Buddy

by V M Jones

Josh Cranford loves running, soccer, cricket - anything, as long as it's sport. Most of all, he loves to win. Just one person stands in his super-jock Shane Hunter. They clash head to head in everything, and Shane always comes out best . . . especially where girls are concerned. Makes it feel that way, anyhow.
Like so many kids, Joshua works hard at appearing to be just your average 12-year-old. He does OK at school. He has plenty of friends although he hasnt had a best friend since he was five years old. And hes very good at sport. Buddy is an account of six weeks in the spring he turns thirteen, and in his candid, humorous, narrative he reveals the real Josh a sensitive, likeable but troubled boy, whos made an art form of seeming just like everyone else and keeping the warring elements of his life safely apart. Like his dads new relationship with his live-in partner Suzanne... like the intense rivalry between himself and Hank Hunter, the school golden boy . . . like his intense fear of water. And his biggest, most painful secret of all. . . Buddy. Buddy explores issues of compelling relevance to boys and girls on the threshold of the pressure to conform and the strength it takes to be different; loyalty; honesty, courage and love. these significant issues are handled within an exciting and absorbing story by a writer of consummate skill and sensitivity, managing the very difficult task of talking about serious topics without preaching, or losing the magic of a brilliant story superbly told. And it makes you cry. Ages 9-12

Genres: Young Adult, Childrens

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A re-read from my classroom shelf - a good, solid, kiwi coming-of-age tale. It's not Alex but it's certainly not bad.

[Zar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good news, another book I first read when I was eight years old lmao. V M Jones is a criminally underrated NZ author. I loved this book then and I love it still now, warm and human, feels like being a kid feels and digs deep without getting too heavy. Holds up pretty good as a gift for any kids you know.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

always a favourite, even though it is aimed at a younger agegroup

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite reads. I remember reading this on holidays when I was young, and its poignant message and beautiful story is one I wont forget.

[HASSJ · Rating 1 out of 5]

IT WAS REALLY BAD AND SUCKED

[Elante · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the book me and my reading group was reading for an activity. This book was an alright book but I think the book is suitable for people that like playing sport or reading about beating your fear.
what i like about this book is how creative the book is and how the characters faced there fear thinking they will never do it in there life time.

[Miss Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Includes the topics of being a twin, divorce, football, triathlon, arrogant class mates, being the new kid, and family secrets. The most notable themes discuss a sense of belonging versus compartmentalising different aspects of your life, winning isn't everything, misconceptions and the consequences of 'teenage risk'.
I liked the twins' nicknames and their pets' names and anticipated the two flashbacks to provide the background at the core of the family secret, albeit through nightmares.

[Christopher Rutherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buddy by V.M Jones is an intriguing and emotional novel that depicts the life of a young boy, Josh Cranford and his twin brother 'buddy'. See the progression of Josh's attitude as he initially realises the struggles of having a disabled brother and realise his transition into him being proud of his brother and who he is and why everyone will accept him no matter what. This book shows the problems and insecurities experienced by someone with a brother who is disabled and helps us understand that we should not judge or think of others differently because they have a disability. This book definitely plays on the emotions of the reader as it is a very sensitive topic. Through reading this book we realise how intimate a brothers relationship can be, the characteristics of showing great sportsmanship and the effort required to achieve something you wish to do. Although, this book does have some flaws as the ending is very predictable and does not add suspense to the leading events prior to it's ending. Overall, this is an excellent book that I recommend to anyone over the age of 8, as it portrays a great story that I know everyone would enjoy to read.

[Ratesjul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story of growth through an adversity that reveals itself slowly.

[Anne Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely book about a boy who has a disabled brother. It has just the right touch - neither too sentimental, nor too clinical.

[Em's Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has always been one of my favourite childhood books and I was thrilled to find it in the op shop!

[Hugh]

I really enjoyed the book buddy for all of the following reasons

Buddy by V.M Jones is an intriguing and emotional novel that depicts the life of a young boy, Josh Cranford and his twin brother 'buddy'. See the progression of Josh's attitude as he initially realises the struggles of having a disabled brother and realise his transition into him being proud of his brother and who he is and why everyone will accept him no matter what. This book shows the problems and insecurities experienced by someone with a brother who is disabled and helps us understand that we should not judge or think of others differently because they have a disability. This book definitely plays on the emotions of the reader as it is a very sensitive topic. Through reading this book we realise how intimate a brothers relationship can be, the characteristics of showing great sportsmanship and the effort required to achieve something you wish to do. Although, this book does have some flaws as the ending is very predictable and does not add suspense to the leading events prior to it's ending. Overall, this is an excellent book that I recommend to anyone over the age of 8, as it portrays a great story that I know everyone would enjoy to read.