Trouble After School

by Jerrold Beim

Lee Emerson, eighth-grader, is really in trouble. Now it is more than those C's on his report card. Now he must decide: Will he go along with the plan to wreck the high-school canteen?

If he doesn't -- the gang will call him yellow, a quitter. If he does -- why, there might even be trouble with the police.

Most important of all, Lee knows that the whole plan is wrong. How will he find the courage to do what he knows is right -- before it's too late?

Genres: Fiction

122 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1957

Reviews

[Liana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally read this vintage "young adult" book we picked up at an estate sale last year. Simply and directly written, it demonstrates the threats of vandalism, shoplifting, peer pressure, bad report cards, working mothers (ha!) and leather jackets. It may feel old-fashioned, but it shows kids that it is never to late to stand up for yourself (and what's right) and voice a contrary opinion.

[Rob Matarazzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in the third grade, if I remember correctly. There was some kind of book club that you would join through school, and you would pick out books from a list. I don’t know what made me pick this one, but I remember my old bag of a teacher grumbling something and giving me a dirty look when she handed the book to me. I enjoyed it quite a bit and read it several times.

[Mark Charney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fine piece of socialist propaganda advocates for young middle schoolers to transfer their allegiances from mom and dad towards taking advice from public school guidance counselors. Working mothers attempting to realize their dreams of capitalist fulfillment come under strict scrutiny. I loved these messages when I was eight so how could I not love them 50 years later? Thank you 5th grade teacher Mrs. Pritchett for making it required reading in our class.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This retro juvenile fiction is recommended to fans of after-school specials. Lee starts hanging out with a tough crowd after his mother takes a job and is no longer home after school. Junior high wickedness ensues: skipping school! dropping grades! leather jacket! And worse... !

[Mark O'Kennon]

One of the first books I ever read.