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The Reckless Club
From award-winning author Beth Vrabel comes a new middle-grade Breakfast Club drama set in a old folks' home.
On the last day of middle school, five kids who couldn't be more different commit separate pranks, each sure they won't be caught and they can't get in trouble. They're wrong. As punishment, they each have to volunteer one beautiful summer day-the last one before school-at Northbrook Retirement and Assisted Living Home, where they'll push creamed carrots into toothless mouths, perform the world's most pathetic skit in front of residents who won't remember it anyway, hold gnarled hands of peach fuzzed old ladies who relentlessly push hard candies, and somehow forge a bond with each other that has nothing to do with what they've done and everything to do with who they're becoming. All the action takes place in the course of this one day, with each chapter one hour of that day, as the five kids reveal what they've done, why they did it, and what they're going to do now.
On the last day of middle school, five kids who couldn't be more different commit separate pranks, each sure they won't be caught and they can't get in trouble. They're wrong. As punishment, they each have to volunteer one beautiful summer day-the last one before school-at Northbrook Retirement and Assisted Living Home, where they'll push creamed carrots into toothless mouths, perform the world's most pathetic skit in front of residents who won't remember it anyway, hold gnarled hands of peach fuzzed old ladies who relentlessly push hard candies, and somehow forge a bond with each other that has nothing to do with what they've done and everything to do with who they're becoming. All the action takes place in the course of this one day, with each chapter one hour of that day, as the five kids reveal what they've done, why they did it, and what they're going to do now.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 2, 2018
19 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Beth Vrabel
17 books154 followersBeth Vrabel is the author of Cyblis-nominated Caleb and Kit, ILA award-winning A Blind Guide to Stinkville, JLG-selection A Blind Guide to Normal, and The Reckless Club and Pack of Dorks series. She can't clap to the beat nor be trusted near Nutella. Beth loves traveling around the country to meet with young readers and writers, sharing a message of grit, resiliency and heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
October 31, 2018
I recently watched The Breakfast Club with my teenage daughter. I had forgotten how wildly inappropriate that 80’s movie was, but I still loved the story of teenagers learning to look beyond the stereotypes that they hated, but also hid behind. Plus, the dance sequence is still awesome.
Reading Beth Vrabel’s THE RECKLESS CLUB was like revisiting the best parts of the movie, without the rated-R aspects. Without spoiling anything, there are some well-crafted references and scenes that are reminiscent of TBC, but don’t expect a remake of the movie. This story goes to a whole new level with its personalities and themes.
Written for the middle grade (and up) audience, the story follows five teenagers on the last Saturday before they begin 9th grade. They are serving detention all day at a nursing home - for what? We aren’t told right away, and they don’t seem to know what the others did either. The narrative shifts between each student (though all in 3rd person), and we view them all at first through each other’s eyes - stereotypes and all.
Our five kids are much more complex than those labels, of course, and nothing brings that out more than the setting of the nursing home. Paired up with senior citizens, they soon see that there is more to these elderly residents - and one another - than first meets the eye.
Reading this story is like peeling the layers of an onion - we gradually get to know each character, their connections to one another, and their “crime.” As we reach the conclusion, the whole story fits together like a puzzle, with just the right balance of closure and uncertainty at the end. I truly enjoyed getting to know Jason, Allie, Wes, Lilith, Rex, AND their elderly friends throughout this fantastic story, and I would highly recommend it to all readers.
Reading Beth Vrabel’s THE RECKLESS CLUB was like revisiting the best parts of the movie, without the rated-R aspects. Without spoiling anything, there are some well-crafted references and scenes that are reminiscent of TBC, but don’t expect a remake of the movie. This story goes to a whole new level with its personalities and themes.
Written for the middle grade (and up) audience, the story follows five teenagers on the last Saturday before they begin 9th grade. They are serving detention all day at a nursing home - for what? We aren’t told right away, and they don’t seem to know what the others did either. The narrative shifts between each student (though all in 3rd person), and we view them all at first through each other’s eyes - stereotypes and all.
Our five kids are much more complex than those labels, of course, and nothing brings that out more than the setting of the nursing home. Paired up with senior citizens, they soon see that there is more to these elderly residents - and one another - than first meets the eye.
Reading this story is like peeling the layers of an onion - we gradually get to know each character, their connections to one another, and their “crime.” As we reach the conclusion, the whole story fits together like a puzzle, with just the right balance of closure and uncertainty at the end. I truly enjoyed getting to know Jason, Allie, Wes, Lilith, Rex, AND their elderly friends throughout this fantastic story, and I would highly recommend it to all readers.
October 3, 2018
Thank you @kidlitexchange @ authorbethvrabel and @runningpressbooks for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Available today (10.2).
This middle grade book is a retelling of The Breakfast Club. Five students are serving detention for various pranks they pulled at the end of the year. You have Jason (the nobody), Lilith (the drama queen), Wes (the flirt), Ally (the athlete) and Rex (the rebel). However, the setting does not take place on school grounds. Instead, this group is spending the day volunteering at the Northbrook Retirement and Assisted Living Home. The story takes place over one day and each chapter is told from alternating perspectives.
The older residents definitley bring quite a bit of humor and comedic relief throughout the book. The stereotypical excitement over tuna casserole and offers of hard candies are very present. Just wait until you meet Agnes!! She’s a hoot and a great reminder that you should take the time to really listen to those stories that seem repetitive and boring. People who have been blessed to reach that age have lived through a lot and will often shock you with their tales.
I enjoyed the various personalities and interest of all of the students. Even though the story took place over a few hours, I felt like each character was really well developed. It was great slowly watching them come together, work through their differences and open up to one another about what they had did to land them in detention. I definitley cried towards the end which very rarely happens!!! It was heartbreaking to see the real struggles and actions that each had dealt with. I also grew up visiting family members and volunteering in nursing homes all through high school and even did my internship at one in college. It brought back sweet memories from those times.
Fans of TBC will definitley enjoy the letter at the very end. This story is a true gem and another hit for Vrabel. I’ve read and enjoyed several of her books. She’s quickly becoming one of my favorite storytellers.
This middle grade book is a retelling of The Breakfast Club. Five students are serving detention for various pranks they pulled at the end of the year. You have Jason (the nobody), Lilith (the drama queen), Wes (the flirt), Ally (the athlete) and Rex (the rebel). However, the setting does not take place on school grounds. Instead, this group is spending the day volunteering at the Northbrook Retirement and Assisted Living Home. The story takes place over one day and each chapter is told from alternating perspectives.
The older residents definitley bring quite a bit of humor and comedic relief throughout the book. The stereotypical excitement over tuna casserole and offers of hard candies are very present. Just wait until you meet Agnes!! She’s a hoot and a great reminder that you should take the time to really listen to those stories that seem repetitive and boring. People who have been blessed to reach that age have lived through a lot and will often shock you with their tales.
I enjoyed the various personalities and interest of all of the students. Even though the story took place over a few hours, I felt like each character was really well developed. It was great slowly watching them come together, work through their differences and open up to one another about what they had did to land them in detention. I definitley cried towards the end which very rarely happens!!! It was heartbreaking to see the real struggles and actions that each had dealt with. I also grew up visiting family members and volunteering in nursing homes all through high school and even did my internship at one in college. It brought back sweet memories from those times.
Fans of TBC will definitley enjoy the letter at the very end. This story is a true gem and another hit for Vrabel. I’ve read and enjoyed several of her books. She’s quickly becoming one of my favorite storytellers.
November 6, 2018
In this homage to the Breakfast Club, Vrabel digs deep inside her characters, shining light on their pain, fears, and flaws exposing varying degrees of teen angst that divides this group of five before the author poignantly draws them together with what they have in common: humanity. This beautiful and heartfelt novel should be added to every teen library.
November 22, 2018
A novel for middle grade readers, this story is told from the perspective of five (almost) high school students who are spending their last day of summer vacation in detention at a nursing home. Each character has his/her reason for serving, but no one (including you, the reader) knows why until the near end of the book, where the stories blend together.
Like the movie The Breakfast Club, the group has its labels: the jock, the flirt, the drama queen, the rebel, and the nobody. Of course, these characters are more complex than the labels they’re given, as the reader eventually learns of the daily struggles each one faces.
The setting of the story is perfect as the addition of the nursing home characters adds humor, depth, and twists and turns to the plot.
Though the whole novel takes place in one day, the storyline is definitely layered. As the reader reaches the end, the pieces click together like a puzzle, leaving the reader satisfied.
Recommend for middle grade and up!
Like the movie The Breakfast Club, the group has its labels: the jock, the flirt, the drama queen, the rebel, and the nobody. Of course, these characters are more complex than the labels they’re given, as the reader eventually learns of the daily struggles each one faces.
The setting of the story is perfect as the addition of the nursing home characters adds humor, depth, and twists and turns to the plot.
Though the whole novel takes place in one day, the storyline is definitely layered. As the reader reaches the end, the pieces click together like a puzzle, leaving the reader satisfied.
Recommend for middle grade and up!
October 16, 2018
I just finished reading Beth Vrabel’s newest release, The Reckless Club! I’ve been a big fan of Beth and her former books, and have really enjoyed them all. There was no doubt in my mind that her 9th book would be just as amazing. One of my favorite movies growing up was The Breakfast Club- one that I’ve watched many times. As I read The Reckless Club, it was easy to correlate the two. I even was able to picture the characters in he book with who they were most similar to in the movie The Breakfast Club. In Beth’s newest release, five students are told by their principal that instead of being suspended, that they must spend a day in an assisted living home as part of their punishment for what each of them did previously. As each of the five students are forced to interact with the elderly residents, they begin to better understand themselves and each other. I enjoyed this book by Beth Vrabel and I recommend it to you as well. I also look forward to introducing this book to my 6th graders. Congrats to Beth on another amazing book.
October 31, 2018
What I appreciate about this middle-grade novel is the author's loving attention to her characters and their struggles, to her story (an homage to the 1985 movie The Breakfast Club), and to her themes of standing up for yourself and embracing your experiences. There are no bad guys in this book, only differing degrees of goodness. Beth Vrabel does it again! ♥️
October 15, 2018
Really interesting, with a twist I didn't expect.
September 7, 2018
[I received an electronic review copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
I wish I could give this more than five stars. I absolutely adored this! This is not to be missed. It's The Breakfast Club for middle grade. The characters worked their way into my heart and I didn't want the book to end. This had everything I love about middle grade fiction - great characters (the sort you want to hug and cheer on), heart and humor (oh, Agnes!). This was a delight from start to finish. Highly recommend.
I wish I could give this more than five stars. I absolutely adored this! This is not to be missed. It's The Breakfast Club for middle grade. The characters worked their way into my heart and I didn't want the book to end. This had everything I love about middle grade fiction - great characters (the sort you want to hug and cheer on), heart and humor (oh, Agnes!). This was a delight from start to finish. Highly recommend.
August 30, 2018
DISCLAIMER: I received a digital copy of THE RECKLESS CLUB via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
4.5 Stars
WOW. WOWOWOWOWOW
Listen, I didn’t really know how much I’d like it when I first downloaded it. I started reading it and thought, ‘oh, this is going to be just alright.’
Oh, how wrong I was.
LITTLE BIT OF BACKSTORY WITH ME AND THIS BOOK:
I may not have been born in the 80’s, but I love THE BREAKFAST CLUB. So, one day, I was surfing through NetGalley, and I see this beautiful cover. I click on it, read the summary, and download it right then and there. Unfortunately, I was in the middle of like, 3 other books at the time, but the minute I finished them I started reading THE RECKLESS CLUB. And I think it did a fantastic job of bringing back the charm of THE BREAKFAST CLUB, complete with that iconic essay we all know and love.
I can’t really say too much about what I loved about it without spoiling the whole thing, but I will say this: this is a very important and charming book that I think everyone should read.
I will also try and talk about the characters without spoiling anything, so here goes...
JASON (the nobody)
Jason starts out as kind of your typical emo artist (who’s always drawing a certain girl in the group), but as the story progresses, he turns into a much more complex character than that.
LILITH (the drama queen)
Lilith is an Indian-American thirteen-year-old girl, is in the drama club at school, and pretty much makes a big deal out of everything. I can definitely assure you that once you read about what she did that got her this punishment, and the story behind it, you’ll love her.
WES (the flirt)
Wes is always class president and can sweet-talk his way out of pretty much anything. Although, his home-life is the one thing he can’t sweet talk his way out of.
ALLY (the athlete)
Ally is basically the most popular girl in school, seeing as she’s captain of pretty much every sports team at school. But her father’s constant pressure on her is making it harder and harder to be the “perfect” girl she’s always been.
REX (the rebel)
Rex is well...Rex is interesting. Rex starts out as the stereotypical rebel, and whatnot - always in trouble, and always mouthing off to teachers - but as you start to reveal her story, she becomes so much more than that.
Basically, what I’m trying to say is that I love all of these children.
I will definitely be purchasing a copy of this book when it comes out.
UPDATE: It’s been less than a month and I’ve already read it twice. I loved it more the second time...
4.5 Stars
WOW. WOWOWOWOWOW
Listen, I didn’t really know how much I’d like it when I first downloaded it. I started reading it and thought, ‘oh, this is going to be just alright.’
Oh, how wrong I was.
LITTLE BIT OF BACKSTORY WITH ME AND THIS BOOK:
I may not have been born in the 80’s, but I love THE BREAKFAST CLUB. So, one day, I was surfing through NetGalley, and I see this beautiful cover. I click on it, read the summary, and download it right then and there. Unfortunately, I was in the middle of like, 3 other books at the time, but the minute I finished them I started reading THE RECKLESS CLUB. And I think it did a fantastic job of bringing back the charm of THE BREAKFAST CLUB, complete with that iconic essay we all know and love.
I can’t really say too much about what I loved about it without spoiling the whole thing, but I will say this: this is a very important and charming book that I think everyone should read.
I will also try and talk about the characters without spoiling anything, so here goes...
JASON (the nobody)
Jason starts out as kind of your typical emo artist (who’s always drawing a certain girl in the group), but as the story progresses, he turns into a much more complex character than that.
LILITH (the drama queen)
Lilith is an Indian-American thirteen-year-old girl, is in the drama club at school, and pretty much makes a big deal out of everything. I can definitely assure you that once you read about what she did that got her this punishment, and the story behind it, you’ll love her.
WES (the flirt)
Wes is always class president and can sweet-talk his way out of pretty much anything. Although, his home-life is the one thing he can’t sweet talk his way out of.
ALLY (the athlete)
Ally is basically the most popular girl in school, seeing as she’s captain of pretty much every sports team at school. But her father’s constant pressure on her is making it harder and harder to be the “perfect” girl she’s always been.
REX (the rebel)
Rex is well...Rex is interesting. Rex starts out as the stereotypical rebel, and whatnot - always in trouble, and always mouthing off to teachers - but as you start to reveal her story, she becomes so much more than that.
Basically, what I’m trying to say is that I love all of these children.
I will definitely be purchasing a copy of this book when it comes out.
UPDATE: It’s been less than a month and I’ve already read it twice. I loved it more the second time...
August 31, 2018
*I received a digital review copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Reckless Club is The Breakfast Club for a new generation. I must admit, this book made me feel old as I saw The Breakfast Club in the movie theater. I think it would probably resonate better with the middle graders that it is aimed toward which is why I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 3.
The concept is great, get a group of kids together and make them realize that even though they are completely different, they all share a common ground. They are seen as the “Rebel”, the “Flirt”, the “Drama Queen”, the “Nobody”, and the “Athlete” by their teachers and each other. But each of them also has issues and could really just use friends, true friends. Rather than locking them in detention on a Saturday, they are sent to an assisted living facility and have to spend the day with the residents and put on some kind of show. Rex, the "rebel" also has a subplot that she is trying to catch one of the nurses in the act of stealing jewelry from patients. By the end, they share a "Breakfast Club" style confessional circle which explains a lot of why each of them behave the way they do (which was probably my favorite part of the book).
Through an interesting story, Vrabel manages to impart a number of good lessons that all come back to the important concept of listening and being kind to others. We see that listening to the elderly and even sometimes allowing them to live in their memories is important. It is also great for teens to spend time with them as it helps them remember what they were like when they were young. Vrabel also brings it to an even more important concept when she brings it to the teens' level. Each of them has a label that has in many ways become who they are. But everyone is so much more than a stereotype and when you actually stop and listen to each other you realize all the things you have in common. There is also bullying happening through each of their stories. Some bully others, some are bullied, some watch it happen and record it.
My only negatives with the story is that it jumped around from different plot lines every chapter and the characters were a little outrageous. I understand that they were stereotypes that were overplayed to make a point, but it made some of how they behaved unrealistic.
The Reckless Club is The Breakfast Club for a new generation. I must admit, this book made me feel old as I saw The Breakfast Club in the movie theater. I think it would probably resonate better with the middle graders that it is aimed toward which is why I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 3.
The concept is great, get a group of kids together and make them realize that even though they are completely different, they all share a common ground. They are seen as the “Rebel”, the “Flirt”, the “Drama Queen”, the “Nobody”, and the “Athlete” by their teachers and each other. But each of them also has issues and could really just use friends, true friends. Rather than locking them in detention on a Saturday, they are sent to an assisted living facility and have to spend the day with the residents and put on some kind of show. Rex, the "rebel" also has a subplot that she is trying to catch one of the nurses in the act of stealing jewelry from patients. By the end, they share a "Breakfast Club" style confessional circle which explains a lot of why each of them behave the way they do (which was probably my favorite part of the book).
Through an interesting story, Vrabel manages to impart a number of good lessons that all come back to the important concept of listening and being kind to others. We see that listening to the elderly and even sometimes allowing them to live in their memories is important. It is also great for teens to spend time with them as it helps them remember what they were like when they were young. Vrabel also brings it to an even more important concept when she brings it to the teens' level. Each of them has a label that has in many ways become who they are. But everyone is so much more than a stereotype and when you actually stop and listen to each other you realize all the things you have in common. There is also bullying happening through each of their stories. Some bully others, some are bullied, some watch it happen and record it.
My only negatives with the story is that it jumped around from different plot lines every chapter and the characters were a little outrageous. I understand that they were stereotypes that were overplayed to make a point, but it made some of how they behaved unrealistic.
August 2, 2018
If you loved The Breakfast Club, you will love this book. If you are too young to know what The Breakfast Club is, ask your parents. Five extremely different students find themselves spending the last day of summer vacation volunteering at a local assisted living facility as punishment for things they did on the last day of school. At first, each student seems like a cliche; there's the drama queen, a flirt, an athlete, a rebel, and a nobody. As the story unfolds, we learn there is much more depth to each character. They are all suffering in their own ways. From the outside, each character may seem to have their stuff together or like they don't care about anyone else's opinion, but they are all just trying to hide their insecurities. These kids have parents who have walked out on them or who are verbally abusive. They feel pressure to be perfect, liked by everyone else, and to be someone other than who they actually are.
After first meeting the characters, readers may be annoyed with their behavior or lack of empathy, but they will quickly fall in love with each character when they learn more about "the Reckless Club's" backstories. This book will provide readers with a chance to think more deeply about bullying and how one's actions affect others. It would work well in an empathy unit or text set. Vrabel's novel could be a perfect mentor text to use in a writer's workshop on character development as she does an excellent job at slowly unraveling their personalities. This book is a must-read for students in 5th grade - 8th grade.
After first meeting the characters, readers may be annoyed with their behavior or lack of empathy, but they will quickly fall in love with each character when they learn more about "the Reckless Club's" backstories. This book will provide readers with a chance to think more deeply about bullying and how one's actions affect others. It would work well in an empathy unit or text set. Vrabel's novel could be a perfect mentor text to use in a writer's workshop on character development as she does an excellent job at slowly unraveling their personalities. This book is a must-read for students in 5th grade - 8th grade.
July 27, 2018
Vrabel writes an extraordinarily great novel that has rightly been described as similar to the 1985 movie called “The Breakfast Club.” Fans of that Boomer favorite will see definite similarities in theme and character types, but with a Gen Z spin. That plot of troubled or rule-breaking teens put together to serve detention and finding common ground is timeless and will find a place in any age group, but Vrabel adds far more tender and sometimes even gut wrenching scenarios for her cast to share. Readers in grades 5-9 of both genders are likely to make a connection to at least one of the five teens who are forced to spend the last Saturday of summer volunteering in a nursing care facility. Highly recommended for fans of Beth Vrabel’s other works as well as those by Joan Bauer, Lisa Graff, Cynthia Lord, and Jordan Sonnenblick. Unlike some of Sonnenblick’s novels, “The Reckless Club” does not require any warnings about language or other mature content. Thanks for the dARC, NetGalley!
May 7, 2018
Thank you to Running Press Kids and NetGalley for an early review copy of The Reckless Club by Beth Vrabel, which will publish October 2, 2018. All thoughts are my own.
Writing: 3/5 Characters: 4/5 Plot: 3.5/5
#middle school readers
A sweet retelling of John Hughes’ iconic “The Breakfast Club” with a cast of middle schoolers and an old-age home twist. The “Rebel”, the “Flirt”, the “Drama Queen”, the “Nobody”, and the “Athlete,” are serving detention by spending the last day of summer vacation helping out in an old folk’s home. Needless to say, they aren’t thrilled. Through a pretty convoluted and fast paced plot, they come to terms with who they are, who they want to be, how to prevent bullying, and how better to understand and have compassion for the aging process. It’s heartwarming, interesting, and even tearful at times. While the bulk of the teachers, counselors, and therapists are good people with good messages, there are also some candid depictions of some not-so-great teachers and quite a few absent and / or deficient parents.
The Reckless Club is reasonably well written with attention given to shifting gender stereotypes (for example, the “Athlete” and the “Rebel” are both girls and the female residents of the old-age home are anything but dull). A number of background situations for each student emerge including divorces, absent or nasty parents, bullying, and unpleasant teachers and school situations. Overall a lot of positive messages about aging as well as getting along with other people in general — the students learn compassion, understanding, and the meaning of friendship as applied both to each other and the old folks they have reluctantly come to help.
Writing: 3/5 Characters: 4/5 Plot: 3.5/5
#middle school readers
A sweet retelling of John Hughes’ iconic “The Breakfast Club” with a cast of middle schoolers and an old-age home twist. The “Rebel”, the “Flirt”, the “Drama Queen”, the “Nobody”, and the “Athlete,” are serving detention by spending the last day of summer vacation helping out in an old folk’s home. Needless to say, they aren’t thrilled. Through a pretty convoluted and fast paced plot, they come to terms with who they are, who they want to be, how to prevent bullying, and how better to understand and have compassion for the aging process. It’s heartwarming, interesting, and even tearful at times. While the bulk of the teachers, counselors, and therapists are good people with good messages, there are also some candid depictions of some not-so-great teachers and quite a few absent and / or deficient parents.
The Reckless Club is reasonably well written with attention given to shifting gender stereotypes (for example, the “Athlete” and the “Rebel” are both girls and the female residents of the old-age home are anything but dull). A number of background situations for each student emerge including divorces, absent or nasty parents, bullying, and unpleasant teachers and school situations. Overall a lot of positive messages about aging as well as getting along with other people in general — the students learn compassion, understanding, and the meaning of friendship as applied both to each other and the old folks they have reluctantly come to help.
September 30, 2018
Beth Vrabel has done it again, offering up another middle grade book about transformative friendships and experiences between teens and adults. In The Reckless Club (which if you're thinking it sounds a bit like the Breakfast Club you wouldn't be wrong) the story begins on August 23, at the end of summer vacation, a just before the start of high school. We meet Jason (the Nobody), Lillith (the Drama Queen and do not call her Lily), Wes (the Flirt), Ally (the Athlete, aka Sports Barbie) and Rex (the Rebel, or hey, Just Rex) they are going to spend time doing community service hours at a nursing home. Each youth has their own history that informed some behavior that earned them detention at the end of middle school. Spending the day helping out at the old folks home managed by their principal's sister is a way to serve their detention instead of starting their school year with one.
One of the things that Vrabel excels at is developing tween and teen characters who are unique and who have unique family challenges and vulnerabilities. Each of these children has an interesting story and the alliances formed on their community service day is a pretty timeless trope that works well in Vrabel's hands. These are kids that middle graders and young teens will relate to and who may encourage them to look deeper at peers and adults. I especially love the aspect of interacting with the elderly, something that can be so valuable for young people and which sometimes they resist.
Another positive Vrabel book about not being as alone or invisible as you think you are.
I received a Digital Review Copy from Running Press Kids via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
One of the things that Vrabel excels at is developing tween and teen characters who are unique and who have unique family challenges and vulnerabilities. Each of these children has an interesting story and the alliances formed on their community service day is a pretty timeless trope that works well in Vrabel's hands. These are kids that middle graders and young teens will relate to and who may encourage them to look deeper at peers and adults. I especially love the aspect of interacting with the elderly, something that can be so valuable for young people and which sometimes they resist.
Another positive Vrabel book about not being as alone or invisible as you think you are.
I received a Digital Review Copy from Running Press Kids via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2018
I had to use Kirkus' line in that opening, because how more perfect can one describe a book? Beth Vrabel, one of my favorite middle grade authors, reaches back into one of the movies that defined my generation and brought it back, with a few nips and tucks, to inspire a new generation. We take one group: a Nobody (Jason), a Drama Queen (Lilith), a Flirt (Wes), an Athlete (Ally, also known as "Sports Barbie"), and a rebel (Rex) all come together at a retirement home one day in the late summer. Each has done something so wrong in their last year of middle school that they've got to spend the last Saturday before high school here, helping elderly patients and their principal's sister, who oversees the home. Each teen is paired with an elder, and their personalities quickly emerge, as does a mystery: is one of the nurse's stealing from the patients?
The book has wonderful callouts to The Breakfast Club, meaning I'll get to booktalk this to some of my parents, too. We Gen Xers never get tired of '80s nostalgia! But the story is so much more than that. Beth Vrabel has the dual gifts of dialogue and character development, giving readers a voraciously readable story that delves into LGBTQ+, self-esteem and acceptance, and race matters.
I love Beth Vrabel's books. I feel good at the end of a Beth Vrabel story, and I feel like people can and still want to make a difference when I read a Beth Vrabel story. She tells realistic stories about kids we could see in our classrooms, our libraries, and at our dinner tables every day, and provides insights that we may not even realize we're overlooking. That handsome class president with the dimples may not have it as easy as you think. The drama queen that throws a hissy fit may have hit her last straw with an awful teacher. That star athlete may have something really unhealthy pushing her to excel. It reminds us, as adults, as well as middle graders and tweens, that everyone has something going on under the surface. A final note, a la the Breakfast Club, sums up the group's experiences of the day, and we can only hope that The Reckless Club has another adventure in store for us soon.
Visit Beth Vrabel's website for study guides, news about her other books, and info about school visits.
The book has wonderful callouts to The Breakfast Club, meaning I'll get to booktalk this to some of my parents, too. We Gen Xers never get tired of '80s nostalgia! But the story is so much more than that. Beth Vrabel has the dual gifts of dialogue and character development, giving readers a voraciously readable story that delves into LGBTQ+, self-esteem and acceptance, and race matters.
I love Beth Vrabel's books. I feel good at the end of a Beth Vrabel story, and I feel like people can and still want to make a difference when I read a Beth Vrabel story. She tells realistic stories about kids we could see in our classrooms, our libraries, and at our dinner tables every day, and provides insights that we may not even realize we're overlooking. That handsome class president with the dimples may not have it as easy as you think. The drama queen that throws a hissy fit may have hit her last straw with an awful teacher. That star athlete may have something really unhealthy pushing her to excel. It reminds us, as adults, as well as middle graders and tweens, that everyone has something going on under the surface. A final note, a la the Breakfast Club, sums up the group's experiences of the day, and we can only hope that The Reckless Club has another adventure in store for us soon.
Visit Beth Vrabel's website for study guides, news about her other books, and info about school visits.
May 12, 2018
Thank you @netgalley for Beth Vrabel's newest masterpiece. I'm happy to be a #partner so I can scout out the books I want to add to next year's library inventory! Release date 02/10/18
This book is a modern day Breakfast Club told from 5 perspectives: the nobody, the athlete (a GIRL, thank you!!), the drama queen, the revel, and the flirt (a BOY, thank you!!)
The story opens with a priceless letter from Principal Hardy, stating his decision to send them all to Northbrook Retirement Village on the last day of summer vacation in response to their behaviour on the last day of middle school. Though it is apparent none of them want to be there, they reluctantly learn...
1. The elderly were once young and vibrant members of society. Agnes is no exception: "And that's how I taught my pet monkey to stop biting people..." They learn that mischief knows no age limit, as in the case of the roving ficus: "Just as Lilith is about to dart across the hall to the plant, it moves. The fake plant gets up and moves a few steps closer to the pair. Lilith spots purple pant suited legs... the tiny woman seeking a prom date is huddled behind it."
2. They have more in common with each other than they realized. All they had to do was listen.
3. The way we perceive others is often based on stereotypes. Vrabel slowly reveals each character's backstory... just enough to keep you guessing and changing your opinions.
At times the story got away on me, darting down different rabbit holes, but the characters brought me back. This is an essential purchase because it has entertainment and heart.
This book is a modern day Breakfast Club told from 5 perspectives: the nobody, the athlete (a GIRL, thank you!!), the drama queen, the revel, and the flirt (a BOY, thank you!!)
The story opens with a priceless letter from Principal Hardy, stating his decision to send them all to Northbrook Retirement Village on the last day of summer vacation in response to their behaviour on the last day of middle school. Though it is apparent none of them want to be there, they reluctantly learn...
1. The elderly were once young and vibrant members of society. Agnes is no exception: "And that's how I taught my pet monkey to stop biting people..." They learn that mischief knows no age limit, as in the case of the roving ficus: "Just as Lilith is about to dart across the hall to the plant, it moves. The fake plant gets up and moves a few steps closer to the pair. Lilith spots purple pant suited legs... the tiny woman seeking a prom date is huddled behind it."
2. They have more in common with each other than they realized. All they had to do was listen.
3. The way we perceive others is often based on stereotypes. Vrabel slowly reveals each character's backstory... just enough to keep you guessing and changing your opinions.
At times the story got away on me, darting down different rabbit holes, but the characters brought me back. This is an essential purchase because it has entertainment and heart.
September 13, 2018
Thanks to Running Press Kids for a digital ARC of this middle-grade novel. Prior to reading this, I'd never read anything by Beth Vrabel but had heard many good things about her novel, Caleb and Kit. The Reckless Club follows, for 24 hours, five kids who've each been summoned to volunteer at a nursing home by school authorities for pranks committed separately in their last week of middle school.
First off, I think the premise of a book spanning 24 hours is genius, especially for this story. All five kids are on the surface, vastly different from each other, but of course, as we'll see at the end, very similar. In the course of the time spent at the nursing home, they assist the elderly, become entangled in a mystery, learn more about each other and build new friendships.
I really enjoyed this one and I think lovers of mystery, books about friendship and anyone in search of a book tackling grief and/or bullying will enjoy this one.
First off, I think the premise of a book spanning 24 hours is genius, especially for this story. All five kids are on the surface, vastly different from each other, but of course, as we'll see at the end, very similar. In the course of the time spent at the nursing home, they assist the elderly, become entangled in a mystery, learn more about each other and build new friendships.
I really enjoyed this one and I think lovers of mystery, books about friendship and anyone in search of a book tackling grief and/or bullying will enjoy this one.
November 12, 2018
First, apologies for not writing this the first week of October when The Reckless Club was first released. You or your kiddos have waited too long already to read this book. Perfect for middle schoolers, The Reckless Club is a tweenage-appropriate glance at The Breakfast Club, with the extra twists and turns you’d expect from kids this age.
Beth Vrabel did a great job writing varied characters who have personal quirks that showed me a little bit of their souls. And better yet, the kids got a glimpse of each other’s souls, what made them tick, what made them hurt, and what made them better people.
In this world of divisiveness, where people say things on social media that they would never say to someone’s face, we need commentary on the benefits of seeing each other as human beings. The Reckless Club takes that stand, shining a light on the real people underneath what other people see as a drama queen, a nerd, an athlete…
This book reminded me not to judge until I’ve walked a mile in the other person’s shoes. It would make a great Christmas gift for any middle schooler you know, or their teacher.
https://randombookmuses.com/2018/11/1...
Beth Vrabel did a great job writing varied characters who have personal quirks that showed me a little bit of their souls. And better yet, the kids got a glimpse of each other’s souls, what made them tick, what made them hurt, and what made them better people.
In this world of divisiveness, where people say things on social media that they would never say to someone’s face, we need commentary on the benefits of seeing each other as human beings. The Reckless Club takes that stand, shining a light on the real people underneath what other people see as a drama queen, a nerd, an athlete…
This book reminded me not to judge until I’ve walked a mile in the other person’s shoes. It would make a great Christmas gift for any middle schooler you know, or their teacher.
https://randombookmuses.com/2018/11/1...
May 3, 2018
I received a free e-copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a great middle-grades novel. The characterization is excellent, and the topic of bullying is timeless. I liked that along with the incidents of student bullying, the novel included situations in which a teacher gets bullied and another teacher verbally bullies students.
I believe that this would be an excellent novel to read with a class. It would inspire class discussions and, hopefully, make students more aware of how their words and actions affect others.
This is a great middle-grades novel. The characterization is excellent, and the topic of bullying is timeless. I liked that along with the incidents of student bullying, the novel included situations in which a teacher gets bullied and another teacher verbally bullies students.
I believe that this would be an excellent novel to read with a class. It would inspire class discussions and, hopefully, make students more aware of how their words and actions affect others.
May 2, 2018
Beth Vrabel has the ability to weave stories that make it easy for me to explain why I love young adult and middle grade novels. She writes believable characters without being too dramatic or forcefully stereotyped. The Reckless Club will open conversations about so many topics my students have either experienced or should know about. This book covers the gamut from self-discovery and acceptance to mental health issues. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys realistic fiction. I'm looking forward to purchasing a copy for my school library and for myself.
May 24, 2018
A great read. A fun mix of characters, a great plot, and a contemporary nod to a popular 80’s movie make this an interesting and quick read. I laughed out loud more than once and came to root for each member of The Reckless Club in turn. Kids will find lots to identify with here, and teachers and parents will find lots of material for discussion.
August 8, 2018
I received a free e-copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Reckless Club is a great middle-grade novel that has the spirit and feel of The Breakfast Club. I believe that this would be an excellent novel to read with a class. It would inspire class discussions and, hopefully, make students more aware of how their words and actions affect others.
The Reckless Club is a great middle-grade novel that has the spirit and feel of The Breakfast Club. I believe that this would be an excellent novel to read with a class. It would inspire class discussions and, hopefully, make students more aware of how their words and actions affect others.
May 1, 2018
It's Breakfast Club for a new generation. I really enjoyed the diverse characters in this middle grade novel and how they dealt with contemporary issues facing youth today. I can see my students identifying with the characters and the book will be one that will not stay on the shelf!
April 26, 2018
I love how this book starts which instantly grabs the attention of the reader on what actually happened that day to have landed these characters together. Great read for kids of 10+ years.
November 7, 2018
I thought this book was a great book. I thought it set a good example to other kids about facing your mistakes and learning from them. I also loved how in the beging of the book, all the kids hated eachother, but at the end, they started bonding and becoming friends!
April 2, 2018
Reading Beth Vrabel's The Reckless Club, immediately transported me back to my youth. I had seen the book described as an updated Breakfast Club, and the comparison nailed it. It captured all the warmth and charm of a beloved movie from my youth and made it fresh for a new audience. Just about everyone can identify with someone in this book. FYI: I identified with more than one. I highly recommend!
March 19, 2018
This story shows that no matter how different people are, our vulnerabilities bring us together.
The book is a quick and enjoyable read that both adults and children will be able to relate to. I would love to see a 5-book-series-spin-off and have each of the kids be the focus of their own story where we get to see them developed.
I received this e-book in exchange for my honest review from NetGalley.
The book is a quick and enjoyable read that both adults and children will be able to relate to. I would love to see a 5-book-series-spin-off and have each of the kids be the focus of their own story where we get to see them developed.
I received this e-book in exchange for my honest review from NetGalley.
September 27, 2020
Disclaimer: I received this arc from BookCon. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Reckless Club
Author: Beth Vrabel
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2/5
Recommended For...: mg contemporary fans
Publication Date: October 2, 2018
Genre: MG Contemporary
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNF-ed
Publisher: Running Press Kids
Pages: 256
Synopsis: On the last day of middle school, five kids who couldn't be more different commit separate pranks, each sure they won't be caught and they can't get in trouble. They're wrong. As punishment, they each have to volunteer one beautiful summer day-the last one before school-at Northbrook Retirement and Assisted Living Home, where they'll push creamed carrots into toothless mouths, perform the world's most pathetic skit in front of residents who won't remember it anyway, hold gnarled hands of peach fuzzed old ladies who relentlessly push hard candies, and somehow forge a bond with each other that has nothing to do with what they've done and everything to do with who they're becoming. All the action takes place in the course of this one day, with each chapter one hour of that day, as the five kids reveal what they've done, why they did it, and what they're going to do now.
Review: DNFed at 75 pages. The book is good but it's not capturing my attention and I think it's better suited for younger readers.
Verdict: Not for me but maybe for you.
Book: The Reckless Club
Author: Beth Vrabel
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2/5
Recommended For...: mg contemporary fans
Publication Date: October 2, 2018
Genre: MG Contemporary
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNF-ed
Publisher: Running Press Kids
Pages: 256
Synopsis: On the last day of middle school, five kids who couldn't be more different commit separate pranks, each sure they won't be caught and they can't get in trouble. They're wrong. As punishment, they each have to volunteer one beautiful summer day-the last one before school-at Northbrook Retirement and Assisted Living Home, where they'll push creamed carrots into toothless mouths, perform the world's most pathetic skit in front of residents who won't remember it anyway, hold gnarled hands of peach fuzzed old ladies who relentlessly push hard candies, and somehow forge a bond with each other that has nothing to do with what they've done and everything to do with who they're becoming. All the action takes place in the course of this one day, with each chapter one hour of that day, as the five kids reveal what they've done, why they did it, and what they're going to do now.
Review: DNFed at 75 pages. The book is good but it's not capturing my attention and I think it's better suited for younger readers.
Verdict: Not for me but maybe for you.
April 26, 2019
The theme of The Reckless Club is you have to look past somebody's appearance to know who they really are on the inside. This is shown when everybody thinks Wes is just a flirt, but he was actually very stressed out and went to his teacher and talked and cried every Tuesday after school because of his parents' separation. This theme is also seen when everyone thinks Lilith is just a drama queen but then they actually listen to her and realize she was treated unfairly and that she is simply pursuing her dreams. The last reason that supports this theme is when everybody believes Jason is a nobody, but they learn he did a lot of things without telling anyone, like writing down what Mr. Ackins said and printing out his words and giving them to all the teachers and what I guess got him fired as a teacher.
April 25, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. When I read the description and saw the Breakfast Club reference I immediately requested it and was so happy when I was offered an ebook.
I wish this book existed when I was in middle school, it would have great to feel that feeling invisible or left out can happen to everyone and that we can do something about it (and that it is not the end of the world). As a person who also suffered from bullying for a few years when I was in school, I love that there are people such as Beth Vrabel who understand how important it is to acknowledge the issue and try to present ways to solve it through books. This book was amazing because of its message and because the characters were all completely relatable.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review from NetGalley.
I wish this book existed when I was in middle school, it would have great to feel that feeling invisible or left out can happen to everyone and that we can do something about it (and that it is not the end of the world). As a person who also suffered from bullying for a few years when I was in school, I love that there are people such as Beth Vrabel who understand how important it is to acknowledge the issue and try to present ways to solve it through books. This book was amazing because of its message and because the characters were all completely relatable.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review from NetGalley.
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