, monotonous plot, characters, and events.
I am giving this book 2.5 stars instead of 1 because, while it was a milk-and-water read, I can’t say it was disastrous. The author still told the story and followed a very coherent, easy to follow direction. However, I read for thrill and the opportunity to traverse and lose myself in the fictional universe. Mr. 60% was not the book for that. I felt little to no connection with anything happening or being described. It was heavy in dialogue with not enough description to create a tone or a mood. I’m still not exactly sure what the author was expecting the reader to think or feel after reading, but I do not think “nothing” was the goal, which is exactly how I feel towards it now “nothing.”
Mr. 60% by Clete Barrett Smith is exactly as the title states – sixty percent. This is an average book with nothing unique, outstanding or memorable about it. There is nothing to critique, rant about, acclaim. Everything that happens in this book is typical, ordinary and all together bland. I was not effected by the storyline in any way shape or form. It is only 192 pages so I was able to finish it in one sitting, but that is not to say that it was a page turner. It seems as though this book was just spit out over night. It was written hurriedly and with as little imagination as possible.
Mr. 60% is about a bad ass jerk, Matt, who goes to high school not for education, but to reach his customers. He averages – you guessed it – sixty percent in all of his classes. He lives with his Uncle Jack in a trailer park. He never knew his father and his mother is in jail. The money he makes off selling drugs at school goes to his uncle’s pain killers. Uncle Jack is slowly dying of cancer and there is little he or Matt can do but wait for the illness to overcome him and ultimately take his life away. Matt bears the weight of adult life on his shoulders and is seen as the “tough guy you don’t mess with” at school. He has few friends as his main objectives consist of scraping enough money through selling in order to get by. His vice principal and school counselor are on consistently on his back to pick his grades up or alternatively expel him from high school. A new school rule comes along that requires Matt to join a club and the only one he qualifies for is the community service club. Here, he meets Amanda, a fat girl with aspirations to go to nursing school. The two are paired together in the school club and after a rough beginning, have an unbreakable friendship.
Okay so where is the “umpf” that we are all waiting for? Step aside and allow me to say “it ain’t here.” We have our average kid selling drugs to pay his family’s medical expenses. A bubbly, way too happy-go-lucky girl comes along and becomes a part of this guy’s life. Amanda basically turns into Uncle Jack’s nurse and goes as far as missing some of school so she can babysit him. Matt is literally a miracle in Amanda’s life as she has had no friends up to this point. Reason? She’s fat. Really? I mean…really? Just because a girl is fat she has no friends? I find this so unrealistic and just straight out unnecessary. Excuse me for saying so but there are plenty of people out there who look past exteriors and into a person’s heart and personality. I mean, just about half the world’s population is overweight, thanks to fast food and microwave dinners, so to basically say that Amanda is lonely because she’s fat just irritated me beyond all measures.
While the book should have been heart-wrenching and deeply personal since it does draw upon the forces of cancer and the effects that it can have on loved ones, the author’s description and treatment of the issue was just dry and submissive. There did not seem to be any connection between Uncle Jack and Matt other than they have to live and deal with each other. There is a brief scene at where Matt is reading a card written to him by Uncle Jack that is pretty sentimental, that’s all we get. There is no character development and no great resolution. After Uncle Jack dies Matt literally spends the next few weeks in complete and utter isolation despite Amanda’s continuous attempts to help him.
The ending was unsatisfying and just as wishy-washy as the plot was. It is almost as though the writer got weary from writing that he just decided to send Matt off into Amanda’s pudgy arms and “happy days are here again.” There were no shocking endings or plot twists. There was little character conflict or development. I feel as though this book could have been easily written during a weekend stuck in Yosemite. The plot and idea is fine and dandy but there has to be something striking that separates this plot from several other books which have similar storylines. In Mr. 60% everything happens just as one would anticipate. A boy deals drugs at school and gets busted on multiple occasions. He hides his breaking life from the rest of the world. He gets stuck with a girl he doesn’t care for but eventually becomes friends with her. His family member dies and now he’s alone and depressed. Fast forward a few weeks and he is friends again with the girl. That is, bottom line, all that happens. I don’t understand how a reader is expected to enjoy a story that has the most typical, monotonous plot, characters, and events.
I am giving this book 2.5 stars instead of 1 because, while it was a milk-and-water read, I can’t say it was disastrous. The author still told the story and followed a very coherent, easy to follow direction. However, I read for thrill and the opportunity to traverse and lose myself in the fictional universe. Mr. 60% was not the book for that. I felt little to no connection with anything happening or being described. It was heavy in dialogue with not enough description to create a tone or a mood. I’m still not exactly sure what the author was expecting the reader to think or feel after reading, but I do not think “nothing” was the goal, which is exactly how I feel towards it now “nothing.”
August 21, 2017
4.5 “Crying on the bus” Stars
ARC via NetGalley
Thank you, Crown Books for Young Readers!!!
Sometimes a story will just get under your skin and tug at your heart. Sometimes you won’t even see it coming. That’s what happened with Mr. 60%.
First, let me say I love this title. It’s unique, memorable and it has an important meaning to the story, which always makes me happy. A title that has a clear connection to the story is one of my favorite things ever!
When I started reading Mr. 60%, I was immediately hit by a sense of familiarity. I’ve recently finished another YA book that had a teen drug dealer and an overweight girl as the two main characters, Trust by Kylie Scott. Soon enough, though, I learned these two books were worlds apart. They were both great, but the tone and narrative were completely different.
While Trust is a clear romance-focused book, Mr. 60%’s message is more about dealing with loss, finding hope and surrounding yourself with good people. And, dude, this book is filled with genuinely good people as characters.
The school counselor, Mr. Marsh, for example, is a good, good man. I wish there were more people like him in the world. More people like him working at schools all over the world. The way he didn’t push, but was still there for Matt was brilliant. He’s a clear example of a person who isn’t willing to give up because he wants to make a difference, and he knows how to make a difference. People often get themselves lost in their need to help because they don’t know what to do, but I believe there are many folks out there that are level-headed like Mr. Marsh, and those are the people who should be around teenagers and helping them find their way. Mr. Marsh was a side character, but the amount of love and appreciation I have for him isn’t small at all.
I think I only loved him less than I did Amanda, because there’s no competing with that girl. Amanda will be a phenomenal nurse one day—and yes, I’m talking about her as if she was a real person. Deal with it. I absolutely loved how good and pure and genuine and pretty much perfect she was. She didn’t have anything to gain by helping. There were no promises. No guarantees. She simply did because she wanted to and because she saw someone in need of help. I loved how easy it was for her to fit into Matt and Jack’s life, as if she belonged. And she did. It was all so cohesive and easy and warm. THE FEELS!
Now to Matt and Uncle Jack. Man. The tears. The freaking tears. I have to say that one of my favorite things about this was how these two characters were flawed, but they still charmed me and made me feel so much for them. Uncle Jack wasn’t this perfect father figure, but he was still a father to Matt. A good father and a good uncle and a good man, even though it was implied he’d done some shady things in the past. Same for Matt. He was a freaking drug dealer, so he was far from a conventional good guy. He broke the law left and right, and I’m not even sure if it was all because of his uncle’s situation or if he would’ve gone down that path anyway. But Matt was a lost kid who’d gotten the short end of the stick when it came to life in general, and it seemed like Mr. 60% only needed a little bit of light (Amanda) and guidance (Mr. Marsh) to find a way out of that hole.
While Matt did questionable things, I still wanted to hug him. I wanted to be Amanda’s mom and hug him real tight because he gave me something I need when I read books. He gave me the kind of priceless dynamic I want to see in every story when it came to his relationship with his uncle. I want to see characters who care about each other even when they’re not throwing I love yous around. People who’ll care for each other and be there when needed. People who’ll sacrifice and hurt and make me cry. I’m not a crier, but this book reduced me to a crying mess. I should’ve known better than to read the final chapters on the bus.
So while this was a quiet read with no romance (yeah, sorry, but Amanda and Matt are perfectly platonic—yeah, I said perfect, and I’m the biggest romance fan ever), it gave me more than I needed. More than I expected when I started reading. It gave me hope that somewhere out there “Amandas” and “Mr. Marshs” will find their “Matts” and help them out of the dark.
August 9, 2017
I was not expecting this little book to pack such a big punch! Review to come.
March 26, 2018
Matt's journey--as the high school drug dealer caring for his dying uncle--could have been dark, depressing, and hopeless. And yet it wasn't. Raw in places, MR. 60% was full of characters who gave me such hope, and Matt was anything but average as the hero. I cared enormously about his wellbeing.
I'm drawn to YA that touches on the dark side of life, and I think this book would appeal to anyone who loved ELEANOR & PARK.
I'm drawn to YA that touches on the dark side of life, and I think this book would appeal to anyone who loved ELEANOR & PARK.
July 27, 2017
// Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review //
it's sad because I was actually so excited to finally be able to read this book :((
"She didn't know it wasn't a choice. He was alone."
I just found this book so sad and depressing and I could not find it in myself to be able to connect with any of the characters. Though, I did start to feel some of the characters much more midway through the book. The story and the plot was really slow and I cannot find the point of everything that was going on. I was not a fan of the incorporation of drugs into the story. Not my cup of tea.
Amanda's character was perfect. . .maybe too perfect for a story like this. It's not a cliche story but, I guess what I expected was a very cheesy love story, based on the title and how the cover made me feel when I saw it.
In the end, I felt bad for both Matt and Amanda (not exactly sure why). It isn't because I hated this book but more for the fact that I really didn't feel anything that was going on in the book. I guess I am just more of a happy, light, deep person when it comes to books. I don't really like anything too depressing.
it's sad because I was actually so excited to finally be able to read this book :((
"She didn't know it wasn't a choice. He was alone."
I just found this book so sad and depressing and I could not find it in myself to be able to connect with any of the characters. Though, I did start to feel some of the characters much more midway through the book. The story and the plot was really slow and I cannot find the point of everything that was going on. I was not a fan of the incorporation of drugs into the story. Not my cup of tea.
Amanda's character was perfect. . .maybe too perfect for a story like this. It's not a cliche story but, I guess what I expected was a very cheesy love story, based on the title and how the cover made me feel when I saw it.
In the end, I felt bad for both Matt and Amanda (not exactly sure why). It isn't because I hated this book but more for the fact that I really didn't feel anything that was going on in the book. I guess I am just more of a happy, light, deep person when it comes to books. I don't really like anything too depressing.
February 2, 2017
Funny, tender, and touching, I loved reading this book. I felt for Matt and the many challenges he faces every day. Everyone has a story, and an outside observer, like Assistant Principal Gill, might just see Matt as a selfish jerk, when, in fact, he has sacrificed himself to care for his ailing uncle. Matt’s wants or needs actually come last on his list. Refreshing to read a YA book where the two main teen characters are male and female and aren’t involved in a budding romance. At the start, I enjoyed the witty banter between Matt, Jack, and Amanda; in the end I cared about these characters, their feelings, and their futures. I predict a bright future for this book, and I recommend it 100%. Full review at https://bachbooks.wordpress.com/2017/...
October 27, 2017
This book packed a powerful punch in very few pages, but I do wish it had been a bit longer. You can read my full review here - https://skysreadingcorner.wordpress.c...
March 26, 2018
What a gut punch this short but deep book has! I don't remember where I saw it recommended but glad to have gotten my hands on it and I will share it widely. A teenage boy who gets by in school without much ambition or thought about the future with teachers with an ax to grind with him as a drug dealer (albeit a smart one) at school who want to catch him in the act. But he's clever and the introduction endears us to him as Smith aptly maneuvers how we can loathe and love Matt at the same time.
... but it's what readers find out soon enough about Matt that delivers the blow and reinforces the adage not to assume we know people because we don't know what's going on in their lives. Matt has a sick uncle who he cares for in their trailer. He is supposed to be living with a grandmother and you find out where Matt's mother is toward the end of the story in another frustrating set of scenes. But this is how Matt survives and while the pressure is difficult as Jack's cancer progresses and morphine hardly touches him, Matt also befriends Amanda after being forced into a club before graduation. Her goal is nursing and she realizes that as much as Jack needs nursing support, Matt also needs a friend.
Emotions run high and deep in this story with super short chapters that amplify the drama. Would I have wished it a bit longer? Sure, but it stuck to it's guns and ends hopefully enough without it being pat. A silent story shedding light on the harder sides of caretaking.
... but it's what readers find out soon enough about Matt that delivers the blow and reinforces the adage not to assume we know people because we don't know what's going on in their lives. Matt has a sick uncle who he cares for in their trailer. He is supposed to be living with a grandmother and you find out where Matt's mother is toward the end of the story in another frustrating set of scenes. But this is how Matt survives and while the pressure is difficult as Jack's cancer progresses and morphine hardly touches him, Matt also befriends Amanda after being forced into a club before graduation. Her goal is nursing and she realizes that as much as Jack needs nursing support, Matt also needs a friend.
Emotions run high and deep in this story with super short chapters that amplify the drama. Would I have wished it a bit longer? Sure, but it stuck to it's guns and ends hopefully enough without it being pat. A silent story shedding light on the harder sides of caretaking.
March 22, 2017
This is strange. I want to say that I liked this book. But I didn't. In fact, I borderline hated it. However, this book REALLY impressed me for about 50 pages. I don't just mean "eh, this is good." It genuinely IMPRESSED me and is the only thing saving this book from a 1 out of 5 stars rating. However, it gets SICKENINGLY sweet and bubbly and becomes the YA novel that I HATE. It went from a book that reminded me of "Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock," which is a YA novel that I really like and respect, and turns itself into the horrible, disgustingly cute romance novel you just can't seem to escape nowadays. Simply put, I both was really impressed by this and HATED IT with a burning passion. But I do have to come to a decision. In short, yes, this is a bad book. If a book, no matter how good a part of it is, gets THIS bad, I cannot like it. Simply put. I do NOT recommend this book and I was personally extremely disappointed by it.
I am giving this one a 2 out of 5 stars.
I am giving this one a 2 out of 5 stars.
August 3, 2017
I received this as an ARC directly from the author himself. All I had to do was ask:)! I really did like this book a lot, but I guess I didn't realize how serious it was going to be until I got into it. Matt is a great character--he is trying to hard to keep his head above water dealing drugs and taking care of his uncle who is in the end stages of cancer while also trying to go to school and graduate. Matt obviously loves his uncle so much and in spite of their somewhat caustic relationship, Matt is doing everything he can to keep his uncle pain free and comfortable. He is barely passing at school with a D in every subject, hence the book title. He is forced to join a club in order to graduate and meets Amanda who challenges Matt's behavior and doesn't take any crap from him while also managing to help him out with his uncle as best she can in spite of Matt's attitude towards her. Matt comes to depend on her even though he doesn't want to admit it, because the end-of-life stage of stomach cancer is a real challenge to any caretaker, especially a 17 year old high school boy. Amanda is a good friend and a huge help to Matt. I really would have loved for it to be longer to see how Amanda and Matt's friendship develops further, but I guess every book has to end, right? It was really nice to see a platonic friendship between two teenagers rather than a love story which is a rarity nowadays in YA books. All in all I thought this book was well-written and really a great story, something different in the YA genre. Will definitely look for more books from this fabulous and generous author! THANKS for the ARC!!!
August 19, 2017
First of all, hooray for books that don't take me 2-months to get through!
With that being said, I did enjoy this sweet and short read.
The book is about a boy named Matt, a teenager rather. He's had a hard life, and to make it worse his uncle, pretty much the only person who has ever cared for, and taken care of him is dying.
Matt does what he has to, to make his uncle's last days as comfortable as he can. This includes running drugs over the border.
Matt is a pretty misunderstood kid. People in the beginning only see him as a burnout, loser and they only talk to him for the drugs. In the end of the book, something changes and he wants to set himself on the right path - one of his uncle's last wishes.
While this book didn't make me cry, it did really well with taking you inside of the trailer with this little family and feeling their pain.
The only thing I didn't like was the ending. It seemed to cut off at a really weird place - and honestly, I'd like more!
With that being said, I did enjoy this sweet and short read.
The book is about a boy named Matt, a teenager rather. He's had a hard life, and to make it worse his uncle, pretty much the only person who has ever cared for, and taken care of him is dying.
Matt does what he has to, to make his uncle's last days as comfortable as he can. This includes running drugs over the border.
Matt is a pretty misunderstood kid. People in the beginning only see him as a burnout, loser and they only talk to him for the drugs. In the end of the book, something changes and he wants to set himself on the right path - one of his uncle's last wishes.
While this book didn't make me cry, it did really well with taking you inside of the trailer with this little family and feeling their pain.
The only thing I didn't like was the ending. It seemed to cut off at a really weird place - and honestly, I'd like more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2018
I was gifted an ebook via Netgalley.
Mr 60% follows the story of Matt who is taking care of his Uncle Jack who is been sick for quite some time. Matt is barely passing school and he's also selling drugs on the side to make money to pay for pain medication for his uncle.
I went into the story not really expecting what I read. Although it was short, the author managed to make me feel connected to the characters and the story itself evoked so much sadness. It was such a good story in that I felt it was an honest look at someone who's experiencing a loved one with an illness that is terminal. I felt like it was an honest take on someone who doesn't have parents in his life and poverty has resulted in selling drugs to make ends meet. I found Uncle Jack to be a wonderful character. I also really loved Amanda and loved her unconditional selflessness. I do wish that there was more to the book than there was because I really enjoyed it. But I will most definitely take what I got.
Mr 60% follows the story of Matt who is taking care of his Uncle Jack who is been sick for quite some time. Matt is barely passing school and he's also selling drugs on the side to make money to pay for pain medication for his uncle.
I went into the story not really expecting what I read. Although it was short, the author managed to make me feel connected to the characters and the story itself evoked so much sadness. It was such a good story in that I felt it was an honest look at someone who's experiencing a loved one with an illness that is terminal. I felt like it was an honest take on someone who doesn't have parents in his life and poverty has resulted in selling drugs to make ends meet. I found Uncle Jack to be a wonderful character. I also really loved Amanda and loved her unconditional selflessness. I do wish that there was more to the book than there was because I really enjoyed it. But I will most definitely take what I got.
January 4, 2019
I really liked this story. Since it's an ARC, the only thing I would change is the cover. Put the report card on the front so the title (60%) is easy to understand. I liked how the focus was on 3 characters, and the development of Matt and Amanda's friendship was realistic.
I don't know where some got the idea that this is a teen love story. Did you read the book?!?! I recommend this for reluctant readers since it's short and has interesting characters. Uncle Jack's death was well-written. It didn't seem forced, although the end of the book seemed to wrap things up quickly. I would have liked more in the middle.
I don't know where some got the idea that this is a teen love story. Did you read the book?!?! I recommend this for reluctant readers since it's short and has interesting characters. Uncle Jack's death was well-written. It didn't seem forced, although the end of the book seemed to wrap things up quickly. I would have liked more in the middle.
January 17, 2018
To be honest, I picked up this book because it was written by my old high school Drama and English teacher. But I'm so glad I did. The characters in this book reminded me of people I went to school with, and I think many young adults can relate to. I think this is a book every teenager (and teacher) should read, and the moral of the story would be, "Don't judge people. You never know what is really going on with them." I really felt for Matt, who was only trying to make it through the day, one minute at a time. His life was heartbreaking, but so real. Amanda was the breath of fresh air he needed, but flawed in her own way. She's a lovable character. Mr. Smith writing is fast paced, on point and emotionally engaging on every level.
July 25, 2017
Matt's only substitute parental caregiver, Jack, is dying of cancer and to fund their life, Matt sells drugs. Matt is intelligent but does just enough to get by in school. The school counselor assigns Matt to an after school club thinking it will help him stay on track for graduation and at that club Matt meets Amanda. Amanda befriends both Matt and Jack and Matt learns to let another person into his life.
This is well written but short and the ending seems unfinished.
This is well written but short and the ending seems unfinished.
August 20, 2017
Mr. 60% deals with some heavy things in life, I felt for Matt and his situation. There was some heartfelt moments and some heartbreaking moments.
I will be honest, I was not a fan of the narrative. I would have much rather it be from Matt's point of view. Also, this story was way too short. I would have liked to get to know Matt and Amanda more.
*I received an arc from netgalley and the publisher for an honest review*
I will be honest, I was not a fan of the narrative. I would have much rather it be from Matt's point of view. Also, this story was way too short. I would have liked to get to know Matt and Amanda more.
*I received an arc from netgalley and the publisher for an honest review*
July 2, 2017
Full review soon! Only one short flaw kept me from a full five stars
September 5, 2017
My only complaint is that it isn't longer ugh
October 7, 2017
Review to come
Read
October 17, 2017Wonderful read and full of passion.
January 16, 2018
In the humbling story, Mr. 60%, Clete Barrett Smith captures the life of an unfortunate 17 year old drug dealer who sells narcotics to kids at his high school. It reminds readers that they don’t know the home life of others around them. Clete captures this theme of not knowing what happens behind closed doors by introducing a girl named Amanda to the main character, Matt Nolan. Amanda is not Matt’s usual type, but the author manipulates a way for Matt to fall for her. The mystery of Matt’s decisions, and when Amanda will discover the tragic things Matt comes home to everyday, made me want to keep reading.
The book is told in the third person so it is not always clear what Matt is going to do next. The story is set in present day, so it was easier for me to understand what Matt’s life was like, since I am around the same age as him. The school, community, and language makes this book more appealing to a teenage reader; although, if you are into a great humbling story, this book is perfect for you.
Instead of starting with no foundation of knowledge on characters, Mr. Smith finds a way to show that there is something wrong with Matt’s homelife without telling the audience what the problem actually is. Since there is only some clues given, the reader is forced to keep reading in order to discover more.
I truly enjoyed getting to know Matt through this teenage novel. Reading this novel helped me, and will hopefully help you, to feel for other Matt Nolans we encounter everyday. I recommend reading this book to fully understand how it is to walk in other’s shoes.
The book is told in the third person so it is not always clear what Matt is going to do next. The story is set in present day, so it was easier for me to understand what Matt’s life was like, since I am around the same age as him. The school, community, and language makes this book more appealing to a teenage reader; although, if you are into a great humbling story, this book is perfect for you.
Instead of starting with no foundation of knowledge on characters, Mr. Smith finds a way to show that there is something wrong with Matt’s homelife without telling the audience what the problem actually is. Since there is only some clues given, the reader is forced to keep reading in order to discover more.
I truly enjoyed getting to know Matt through this teenage novel. Reading this novel helped me, and will hopefully help you, to feel for other Matt Nolans we encounter everyday. I recommend reading this book to fully understand how it is to walk in other’s shoes.
April 28, 2018
The ending was so abrupt and unsatisfying. I thought I'd skipped a page or two, but no that was indeed the ending.
January 12, 2024
Wow I literally read this in one sitting it was so good
December 20, 2017
I don’t say it often but wow! This raw telling of taking care of a cancer patient really hit home. Amazing novel.
August 5, 2017
I was given this book to read from Net Galley. I really really enjoyed the story and read it in one day. Matt, a high schooler, takes care of his dying uncle alone. They live in a trailer, and Matt earns money by selling drugs; it's a bad situation. Then, along comes a new friend, Amanda, and she seems to make things easier until...well, I don't want to give anything away! :-p My criticism of this book is that it needs a MUCH better intro. I am somewhat conflicted about the ending; on one hand, it was fitting, but it left me with so many questions. Overall, I think it would be a great read for teenagers. As a teacher, it also made me reflect on those students who seem detached from school. You never know what's going on in kids' lives.
August 9, 2017
2.75-3 stars - Not Bad but Not Amazing
I had such high expectations for this book. The title, Mr. 60%, was the first thing that got my attention. Then I read the premise – it sounded interesting, gritty, and heart-wrenching. I couldn’t wait to finally get into it and was seriously looking forward to “ALL THE FEELS.” Sadly… I ended up having a lot of mixed feelings. There were some good things about this book, but it just didn’t WOW me like I thought it would.
My main problem with this book is the characters. I had such a difficult time connecting with the characters. I like Amanda a lot in the beginning. She’s an outcast, but always so happy and bubbly. She doesn’t let anything or anyone stop her from doing what she loves. Even when she’s rejected and hurt, she still finds a way to keep going. I admired that about her. BUT halfway through… there was just something off about her. I can’t pinpoint what it was, but she came off maybe way too optimistic? I did like Matt but I just didn’t care all that much about him. I don’t know why… I mean I feel like I should. His life is such a big mess. Everyone thinks he won’t succeed. He has to resort to selling drugs just to keep up with bills and medical expenses. Then there’s his uncle, Jack, whose condition is never going to get better and you know the worst is coming at any moment. It’s completely depressing and I’m such an emotional person I should have felt “IT.” I can watch a show halfway through or know nothing about it, but when I see a heartbreaking situation where the characters are crying… I almost always will tear up. This type of stories hit me hard… BUT UGHHHHH this one didn’t.
The plot had potential.. a lot of it, but it just kind of felt flat for me. Cancer is a very sensitive issue. Like I said, I was hoping for that FEELS and barely got any. The writing was just okay for me. I did like that the book was easy to read. I breezed through it in less than 24 hours and couldn’t put it down. That’s a good thing… I think. Or maybe, I just kept going because I was looking for something more. It also felt like the storytelling was missing something. I don’t know… I’m honestly kicking myself right now because I can’t wrap my mind around why this book did not work for me. Oh and that ending…don’t even get me started. It felt rushed and unfinished. I thought there was an epilogue or something, but nope. It was seriously so frustrating.
As disappointing as this was for me, there were a few things I did really like – the relationships, the humor, and the title. I like Matt’s relationship with Jack and I thought it was really admirable what Matt was doing for his uncle. They bickered a lot, but you can tell how deeply they cared about each other. I also really like that Matt and Amanda stayed friends throughout the story. I’m usually all for romance and thought Matt and Amanda are just great for each other, but it’s nice to see boy-girl platonic relationships cause YES boys and girls do not always have to have romantic feelings for each other. Boys and girls can be best friends and just that. I also really enjoyed the sense of humor in this book. The bantering between Matt, Jack and Amanda was refreshing, amusing and endearing. That was definitely a big plus! And the title… I just really love the title. Matt is called “Mr. 60%” for a reason… it’s quite sad really, but I thought it was pretty clever.
Overall, I don’t dislike this book, but it definitely did not work for me. I think that Mr. 60% by Clete Barrett Smith is a decent story with the potential to be amazing and is probably that to other readers, but it just felt dull for me. Maybe I just went into this expecting to feel something and when I didn’t, I ended up being so disappointed that I couldn’t relate to the characters and story anymore. At least I didn’t DNF it and some parts were entertaining.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher, Crown Books for Young Readers, via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
To read more of my reviews - sincerelykarenjo.wordpress.com
I had such high expectations for this book. The title, Mr. 60%, was the first thing that got my attention. Then I read the premise – it sounded interesting, gritty, and heart-wrenching. I couldn’t wait to finally get into it and was seriously looking forward to “ALL THE FEELS.” Sadly… I ended up having a lot of mixed feelings. There were some good things about this book, but it just didn’t WOW me like I thought it would.
My main problem with this book is the characters. I had such a difficult time connecting with the characters. I like Amanda a lot in the beginning. She’s an outcast, but always so happy and bubbly. She doesn’t let anything or anyone stop her from doing what she loves. Even when she’s rejected and hurt, she still finds a way to keep going. I admired that about her. BUT halfway through… there was just something off about her. I can’t pinpoint what it was, but she came off maybe way too optimistic? I did like Matt but I just didn’t care all that much about him. I don’t know why… I mean I feel like I should. His life is such a big mess. Everyone thinks he won’t succeed. He has to resort to selling drugs just to keep up with bills and medical expenses. Then there’s his uncle, Jack, whose condition is never going to get better and you know the worst is coming at any moment. It’s completely depressing and I’m such an emotional person I should have felt “IT.” I can watch a show halfway through or know nothing about it, but when I see a heartbreaking situation where the characters are crying… I almost always will tear up. This type of stories hit me hard… BUT UGHHHHH this one didn’t.
The plot had potential.. a lot of it, but it just kind of felt flat for me. Cancer is a very sensitive issue. Like I said, I was hoping for that FEELS and barely got any. The writing was just okay for me. I did like that the book was easy to read. I breezed through it in less than 24 hours and couldn’t put it down. That’s a good thing… I think. Or maybe, I just kept going because I was looking for something more. It also felt like the storytelling was missing something. I don’t know… I’m honestly kicking myself right now because I can’t wrap my mind around why this book did not work for me. Oh and that ending…don’t even get me started. It felt rushed and unfinished. I thought there was an epilogue or something, but nope. It was seriously so frustrating.
As disappointing as this was for me, there were a few things I did really like – the relationships, the humor, and the title. I like Matt’s relationship with Jack and I thought it was really admirable what Matt was doing for his uncle. They bickered a lot, but you can tell how deeply they cared about each other. I also really like that Matt and Amanda stayed friends throughout the story. I’m usually all for romance and thought Matt and Amanda are just great for each other, but it’s nice to see boy-girl platonic relationships cause YES boys and girls do not always have to have romantic feelings for each other. Boys and girls can be best friends and just that. I also really enjoyed the sense of humor in this book. The bantering between Matt, Jack and Amanda was refreshing, amusing and endearing. That was definitely a big plus! And the title… I just really love the title. Matt is called “Mr. 60%” for a reason… it’s quite sad really, but I thought it was pretty clever.
Overall, I don’t dislike this book, but it definitely did not work for me. I think that Mr. 60% by Clete Barrett Smith is a decent story with the potential to be amazing and is probably that to other readers, but it just felt dull for me. Maybe I just went into this expecting to feel something and when I didn’t, I ended up being so disappointed that I couldn’t relate to the characters and story anymore. At least I didn’t DNF it and some parts were entertaining.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher, Crown Books for Young Readers, via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
To read more of my reviews - sincerelykarenjo.wordpress.com
August 18, 2017
Mr. 60% has an entertaining enough premise, something I'd expect to see as the basis of a Lifetime movie special perhaps, but it also has the substance of that sort of movie. That is to say, while you may enjoy the movie or, in this case the book, while consuming it, there isn't enough meat to it to stick with you for long after you've closed the cover.
The main character Matt is dealing drugs in his high school to pay for his uncle's pain management medication due to cancer. Told from his perspective, the seriousness of his responsibilities is felt intensely as he delves deeper into his commitment to his drug supplier in order to not only secure his uncle Jack's morphine, but the money to keep a roof over their heads.
The supporting cast for this book is slight, comprising of Uncle Jack, fellow student Amanda, a smattering of Matt's nameless customers, Vice Principal Gill (out to expel Matt), Officer Hershey (school assigned police officer), & Mr. Marsh (the guidance counselor). Amanda becomes something of a presence in Matt's life due to a school commitment and, through him, a friend of Jack's. Her assistance proves helpful if ultimately futile to Matt's high school career, but her friendship was the important thing. Having support after a devastating loss is one of the few things that I think saves Matt from withering away.
Vice Principal Gill was a complex character. The reader was supposed to hate this "bad guy" who was working hard to expel Matt, but I couldn't blame him. He was a vice principal that was fighting to deal with a drug problem in his school. Matt being the main character doesn't negate the fact that his actions were illegal and morally dubious. Even his inevitable loss of business isn't a solution to Gill's problem because apparently a transfer student swoops in and fills the hole. That school is trouble and I'd have been interested in hearing what happened to the vice principal's efforts to clean it up.
I was shocked that Officer Hersey gave a known drug supplier so many chances and I have to wonder if it was because Matt was white. He got a lot of leeway from the school, what with Officer Hershey and Mr. Marsh giving him warnings about pat downs and busts, for one, not to mention the ease of his border crossings between the U.S. and Canada. Everything in relation to the drug business was skewed in his privileged favor. He even gets out of the business with no repercussions from Big Ed, the supplier. There were no real consequences for him outside of school; this baffled me when I thought back on it.
The emotional output from this book, coming from the relationship between Matt and Jack, was the best part of the novel. While their lives aren't the easiest, what with Matt's childhood alluded to as rough (his mother is jailed for an unrevealed crime) and Jack's vagabond existence until Matt needed him, there was real family bonding there.
There are details lacking and the story doesn't leave a lasting impression, but the time it takes to consume the book isn’t a lot and if you’ve got time to kill, I wouldn’t give this book a hard pass, though I would say borrow it if at all possible.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The main character Matt is dealing drugs in his high school to pay for his uncle's pain management medication due to cancer. Told from his perspective, the seriousness of his responsibilities is felt intensely as he delves deeper into his commitment to his drug supplier in order to not only secure his uncle Jack's morphine, but the money to keep a roof over their heads.
The supporting cast for this book is slight, comprising of Uncle Jack, fellow student Amanda, a smattering of Matt's nameless customers, Vice Principal Gill (out to expel Matt), Officer Hershey (school assigned police officer), & Mr. Marsh (the guidance counselor). Amanda becomes something of a presence in Matt's life due to a school commitment and, through him, a friend of Jack's. Her assistance proves helpful if ultimately futile to Matt's high school career, but her friendship was the important thing. Having support after a devastating loss is one of the few things that I think saves Matt from withering away.
Vice Principal Gill was a complex character. The reader was supposed to hate this "bad guy" who was working hard to expel Matt, but I couldn't blame him. He was a vice principal that was fighting to deal with a drug problem in his school. Matt being the main character doesn't negate the fact that his actions were illegal and morally dubious. Even his inevitable loss of business isn't a solution to Gill's problem because apparently a transfer student swoops in and fills the hole. That school is trouble and I'd have been interested in hearing what happened to the vice principal's efforts to clean it up.
I was shocked that Officer Hersey gave a known drug supplier so many chances and I have to wonder if it was because Matt was white. He got a lot of leeway from the school, what with Officer Hershey and Mr. Marsh giving him warnings about pat downs and busts, for one, not to mention the ease of his border crossings between the U.S. and Canada. Everything in relation to the drug business was skewed in his privileged favor. He even gets out of the business with no repercussions from Big Ed, the supplier. There were no real consequences for him outside of school; this baffled me when I thought back on it.
The emotional output from this book, coming from the relationship between Matt and Jack, was the best part of the novel. While their lives aren't the easiest, what with Matt's childhood alluded to as rough (his mother is jailed for an unrevealed crime) and Jack's vagabond existence until Matt needed him, there was real family bonding there.
There are details lacking and the story doesn't leave a lasting impression, but the time it takes to consume the book isn’t a lot and if you’ve got time to kill, I wouldn’t give this book a hard pass, though I would say borrow it if at all possible.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2017
3.5/5 stars.
I received this as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Mr. 60% is about a boy named Matt who does the bare minimum in school and sells drugs on the side in order to care for his uncle who had been diagnosed with cancer. He soon gets told in order to pass, he needs to join a club and this is where he meets Amanda, the loveliest girl he could possibly meet.
Clete Barrett Smith managed to make my eyes water while reading this book. Cancer is a heavy topic, especially when you pair it with a "family" who can't financially support it. The plot is centered around Matt who's financially and physically responsible for his uncle. This obviously plays a big part in the book because he's been selling drugs in order to support his uncle and has been putting away his true personality because of his experience.
This book came off to be very relationship based rather than plot or character based. His relationships were the most interesting and really gave you a proper introduction to his character. His relationship with Amanda and his uncle were by far the most significant. Amanda is so sweet, probably one of my favorite characters, who ends up helping him in several ways with his uncle and his life in school. She supported him thoroughly when he hasn't had that kind of support in so long which really stripped him of that fake persona he had been putting on. His relationship with his uncle is so heartwarming but also heartbreaking because of the situation. His uncle used to live such a glorious life and ended up in a terrible situation. Even though he was put in that situation, he was more positive within it than Matt was and this lead to Matt's realization of how he had been acting ever since. The ending with his death was so upsetting but didn't excite the plot or anything. The plot stayed on a straight line throughout the entire book which was disappointing to say the least but didn't ruin it all together.
Out of the few issues I had with the book, one of them was slightly resolved. I feel like this book is very easy for someone to turn away. The description is intriguing and the cover is gorgeous but size of the book and the plot don't really work in terms of it being hyped. I had no idea who the author was and when I saw how short it is, it had me worried. The writing was very average which didn't ruin it because of how short it was, but it made it quite lackluster. With such a deep situation and topic that it held, it should've at least had some more complicated or "highlight worthy" quotes. Also, at the very beginning of the book, the way his uncle had talked about Matt with girls made me uncomfortable. I mean, this is obviously the character's speaking and not the author, but if it hasn't been resolved through his uncle denying his fat-shaming and Amanda speaking of her confidence, I would've definitely put it down after the issues I'd already come across.
Overall, I didn't hate this book. It was very entertaining but not something I'd obsess over or recommended. It was nice to see the representation of a poor family dealing with something like cancer and the ends you'd meet in order to help someone. It didn't carry that heavy weight of emotions that most books do when you talk about cancer but it wasn't very exciting either. As mentioned earlier, the book stayed on a flat line throughout the entire thing but it wasn't completely disappointing. I'd say it's a love or hate kind of book.
I received this as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Mr. 60% is about a boy named Matt who does the bare minimum in school and sells drugs on the side in order to care for his uncle who had been diagnosed with cancer. He soon gets told in order to pass, he needs to join a club and this is where he meets Amanda, the loveliest girl he could possibly meet.
Clete Barrett Smith managed to make my eyes water while reading this book. Cancer is a heavy topic, especially when you pair it with a "family" who can't financially support it. The plot is centered around Matt who's financially and physically responsible for his uncle. This obviously plays a big part in the book because he's been selling drugs in order to support his uncle and has been putting away his true personality because of his experience.
This book came off to be very relationship based rather than plot or character based. His relationships were the most interesting and really gave you a proper introduction to his character. His relationship with Amanda and his uncle were by far the most significant. Amanda is so sweet, probably one of my favorite characters, who ends up helping him in several ways with his uncle and his life in school. She supported him thoroughly when he hasn't had that kind of support in so long which really stripped him of that fake persona he had been putting on. His relationship with his uncle is so heartwarming but also heartbreaking because of the situation. His uncle used to live such a glorious life and ended up in a terrible situation. Even though he was put in that situation, he was more positive within it than Matt was and this lead to Matt's realization of how he had been acting ever since. The ending with his death was so upsetting but didn't excite the plot or anything. The plot stayed on a straight line throughout the entire book which was disappointing to say the least but didn't ruin it all together.
Out of the few issues I had with the book, one of them was slightly resolved. I feel like this book is very easy for someone to turn away. The description is intriguing and the cover is gorgeous but size of the book and the plot don't really work in terms of it being hyped. I had no idea who the author was and when I saw how short it is, it had me worried. The writing was very average which didn't ruin it because of how short it was, but it made it quite lackluster. With such a deep situation and topic that it held, it should've at least had some more complicated or "highlight worthy" quotes. Also, at the very beginning of the book, the way his uncle had talked about Matt with girls made me uncomfortable. I mean, this is obviously the character's speaking and not the author, but if it hasn't been resolved through his uncle denying his fat-shaming and Amanda speaking of her confidence, I would've definitely put it down after the issues I'd already come across.
Overall, I didn't hate this book. It was very entertaining but not something I'd obsess over or recommended. It was nice to see the representation of a poor family dealing with something like cancer and the ends you'd meet in order to help someone. It didn't carry that heavy weight of emotions that most books do when you talk about cancer but it wasn't very exciting either. As mentioned earlier, the book stayed on a flat line throughout the entire thing but it wasn't completely disappointing. I'd say it's a love or hate kind of book.
August 11, 2017
Original review can be found at Freeing Fantasy. You can also follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Bloglovin.
ARC of Mr. 60% provided through NetGalley for an honest review.
ARC of Mr. 60% provided through NetGalley for an honest review.
First starting this book I was immediately put off. The writing felt as if it was lacking a lot of emotion and I felt like I was being told Matt's actions rather than his deep down feelings. That being said, I'm glad I read the whole book.
Matt was a moody, surly, sarcastic teenage boy. Unlike most teenage boys he was also the sole care provider for his Uncle Jack. He deals drugs to his class mates with the goal of being able to financially support the two of them. His whole life is so sad, and though I didn't feel like I got as many details about his feelings as I wanted, my heart still managed to break for him. The poor guy had the whole world on his shoulders, but he stayed as tough as nails. Even when the school vice principal was acting like an over grown child, Matt didn't let it affect him.
In comes Amanda. She's an outcast with an over whelming sunny disposition. I really loved her spirit and her fight. Even if someone, Matt, was acting like an ass to her, she still held her ground. No matter what she was going to do what she felt was right. Good for you Amanda!
As I mentioned above I'm surprised how much I liked this book in the end. I felt the beginning was so emotionless but as I read it got better. I'm not entirely sure if that's because the writing style changed or because you just can't help but feel for Matt and his situation. Either way, the concept, story, plot, and overwhelming situation that Matt pushed through made this book really great. If you don't mind a bit of a sad read then you should give Mr. 60% a try.
January 27, 2018
Smith, Clete Barrett. Mr. 60%. Crown Books for Young Readers, 2017.
Genre: Fiction
Summary and Anlaysis: The plot: The story's protagonist, Matt Nolan is the school's drug dealer and is viewed as a loser by everyone in his school. While he is on the verge of dropping out (hence the title), he is forced to attend an after-school club, but this is where he meets Amanda. Amanda is a social outcast in her own right, and her personality is too much for Matt to handle (she is way too glass half full for his liking). As Amanda and Matt spend more time together, Amanda realizes the truth behind why Matt is the high school's drug connection. He is selling the drugs to help his uncle who is dying of cancer. The Good: THIS BOOK IS AN ABSOLUTE TEARJERKER. It is an extremely emotional read, which keeps the reader invested. It is also a very short read, you will DEFINITELY finish it within one day. The bad: this storyline feels a little too cliche. One of the school's problem kids with a rough home life s only making the choices to try and help his family. Not that this does not happen in America, it does, but your telling me that Smith could not think of another scenario showing Matt's true character? I am being a tad overcritical here, but how many times have we seen this approach before? A lot. Why four stars then, is likely what your asking yourself. It is still a great read, and I encourage you to pick up the book and decide for yourself, but the premise just seems a little tired in my eyes, but you may disagree.
A Creative Writing Lens: What Smith does in this book that would be good for any writer to do is to take a protagonist who has less than redeeming qualities and turn him into someone to root for (You can throw Matt's uncle in the mix too). Even though I personally feel this is a premise that has been grossly overutilized, it is a very easy thing to include in your work. Conversely there is also someone that the consumer wants to despise in this scenario, the assistant principal is that character. This is very simple, but a very effective way to get your readers fully invested.
Teaching Ideas:I'm not sure how you could really turn this book into an exercise that would work in a class setting, but I will give it a shot here. You could pass out a survey about your students' lives away from school. Depending on how they answer, read an account from one of your students that is going through something very trying outside of the classroom. This will teach your students to be mindful of other people's situations in life, as it easy to judge rather than take the time to understand. (Given the intensity of the exercise, I recommend doing this activity with high school students, that is who this book is meant for anyway.)
Genre: Fiction
Summary and Anlaysis: The plot: The story's protagonist, Matt Nolan is the school's drug dealer and is viewed as a loser by everyone in his school. While he is on the verge of dropping out (hence the title), he is forced to attend an after-school club, but this is where he meets Amanda. Amanda is a social outcast in her own right, and her personality is too much for Matt to handle (she is way too glass half full for his liking). As Amanda and Matt spend more time together, Amanda realizes the truth behind why Matt is the high school's drug connection. He is selling the drugs to help his uncle who is dying of cancer. The Good: THIS BOOK IS AN ABSOLUTE TEARJERKER. It is an extremely emotional read, which keeps the reader invested. It is also a very short read, you will DEFINITELY finish it within one day. The bad: this storyline feels a little too cliche. One of the school's problem kids with a rough home life s only making the choices to try and help his family. Not that this does not happen in America, it does, but your telling me that Smith could not think of another scenario showing Matt's true character? I am being a tad overcritical here, but how many times have we seen this approach before? A lot. Why four stars then, is likely what your asking yourself. It is still a great read, and I encourage you to pick up the book and decide for yourself, but the premise just seems a little tired in my eyes, but you may disagree.
A Creative Writing Lens: What Smith does in this book that would be good for any writer to do is to take a protagonist who has less than redeeming qualities and turn him into someone to root for (You can throw Matt's uncle in the mix too). Even though I personally feel this is a premise that has been grossly overutilized, it is a very easy thing to include in your work. Conversely there is also someone that the consumer wants to despise in this scenario, the assistant principal is that character. This is very simple, but a very effective way to get your readers fully invested.
Teaching Ideas:I'm not sure how you could really turn this book into an exercise that would work in a class setting, but I will give it a shot here. You could pass out a survey about your students' lives away from school. Depending on how they answer, read an account from one of your students that is going through something very trying outside of the classroom. This will teach your students to be mindful of other people's situations in life, as it easy to judge rather than take the time to understand. (Given the intensity of the exercise, I recommend doing this activity with high school students, that is who this book is meant for anyway.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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