Rooster

by Elizabeth Nixon Weaver

Set against the backdrop of the '60s, a dramatic novel follows Kady, who no longer wants to be associated with Rooster, a brain-damaged boy from Cuba, and her struggling family, especially since she starting hanging out with her new boyfriend and his wealthy friends, but soon tragedy strikes causing Kady to learn a valuable lesson.

Genres: Realistic Fiction, Young Adult

250 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2001

Reviews

[Kristina Kaldenbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book over 15 years ago. I think when I was in middle school at some point. If there is ever a book from when I was younger that I distinctly remember, I try to re-read it at some point.

That was such a good story. Yes, Kady had her typical YA moments, but she's a teenager and they all act selfishly at times. I feel like this was a sweet story about a teenage girl finding herself and her family. Loved re-reading this.

[Meaghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kind of wish this book wasn't called "Rooster." It's really about much more than Rooster, and I like the idea of framing it as a story that happens to include a mentally disabled character rather than making him the focal point. Maybe that's my issue with this book--there is so much going on! I was drawn in by Kady's Vietnam-era Florida migrant family and the classic rich boy/poor girl matchup she has with Jon. Then we toss in the Cuban refugee family next door with a dead mother, an alcoholic father, Rooster and his brother Tony (love interest #2!) and we really have a mishmash. Don't forget the not-all-there grandma and the pot-smoking hippies who populate Kady's high school. Weaver includes some Cuban history; it's a little textbookish--even though its fairly skilfully woven in to Tony's voice. Overall, Rooster's character is believably drawn and Kady's interactions with him seem realistic, especially her poor treatment of Rooster in front of her "friends." The plot is just too wild and dramatic.

[C&C Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really into this book at first, but then the characters got a little cliché. Rooster is learning disabled and in love with Kady, who he sees as a mother replacement figure because his own mother is dead. She genuinely cares for him but finds him a pain in the neck most of the time. She grows further from him and from her family as she goes out with the popular, good-looking boy and hangs with his crowd. There are several disasters in this book, but the main one is Rooster’s accident, which of course leads to her growth and realization that her boyfriend’s a jerk. Rooster’s brother is a good character, but a little too passionate and perfect.

[Mary butler]

it was really good it made made cry

[Holly Fink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who has had drugs influence their life should read this.

[Kennie is dah Name (: Batista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beth Nixon Weaver was my 9th grade teacher for English. She amazing :)