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Hands
The author of What Lane? and Tight delivers a fast-paced read that packs a punch about a boy figuring out how to best use his hands--to build or to knock down.
Trev would do anything to protect his mom and sisters, especially from his stepdad. But his stepdad's return stresses Trev--because when he left, he threatened Trev's mom. Rather than live scared, Trev takes matters into his own hands, literally. He starts learning to box to handle his stepdad. But everyone isn't a fan of his plan, because Trev's a talented artist, and his hands could actually help him build a better future. And they're letting him know. But their advice for some distant future feels useless in his reality right now. Ultimately, Trev knows his future is in his hands, and his hands are his own, and he has to choose how to use them.
Trev would do anything to protect his mom and sisters, especially from his stepdad. But his stepdad's return stresses Trev--because when he left, he threatened Trev's mom. Rather than live scared, Trev takes matters into his own hands, literally. He starts learning to box to handle his stepdad. But everyone isn't a fan of his plan, because Trev's a talented artist, and his hands could actually help him build a better future. And they're letting him know. But their advice for some distant future feels useless in his reality right now. Ultimately, Trev knows his future is in his hands, and his hands are his own, and he has to choose how to use them.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 24, 2023
42 people are currently reading
2452 people want to read
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March 2, 2023
Bloat. It’s natural. You like something? Then surely you’d like more of that thing! And so our movies get longer and longer along with our music, our theater, whole runs of television shows, (my own reviews), etc. Children’s books? They’re no exception. How many times have I hefted some 300+ monster only to realize at the end that with some judicious editing the book could have been half its size? Too often, my friends. Authors will often tell you that writing something short and sweet is a hundred times more difficult than writing something long and languid. Even so, some authors just sort of excel in that area, creating stories packed into small spaces without sacrificing plot or character. In some circles I’m sure that folks would say that Torrey Maldonado is a “high-low” writer. That is, writing sophisticated stories for older readers but with a low page count that won’t scare away the reluctant. I say he more than just a label. Torrey taps into a kind of writing we've been in dire need of for a very long time. And with his authentic voice and whole heaping helpfuls of heart, his latest book Hands is one that your kids are NOT going to want to miss.
It's always been about Trev’s hands. When he was younger it was all about using them for drawing. Trev’s a talented artist, and he might even have a future in it. But when Trev got older, he started using his hands for something else. That was when his stepfather lay HIS hands on Trev’s mom and went to jail for it. He swore he’d be back, and Trev’s lived in terror of that happening ever since. Seems like the only way to protect his mom, sister, and step-sister would be to learn how to fight. Now he’s doing exactly that, but not everyone’s on board. There’s a whole crew of men in the neighborhood that have set themselves up as Trev’s uncles, and they are not about to let him throw everything away because of what he fears. They’re gonna be here, instead, to show him the way.
Revenge is hot this year. More than one children’s book seems to be sporting some kind of vengence-based narrative. Admittedly, Trev probably wouldn’t say that his plans to get big and buff are vengeful. He’d say he was doing what he was doing to protect the people he loves. Even so, even the barest peek into his mind reveals that what you’ve got here is a bit of an unreliable narrator. This is particularly true when it comes to Trev’s stepdad. You see, I also love how complex even some of the villains are in this book. Trev’s stepdad isn’t your stereotypical villain. Maldonado trusts the reader enough to show the guy being a real dad to Trev, even as the darker side of his personality ultimately wins out. While Trev’s convinced that once released from prison he’ll enact revenge, the reader may end up not so sure. That’s sort of what the other characters are telling Trev in the book. He’s building his stepdad up so much in his mind that he’s turned him into a cartoon supervillain. This isn't to say the man shouldn't be allowed back in Trev's life. But should Trev turn all his hopes and dreams upside down for this guy? Probably not.
Can I go back a bit here, though, and talk about the size of this book a little more? The fact of the matter is that there is no other author out there writing with Maldonado’s capabilities and then consistently putting out full-length stories that are this short. A Maldonado novel never seeks to intimidate. Chapters can be as short as a page sometimes, and that’s fine. Combine that size with content talking about contemporary Black boys living in the city in the modern day (VERY modern, since there’s a Black Adam reference to Dwayne Johnson in here, amazingly enough). Sure Jason Reynolds and some other writers are tackling similar subject matter, but not page length! Mr. Maldonado’s consistent in who he’s representing, where he’s setting his books, and what is important to him. The kid who discovers one of his books is not going to be disappointed when they find the rest of his oeuvre. They’re going to just keep reading and reading and reading . . .
A great deal of the book’s lure lies in its complications. Trev’s problem is anything but straightforward. The end of the book certainly reflects that. I’ve always had a sense that Torrey Maldonado doesn’t so much solve everyone’s problems by the end of his books as give his characters additional options. For kids raised on the notion that storytelling requires complete and utter closure, this may at first strike them as maddening. But in Hands Torrey keeps the circle open to perhaps his greatest effect yet. The pessimist might say that by refusing to solve the problem the author spares the reader from having to see further awful things down the road. I think a more likely answer is that the author is being honest with the reader. Life is rarely tied up in a neat little bow, and in eschewing some kind of deus ex machina, the story is honoring the complications surrounding Trev’s life. This works better in some instances than others. There’s an incident in the hallway, at one point, where Trev truly believes that the only way to protect his sister is to punch something. We’re told he always has options but nobody in their right mind would think the best option was to call the cops. It would have been nice for someone to have told Trev a cleverer solution to that situation that could have resolved things without blood or police, but instead the reader is left with the vague sense that while most of the book’s messaging about hands makes sense, that one instance is significantly less clear.
Admittedly, some choices were made at the beginning of the book that also gave me some pause. Initially, Trev is introduced as a guy trying to learn from the great fighters of the past. These are named repeatedly, and one name in particular comes up more than once: Mike Tyson. Now, it doesn’t take much effort to link Tyson to domestic abuse. So when he came up a second time I assumed that Torrey was going to make a point of this. Trev’s learning that hands can only solve so much with violence, so it would make sense for him to learn that some of his heroes have committed crimes similar to (and worse than) his stepfather’s. Unfortunately, it’s a dangling plot thread that just keeps on dangling. Mike’s presence is never challenged, which felt like nothing so much as a lost opportunity.
Ultimately, family is the theme in this particular Maldonado creation. Not just immediate family, or the family you marry in to, but the family that is your community and the people that love you. Trev is blessed, almost ridiculously so, with uncles. Uncle upon uncle upon uncle. They’re not related to him (mostly). They’re just men who took it upon themselves to protect Trev, whether he wants that help or not. So while the book traces him awakening to the fact that maybe punching stuff isn’t the best way to solve problems, it’s also tracing this dawning realization that these men are an invaluable family and resource to him. Does that mean that they can solve all his problems? Better table that question for a book discussion group.
Sometimes people ask me what books are still missing from the marketplace when it comes to kids. Where are the gaps? What aren’t we seeing? Honestly, I feel like sometimes you don’t know a gap’s even been there until it’s filled. Torrey Maldonado, now HE knows how to fill those kinds of gaps. I guess I sort of knew that short fiction for older kids had become increasingly hard to find, but it wasn’t really until I started reading his books that this was drilled home. Hands is going to find its audience and it’s going to resonate soundly with them. Homey and touching, complicated and unafraid to deal with paradoxes, I may not agree with all the decisions in the book but the final product is ultimately a strong piece I’d hand to any kid willingly. Especially the kids that don’t even know it’s what they need.
Yet.
It's always been about Trev’s hands. When he was younger it was all about using them for drawing. Trev’s a talented artist, and he might even have a future in it. But when Trev got older, he started using his hands for something else. That was when his stepfather lay HIS hands on Trev’s mom and went to jail for it. He swore he’d be back, and Trev’s lived in terror of that happening ever since. Seems like the only way to protect his mom, sister, and step-sister would be to learn how to fight. Now he’s doing exactly that, but not everyone’s on board. There’s a whole crew of men in the neighborhood that have set themselves up as Trev’s uncles, and they are not about to let him throw everything away because of what he fears. They’re gonna be here, instead, to show him the way.
Revenge is hot this year. More than one children’s book seems to be sporting some kind of vengence-based narrative. Admittedly, Trev probably wouldn’t say that his plans to get big and buff are vengeful. He’d say he was doing what he was doing to protect the people he loves. Even so, even the barest peek into his mind reveals that what you’ve got here is a bit of an unreliable narrator. This is particularly true when it comes to Trev’s stepdad. You see, I also love how complex even some of the villains are in this book. Trev’s stepdad isn’t your stereotypical villain. Maldonado trusts the reader enough to show the guy being a real dad to Trev, even as the darker side of his personality ultimately wins out. While Trev’s convinced that once released from prison he’ll enact revenge, the reader may end up not so sure. That’s sort of what the other characters are telling Trev in the book. He’s building his stepdad up so much in his mind that he’s turned him into a cartoon supervillain. This isn't to say the man shouldn't be allowed back in Trev's life. But should Trev turn all his hopes and dreams upside down for this guy? Probably not.
Can I go back a bit here, though, and talk about the size of this book a little more? The fact of the matter is that there is no other author out there writing with Maldonado’s capabilities and then consistently putting out full-length stories that are this short. A Maldonado novel never seeks to intimidate. Chapters can be as short as a page sometimes, and that’s fine. Combine that size with content talking about contemporary Black boys living in the city in the modern day (VERY modern, since there’s a Black Adam reference to Dwayne Johnson in here, amazingly enough). Sure Jason Reynolds and some other writers are tackling similar subject matter, but not page length! Mr. Maldonado’s consistent in who he’s representing, where he’s setting his books, and what is important to him. The kid who discovers one of his books is not going to be disappointed when they find the rest of his oeuvre. They’re going to just keep reading and reading and reading . . .
A great deal of the book’s lure lies in its complications. Trev’s problem is anything but straightforward. The end of the book certainly reflects that. I’ve always had a sense that Torrey Maldonado doesn’t so much solve everyone’s problems by the end of his books as give his characters additional options. For kids raised on the notion that storytelling requires complete and utter closure, this may at first strike them as maddening. But in Hands Torrey keeps the circle open to perhaps his greatest effect yet. The pessimist might say that by refusing to solve the problem the author spares the reader from having to see further awful things down the road. I think a more likely answer is that the author is being honest with the reader. Life is rarely tied up in a neat little bow, and in eschewing some kind of deus ex machina, the story is honoring the complications surrounding Trev’s life. This works better in some instances than others. There’s an incident in the hallway, at one point, where Trev truly believes that the only way to protect his sister is to punch something. We’re told he always has options but nobody in their right mind would think the best option was to call the cops. It would have been nice for someone to have told Trev a cleverer solution to that situation that could have resolved things without blood or police, but instead the reader is left with the vague sense that while most of the book’s messaging about hands makes sense, that one instance is significantly less clear.
Admittedly, some choices were made at the beginning of the book that also gave me some pause. Initially, Trev is introduced as a guy trying to learn from the great fighters of the past. These are named repeatedly, and one name in particular comes up more than once: Mike Tyson. Now, it doesn’t take much effort to link Tyson to domestic abuse. So when he came up a second time I assumed that Torrey was going to make a point of this. Trev’s learning that hands can only solve so much with violence, so it would make sense for him to learn that some of his heroes have committed crimes similar to (and worse than) his stepfather’s. Unfortunately, it’s a dangling plot thread that just keeps on dangling. Mike’s presence is never challenged, which felt like nothing so much as a lost opportunity.
Ultimately, family is the theme in this particular Maldonado creation. Not just immediate family, or the family you marry in to, but the family that is your community and the people that love you. Trev is blessed, almost ridiculously so, with uncles. Uncle upon uncle upon uncle. They’re not related to him (mostly). They’re just men who took it upon themselves to protect Trev, whether he wants that help or not. So while the book traces him awakening to the fact that maybe punching stuff isn’t the best way to solve problems, it’s also tracing this dawning realization that these men are an invaluable family and resource to him. Does that mean that they can solve all his problems? Better table that question for a book discussion group.
Sometimes people ask me what books are still missing from the marketplace when it comes to kids. Where are the gaps? What aren’t we seeing? Honestly, I feel like sometimes you don’t know a gap’s even been there until it’s filled. Torrey Maldonado, now HE knows how to fill those kinds of gaps. I guess I sort of knew that short fiction for older kids had become increasingly hard to find, but it wasn’t really until I started reading his books that this was drilled home. Hands is going to find its audience and it’s going to resonate soundly with them. Homey and touching, complicated and unafraid to deal with paradoxes, I may not agree with all the decisions in the book but the final product is ultimately a strong piece I’d hand to any kid willingly. Especially the kids that don’t even know it’s what they need.
Yet.
January 8, 2023
I love opening any book by Torrey Maldonado because his protagonists are so genuine and real. Trevor, the MC of Hands, is just like that. We meet him in the midst of a struggle. His stepfather has just been sent to jail for hitting Trevor's mother, and this boy is struggling with promises: what he promised his stepfather (to take care of his sister and stepsister), what he's promising himself (to take care of his mother when his stepfather gets out of jail), and what a teacher describes to him at school as his "promise," something that doesn't feel that it matters all that much to him with everything else he's facing, though deep in his heart he knows it does. I loved how Trevor takes care of Little Cole, the boy who lives on his floor and sits outside his apartment in their quiet hallway to draw. It mirrors the way Trevor's uncles—none related by blood, but related by the powerful ties of family and love that create his world—are his trees, shielding and supporting him when he needs it most.
This is an exciting story. Trevor's motivations are stark, but he shows what can happen when you accept the help that your family—blood or not—wants to give you. Trevor is a such sweet kid deep down, an incredible role model, and just plain real. This is a marvelous book that should be in every library in this country: to help kids who are dealing with issues like this and help kids who aren't understand what life is like for others. It's also a slim volume with short chapters told in Trevor's spot-on voice. This is sure to be a favorite.
This is an exciting story. Trevor's motivations are stark, but he shows what can happen when you accept the help that your family—blood or not—wants to give you. Trevor is a such sweet kid deep down, an incredible role model, and just plain real. This is a marvelous book that should be in every library in this country: to help kids who are dealing with issues like this and help kids who aren't understand what life is like for others. It's also a slim volume with short chapters told in Trevor's spot-on voice. This is sure to be a favorite.
July 23, 2024
Having a carefree life as a kid should be a given, but that’s not always the case. This book focuses in on Trev, a boy who loves his mother deeply and wants to do everything in his power to keep her safe from his stepfather.
His hands should be used to create the art that he has a gift for, yet he makes a decision to put them to use and get trained as a boxer, following in the steps of some members of his family.
He is lucky to have some very wise uncles who give him advice along the way. It is these uncles, along with his mom, who offer nuggets of advice that will resonate with young adult readers. One of my favorites was to “be the rainbow to someone else’s cloud.”
Some themes that emerged include family dynamics-and the families we’re born into as well as the families we choose, the idea of “it takes a village” , physical abuse, inner strength and giving our natural abilities the space, and putting forth the effort, to allow them to grow.
His hands should be used to create the art that he has a gift for, yet he makes a decision to put them to use and get trained as a boxer, following in the steps of some members of his family.
He is lucky to have some very wise uncles who give him advice along the way. It is these uncles, along with his mom, who offer nuggets of advice that will resonate with young adult readers. One of my favorites was to “be the rainbow to someone else’s cloud.”
Some themes that emerged include family dynamics-and the families we’re born into as well as the families we choose, the idea of “it takes a village” , physical abuse, inner strength and giving our natural abilities the space, and putting forth the effort, to allow them to grow.
January 2, 2023
My first read of the New Year is given a lot of thought & carefully selected. I knew
Torrey Maldonado's HANDS would start my reading year with what I call a guaranteed read- appealing to many, with a fast-paced plot and the main character Trev connecting with readers. I love this book, and in my opinion, is Mr. Maldonado's best book!
The title HANDS uses the analogy about the choices made with our hands - do we use them to help or to hurt? The main character Trevor is wrestling with many challenges, from identity to belonging to coming to terms with understanding the many meanings of the word promise and the connections it has to himself and his family. Will he use his hands to help or to hurt to fulfill promises made to him and from him?
I’m in awe of how Mr. Maldonado can pack life lessons, action, identity and sense of belonging in less than 150 pages. HANDS is a title that should be in every middle-grade classroom so those who feel invisible become seen.
The year 2023 officially kicked off with a BANG for me with this 5 ⭐️ book.
Keywords: Social Themes Coming of Age, Family,
Similar Titles: Ghost by Jason Reynolds, Holes by Louis Sachar
Torrey Maldonado's HANDS would start my reading year with what I call a guaranteed read- appealing to many, with a fast-paced plot and the main character Trev connecting with readers. I love this book, and in my opinion, is Mr. Maldonado's best book!
The title HANDS uses the analogy about the choices made with our hands - do we use them to help or to hurt? The main character Trevor is wrestling with many challenges, from identity to belonging to coming to terms with understanding the many meanings of the word promise and the connections it has to himself and his family. Will he use his hands to help or to hurt to fulfill promises made to him and from him?
I’m in awe of how Mr. Maldonado can pack life lessons, action, identity and sense of belonging in less than 150 pages. HANDS is a title that should be in every middle-grade classroom so those who feel invisible become seen.
The year 2023 officially kicked off with a BANG for me with this 5 ⭐️ book.
Keywords: Social Themes Coming of Age, Family,
Similar Titles: Ghost by Jason Reynolds, Holes by Louis Sachar
January 21, 2024
This is an interesting book that centers on a moral decision; there isn’t much plot. The boy is trying to figure out how to deal with a frightening world; there are people that threaten him, some of them close, some of them unstoppable (such as the police, which are only seen as a threat and a destroyer of community), but if he trains himself to react with violence (throwing hands) he may find himself more at risk. But hands also can be used to draw and to create. Does he have to choose between them? Can he find a path that makes him feel or be secure?
I like the different sources of community he finds, the many men available for advice or support, the friendships he has. I find it interesting that no one thinks martial skills like boxing can do anything but led to violence. It’s written at a simple level to be accessible to as many kids as possible; this is deliberate because kids facing the same kind of problems might be reading through a fog of stress.
I like the different sources of community he finds, the many men available for advice or support, the friendships he has. I find it interesting that no one thinks martial skills like boxing can do anything but led to violence. It’s written at a simple level to be accessible to as many kids as possible; this is deliberate because kids facing the same kind of problems might be reading through a fog of stress.
January 2, 2023
Started and finished this fantastic little book today. Beautiful message and commentary around family. Loved it. Thanks Torrey Maldonado! Excited to share this with my class. Folks best go pick this one up. Much like "What Lane?" and "Tight" the author has crafted a story that middle school kids will be able to see themselves, and with the idea of Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop's Mirrors, Windows and Sliding Glass Doors, I can see this story appealing to kids of all experiences. Students will be lining up to read it.
Read
March 21, 2023This little book will stay in your heart long after it leaves your hands.
TorreyMaldonado , like the legendary Laurie Halse Anderson, had a remarkable ear for how kids use vernacular. He Perfectly captures Trev’s voice
delivers precise dialogue. This book Ends with a moving, powerful, final message.
An important book to put into young readers’ Hands !
TorreyMaldonado , like the legendary Laurie Halse Anderson, had a remarkable ear for how kids use vernacular. He Perfectly captures Trev’s voice
delivers precise dialogue. This book Ends with a moving, powerful, final message.
An important book to put into young readers’ Hands !
March 21, 2025
I had to read this with my kids lol, but it’s a great story for 7th graders!
Read
April 9, 2025
Trigger & Content Warnings
Domestic violence
Blood depiction
Domestic violence
Blood depiction
November 23, 2022
I have loved the work of Torrey Maldonado since I was first given Tight several years ago.
It is hard not to - his voice jumps off every page inviting you in - compelling you to think of the span of identity that young boys reside in.
How much space do we allow them to take up?
And what kind of space do they get?
Hands, Torrey's latest middle grade book coming out in January, is his best one yet. It is one of the best books I have read in 2022, and I don't say that lightly, I read a lot of books.
Hands asks us to consider the choices we make with our hands, when we think that there is only one best answer, and provides us with a beautifully nuanced portrayal of toxic masculinity, while also snatching the attention of kids from the very first page.
It is about community, about choices, about finding your path, about discovering what your own super power is.
It is about being a role model and deciding on your own who holds the power.
The characters are complex, the topic is as well, and the freshness of the story jumps off the page.
It is a book that will enthrall while also leave you thinking.
What are the choices we make with our hands every day?
How do we affect the world?
It is an art form to take a complex story and make it come alive in fewer than 150 pages.
To write books where kids feel seen, validated, and helped to find their own power. You may even call it a bit of a super power.
This needs to be translated into Danish for all the kids that need it here too.
What a middle grade book, pre-order it now.
It is hard not to - his voice jumps off every page inviting you in - compelling you to think of the span of identity that young boys reside in.
How much space do we allow them to take up?
And what kind of space do they get?
Hands, Torrey's latest middle grade book coming out in January, is his best one yet. It is one of the best books I have read in 2022, and I don't say that lightly, I read a lot of books.
Hands asks us to consider the choices we make with our hands, when we think that there is only one best answer, and provides us with a beautifully nuanced portrayal of toxic masculinity, while also snatching the attention of kids from the very first page.
It is about community, about choices, about finding your path, about discovering what your own super power is.
It is about being a role model and deciding on your own who holds the power.
The characters are complex, the topic is as well, and the freshness of the story jumps off the page.
It is a book that will enthrall while also leave you thinking.
What are the choices we make with our hands every day?
How do we affect the world?
It is an art form to take a complex story and make it come alive in fewer than 150 pages.
To write books where kids feel seen, validated, and helped to find their own power. You may even call it a bit of a super power.
This needs to be translated into Danish for all the kids that need it here too.
What a middle grade book, pre-order it now.
April 29, 2023
I loved this book. It reminded me of Jason Reynolds Long Way Down. Trev has to make a choice: which way should he use his “hands”: to fight or to draw. People say he has promise, he just wants to protect his family from his abusive step-father. He’s tired of hearing the word “promise” because promises have been broken. He knows his future is in his “hands” and it’s up to him, with the guidance of his “uncles”, to guide him down the best path for him.
November 29, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Trev's father died when he was younger, and his mother remarried a man who had a daughter, Nikki, who was just a little older than his sister Jess. He's always looked up to his stepfather, especially the way he could hit, but when this ends up being problematic, Trev isn't quite sure how he feels about using his hands to fight. He does like to use his hands to draw, but has fallen out of the habit. While his family and community are supportive, he feels responsible for his sisters, and part of him feels like he should learn to box so he can defend them. The community around him is very emphatic about showing him this is not the case. There are some "uncles" in his neighborhood who are not related but are very much like family. There's Uncle Larry, a librarian in the project's library, Uncle Puff, who does box, and Uncle Frankie, who runs a garage and does NOT want Trev to get into fighting. He also has a supportive teacher, Ms. Clark, who notices that he's tired in class but doesn't pry into his business, although she does offer support. Trev's best friend, P, also tries to be supportive, but is also lured into thinking that perhaps fighting is a good way to solve problems. Trev has a lot to worry about, but is helped by people like Uncle Larry, who treats him to a movie marathon in order to take his mind off his concerns. Luckily, Trev is able to reassess his life and realize that the best way to live up to his promise is to use his hands for positive things like drawing. I love the way that this dichotomy is masterfully depicted on the cover!
Strengths: Trev's neighborhood will be interesting to my suburban students who don't necessarily live in areas where they can walk to places like Uncle Frankie's garage or Uncle Larry's library or apartment. It was good to see that Trev had an extensive network of trusted adults, and it was heartwarming to see that he took Cole under his own wing and was very protective of him. His worry about his family and his stress over protecting them are situations that will resonate with many middle school students, but which is often not reflected in middle grade literature. It's also good to see that he gets along with his sisters, and that he has a good friend in P, even though he has kept some information secret from his friend. The juxtaposition of boxing and fighting with drawing is a great literary device, and the theme of "promise" is one I would like to see in more books. Even though it has some heavy topics, this is a positive book with a character who is trying to do the right thing, and is seeking support from his community.
Weaknesses: I can appreciate why Maldonado made this a bit more contemplative than his other titles, but I also know that the "train surfing" in Tight was a big draw for my readers! I wish that we would have seen more of the mother in the story, since Trev is clearly very fond of her, and her experience with the stepfather drives so many of Trev's actions.
What I really think: Maldonado's Tight and What Lane are popular titles in my library (as was Secret Saturdays (2012) until the third or fourth copy was lost. I need to replace it again!), so I will definitely be purchasing because I definitely have the readers for it. The cover is very appealing. I can also see this being a good book to use as a class read aloud, since it has some interesting themes of identity and community.
Trev's father died when he was younger, and his mother remarried a man who had a daughter, Nikki, who was just a little older than his sister Jess. He's always looked up to his stepfather, especially the way he could hit, but when this ends up being problematic, Trev isn't quite sure how he feels about using his hands to fight. He does like to use his hands to draw, but has fallen out of the habit. While his family and community are supportive, he feels responsible for his sisters, and part of him feels like he should learn to box so he can defend them. The community around him is very emphatic about showing him this is not the case. There are some "uncles" in his neighborhood who are not related but are very much like family. There's Uncle Larry, a librarian in the project's library, Uncle Puff, who does box, and Uncle Frankie, who runs a garage and does NOT want Trev to get into fighting. He also has a supportive teacher, Ms. Clark, who notices that he's tired in class but doesn't pry into his business, although she does offer support. Trev's best friend, P, also tries to be supportive, but is also lured into thinking that perhaps fighting is a good way to solve problems. Trev has a lot to worry about, but is helped by people like Uncle Larry, who treats him to a movie marathon in order to take his mind off his concerns. Luckily, Trev is able to reassess his life and realize that the best way to live up to his promise is to use his hands for positive things like drawing. I love the way that this dichotomy is masterfully depicted on the cover!
Strengths: Trev's neighborhood will be interesting to my suburban students who don't necessarily live in areas where they can walk to places like Uncle Frankie's garage or Uncle Larry's library or apartment. It was good to see that Trev had an extensive network of trusted adults, and it was heartwarming to see that he took Cole under his own wing and was very protective of him. His worry about his family and his stress over protecting them are situations that will resonate with many middle school students, but which is often not reflected in middle grade literature. It's also good to see that he gets along with his sisters, and that he has a good friend in P, even though he has kept some information secret from his friend. The juxtaposition of boxing and fighting with drawing is a great literary device, and the theme of "promise" is one I would like to see in more books. Even though it has some heavy topics, this is a positive book with a character who is trying to do the right thing, and is seeking support from his community.
Weaknesses: I can appreciate why Maldonado made this a bit more contemplative than his other titles, but I also know that the "train surfing" in Tight was a big draw for my readers! I wish that we would have seen more of the mother in the story, since Trev is clearly very fond of her, and her experience with the stepfather drives so many of Trev's actions.
What I really think: Maldonado's Tight and What Lane are popular titles in my library (as was Secret Saturdays (2012) until the third or fourth copy was lost. I need to replace it again!), so I will definitely be purchasing because I definitely have the readers for it. The cover is very appealing. I can also see this being a good book to use as a class read aloud, since it has some interesting themes of identity and community.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2025
3.5. Torrey Maldonado’s Hands is a middle-grade, quick-to-read tale about a boy named Trev, grappling with the looming return of his vengeance-driven, soon-to-be-released-from-prison stepfather, and with the idea of growing up to become what his family needs, whether that means protector or something else. The message is clear and designed to resonate with younger readers, which it does. But I have to admit: my eyebrow arched more than once, a reaction I know wouldn’t be there if I weren’t the cynical-leaning realist adult I’ve become.
Let’s start with what works, and it’s this: the idea of having people in your life worth looking up to, and the reality of having a community, whether friends, family, or both, who’ve got your back. As someone lucky enough to have had these things, to varying degrees, growing up, I can say it makes a difference. I’ve never felt truly alone, even when I did. It’s an important distinction to make.
Now, for my main issue: I understand the need to preach nonviolence to the youth. Adolescents are navigating newfound freedoms, feeling more like adults than ever, while still lacking the neurological wiring for proper impulse control, sound judgment, and understanding of long-term consequences. It’s a volatile mix, and I commend any book that tries to guide them toward thoughtful choices. But I struggle with the portrayal of complete nonviolence as the ideal, as if knowing how to fight, or even being ready to, is inherently wrong. To me, that’s not just an unrealistic way of thinking, but a dangerous way of thinking.
Humanity is inherently violent, or at least capable of it. And to suggest that being unable or unwilling to defend yourself is somehow a moral high ground, that not knowing how to fight is a strength rather than a vulnerability, doesn’t reflect the world we live in. At this moment, I can’t help but think of that saying about it being better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war. Being prepared to act in defense of yourself or others doesn’t negate your ability to nurture, create, or live peacefully. In fact, I’d argue that those truly capable of the former are often the best at the latter. We survive in the world we have, even as we work toward the one we want. That difference matters, and I’d want my future kids to understand it.
And not for nothing, Maldonado chooses not to show how Trev’s stepfather’s return unfolds. Just saying.
I respect what Maldonado was aiming for and his intentions behind it, but I can’t fully get behind the execution. Then again, this wasn’t written for me—it was written for minds still malleable and, yes, still naïve to the world’s harsher truths. If I had kids, I’d absolutely let them read this, but I’d have them read it midway through their teens while also bookending it with a hard, honest conversation afterwards. Then again, maybe that’s just me.
Let’s start with what works, and it’s this: the idea of having people in your life worth looking up to, and the reality of having a community, whether friends, family, or both, who’ve got your back. As someone lucky enough to have had these things, to varying degrees, growing up, I can say it makes a difference. I’ve never felt truly alone, even when I did. It’s an important distinction to make.
Now, for my main issue: I understand the need to preach nonviolence to the youth. Adolescents are navigating newfound freedoms, feeling more like adults than ever, while still lacking the neurological wiring for proper impulse control, sound judgment, and understanding of long-term consequences. It’s a volatile mix, and I commend any book that tries to guide them toward thoughtful choices. But I struggle with the portrayal of complete nonviolence as the ideal, as if knowing how to fight, or even being ready to, is inherently wrong. To me, that’s not just an unrealistic way of thinking, but a dangerous way of thinking.
Humanity is inherently violent, or at least capable of it. And to suggest that being unable or unwilling to defend yourself is somehow a moral high ground, that not knowing how to fight is a strength rather than a vulnerability, doesn’t reflect the world we live in. At this moment, I can’t help but think of that saying about it being better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war. Being prepared to act in defense of yourself or others doesn’t negate your ability to nurture, create, or live peacefully. In fact, I’d argue that those truly capable of the former are often the best at the latter. We survive in the world we have, even as we work toward the one we want. That difference matters, and I’d want my future kids to understand it.
And not for nothing, Maldonado chooses not to show how Trev’s stepfather’s return unfolds. Just saying.
I respect what Maldonado was aiming for and his intentions behind it, but I can’t fully get behind the execution. Then again, this wasn’t written for me—it was written for minds still malleable and, yes, still naïve to the world’s harsher truths. If I had kids, I’d absolutely let them read this, but I’d have them read it midway through their teens while also bookending it with a hard, honest conversation afterwards. Then again, maybe that’s just me.
April 27, 2025
Trevor’s stepdad is in jail for hitting his mom. Trevor decides he needs to learn how to fight so he can protect her if his stepdad ever lays hands on her again.
We spend a lot of time in Trevor’s mind as he thinks through his actions and reaction to events and possibilities. Is it good to fight if you’re protecting someone you love? Will fighting bring out unforeseen negative consequences? When people tell him not to fight are they against him or protecting him? A lot is packed into this short novel. Listened to the audiobook (narrated by the author), which I recommend. 2026 Caudill.
We spend a lot of time in Trevor’s mind as he thinks through his actions and reaction to events and possibilities. Is it good to fight if you’re protecting someone you love? Will fighting bring out unforeseen negative consequences? When people tell him not to fight are they against him or protecting him? A lot is packed into this short novel. Listened to the audiobook (narrated by the author), which I recommend. 2026 Caudill.
September 29, 2024
I previewed this for participating in the Global Read Aloud project with my school. I really enjoyed this book. This is a really well-crafted short chapter book. The conflicts and characters in this story had some great layers of complexity. There were a few unanswered questions at the end, which I would have liked to have seen be resolved more completely, but it still works.
January 29, 2023
Complex characters are nothing new for Maldonado, and readers will find themselves rooting for Trev and his chosen family as he navigates how to use his hands. Under 200 pages, middle grade readers will follow Trev’s feeling of confusion and frustration while seeing him as full of goodness and love. Full of community, friendship, heart and hope, this was a must buy for my middle grade classroom.
July 10, 2024
Very well done story that dives deeply into valuable lessons.
October 14, 2024
3.5.
“Be a rainbow in someone else's cloud” is a quote by Maya Angelou that encourages people to be a blessing to others.
“Be a rainbow in someone else's cloud” is a quote by Maya Angelou that encourages people to be a blessing to others.
January 20, 2025
booooring.
October 2, 2024
Good quick read. The author is also very engaging. I got to meet him at Storyfest at the Westport, CT Public Library.
January 21, 2025
This book did not reach my expectations as I had hoped and here is why:
First, let’s start with the synopsis. I personally believed that the book had more to do with the concept with hands, hence the title name, especially since it mentions: “...but not everyone is a fan of Trev’s plan, because he’s a talented artist, and people tell him his hands could help him build a better future.” However, I felt that the novel shifted its focus too heavily on Trev’s relationship with his stepdad. While this dynamic is undoubtedly important to the overall story, it wasn’t the direction I expected the book to take. Trev’s relationship with his stepdad becomes one of the central conflicts, and it often overshadows the idea of hands being a tool for change or self-expression. The potential for exploring the symbolic meaning of hands in relation to Trev’s aspirations and dreams seemed to be sidelined in favor of more immediate, external struggles within his family life. This shift in focus led me to feel that the novel missed an opportunity to explore some of the deeper themes I had hoped for. Trev’s artistic talent is introduced early on, but it doesn’t feel fully explored or utilized in a way that is meaningful to his character arc. Instead, the story largely revolves around his emotional struggles, his attempts to handle family trauma, and his need to gain protection from figures like his stepdad. In a way, the title and cover art felt misleading, as it implied that the story would center more on the literal and figurative potential of his hands, but instead, it became more about the tension and conflict in his household.
Next, I wanted to discuss the writing of the book. I absolutely despised every spoken word, which is silly coming from a middle schooler, because I'm technically part of the book’s target audience. The slang and conversational tone should have felt relatable to me, but instead, I found it so awkward and the overuse of it made me audibly cringe. I’d rather read some Shakespeare level writing than whatever this author was trying to accomplish. It felt as if the book was overcompensating, trying way too hard to sound like how middle schoolers or teens talk, but it missed the mark entirely. Instead of making the characters feel real and authentic, it came off as forced and overly stylized. Dialogue should drive readers in, but in this case, it did the opposite; it pulled me out of the story and made me focus on how unnatural it sounded rather than the actual events happening. Yes, I understand the intent behind this stylistic choice. Unfortunately, it got me zoned out mid-way silently praying for it to end!
Shifting focus to the overall plot might have seemed dramatic at first, especially with the whole concept of Trevor’s stepfather being abusive towards their mother. Yet it ended up becoming more simpler and more plain, especially towards the end. Yeah, there were some of your typical “wow” moments, like for example the whole fight with Nikki’s boyfriend (said in the synopsis), but the rest was pretty bland. Continuing, the resolution felt abrupt, leaving many emotional threads unresolved. I expected more closure and exploration of Trev’s relationship with his stepdad and his family dynamics. The ending felt rushed, as though it didn’t fully address the complexities of the story or provide the depth I was hoping for. But, hey, at least Trev reaches the realization that he isn’t alone with his internal struggles!...sigh. In my personal opinion, the plot had potential, but it was poorly executed and lacked the expected action and intensity that would have made it truly gripping. It just made me wish there were more to the story than what was written. The ideas were there, but they weren’t developed enough to leave a lasting impression.
Next, while Trev’s internal struggles are well portrayed, it felt that other key characters, like his stepdad and his mother, weren’t fully fledged out. Their roles in shaping Trev’s journey felt one-dimensional at times, leaving gaps in the story’s emotional landscape. For instance, I would have loved to know more about how his mother created a resolution to their problems or what her perspective was throughout their struggles. By not delving deeper into these characters, the story missed an opportunity to explore the broader dynamics of Trev’s family and how they collectively influenced his growth.
While Hands ultimately fell short of my expectations, it deserves more than just one star because of the genuine themes it explores and the emotional depth it attempts to convey. The portrayal of Trev's emotional struggles, especially his trauma, self-doubt, and desire to protect his family, is powerful and resonates with readers on a personal level. The themes of family, identity, and resilience are handled with authenticity, providing an important message about the importance of self-expression and finding healthy ways to cope with pain. Additionally, Trev's voice may feel real and relatable to younger viewers, and his vulnerability makes it easy to connect with him. The relationships, despite some being underdeveloped, offer a realistic portrayal of family dynamics and the challenges of what it’s like growing up in a challenging environment. Although the execution may not have fully delivered on the promise of these themes, Hands still offers valuable insights and moments of emotional honesty that make it worthy of a 2-star rating.
--
If I were to recommend Hands, I would suggest it to younger readers around 8 years old, who can handle its theme of family struggle and self-discovery. For those looking for similar reads, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas offers a powerful exploration of identity and standing up for what's right, while All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely delves into complex relationships and trauma. Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds also captures real-life struggles through interconnected short stories. Additionally, Torrey Maldonado’s What If and Tight both explore themes of emotional challenges, family dynamics, and self-discovery, making them great follow-ups for readers who enjoyed Hands.
First, let’s start with the synopsis. I personally believed that the book had more to do with the concept with hands, hence the title name, especially since it mentions: “...but not everyone is a fan of Trev’s plan, because he’s a talented artist, and people tell him his hands could help him build a better future.” However, I felt that the novel shifted its focus too heavily on Trev’s relationship with his stepdad. While this dynamic is undoubtedly important to the overall story, it wasn’t the direction I expected the book to take. Trev’s relationship with his stepdad becomes one of the central conflicts, and it often overshadows the idea of hands being a tool for change or self-expression. The potential for exploring the symbolic meaning of hands in relation to Trev’s aspirations and dreams seemed to be sidelined in favor of more immediate, external struggles within his family life. This shift in focus led me to feel that the novel missed an opportunity to explore some of the deeper themes I had hoped for. Trev’s artistic talent is introduced early on, but it doesn’t feel fully explored or utilized in a way that is meaningful to his character arc. Instead, the story largely revolves around his emotional struggles, his attempts to handle family trauma, and his need to gain protection from figures like his stepdad. In a way, the title and cover art felt misleading, as it implied that the story would center more on the literal and figurative potential of his hands, but instead, it became more about the tension and conflict in his household.
Next, I wanted to discuss the writing of the book. I absolutely despised every spoken word, which is silly coming from a middle schooler, because I'm technically part of the book’s target audience. The slang and conversational tone should have felt relatable to me, but instead, I found it so awkward and the overuse of it made me audibly cringe. I’d rather read some Shakespeare level writing than whatever this author was trying to accomplish. It felt as if the book was overcompensating, trying way too hard to sound like how middle schoolers or teens talk, but it missed the mark entirely. Instead of making the characters feel real and authentic, it came off as forced and overly stylized. Dialogue should drive readers in, but in this case, it did the opposite; it pulled me out of the story and made me focus on how unnatural it sounded rather than the actual events happening. Yes, I understand the intent behind this stylistic choice. Unfortunately, it got me zoned out mid-way silently praying for it to end!
Shifting focus to the overall plot might have seemed dramatic at first, especially with the whole concept of Trevor’s stepfather being abusive towards their mother. Yet it ended up becoming more simpler and more plain, especially towards the end. Yeah, there were some of your typical “wow” moments, like for example the whole fight with Nikki’s boyfriend (said in the synopsis), but the rest was pretty bland. Continuing, the resolution felt abrupt, leaving many emotional threads unresolved. I expected more closure and exploration of Trev’s relationship with his stepdad and his family dynamics. The ending felt rushed, as though it didn’t fully address the complexities of the story or provide the depth I was hoping for. But, hey, at least Trev reaches the realization that he isn’t alone with his internal struggles!...sigh. In my personal opinion, the plot had potential, but it was poorly executed and lacked the expected action and intensity that would have made it truly gripping. It just made me wish there were more to the story than what was written. The ideas were there, but they weren’t developed enough to leave a lasting impression.
Next, while Trev’s internal struggles are well portrayed, it felt that other key characters, like his stepdad and his mother, weren’t fully fledged out. Their roles in shaping Trev’s journey felt one-dimensional at times, leaving gaps in the story’s emotional landscape. For instance, I would have loved to know more about how his mother created a resolution to their problems or what her perspective was throughout their struggles. By not delving deeper into these characters, the story missed an opportunity to explore the broader dynamics of Trev’s family and how they collectively influenced his growth.
While Hands ultimately fell short of my expectations, it deserves more than just one star because of the genuine themes it explores and the emotional depth it attempts to convey. The portrayal of Trev's emotional struggles, especially his trauma, self-doubt, and desire to protect his family, is powerful and resonates with readers on a personal level. The themes of family, identity, and resilience are handled with authenticity, providing an important message about the importance of self-expression and finding healthy ways to cope with pain. Additionally, Trev's voice may feel real and relatable to younger viewers, and his vulnerability makes it easy to connect with him. The relationships, despite some being underdeveloped, offer a realistic portrayal of family dynamics and the challenges of what it’s like growing up in a challenging environment. Although the execution may not have fully delivered on the promise of these themes, Hands still offers valuable insights and moments of emotional honesty that make it worthy of a 2-star rating.
--
If I were to recommend Hands, I would suggest it to younger readers around 8 years old, who can handle its theme of family struggle and self-discovery. For those looking for similar reads, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas offers a powerful exploration of identity and standing up for what's right, while All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely delves into complex relationships and trauma. Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds also captures real-life struggles through interconnected short stories. Additionally, Torrey Maldonado’s What If and Tight both explore themes of emotional challenges, family dynamics, and self-discovery, making them great follow-ups for readers who enjoyed Hands.
June 21, 2023
Richie’s Picks: HANDS by Torrey Maldonado, Penguin Random House/Nancy Paulsen, January 2023, 144p., ISBN: 978-0-593-32379-3
“When someone makes you slip
And you wanna bruise their lip
Use a word (Use a word!)
When someone grabs your book
And you go for your left hook
Use a word (Use a word!)
– Red Grammer (1986)
“Jess: ‘Ma said he shook a fist near her face. Threatened to clock her. And threatening became his thing when he couldn’t win with words.’
‘He ever put his fist in your face?” I ask.
Jess: No! Ma wouldn’t let him. She said she’d die before she let that happen!’
Jess shares why the big fight started. ‘They were arguing about you, Trev. Dad told Ma, “You raising him soft.” I know because I’d eavesdrop at their bedroom door when they argued. Dad barked, “I tried teaching him to box and he was all whiny. No. I don’t want to throw a punch. I don’t want to hurt anybody.”’ Jess eyes me now. ‘Did that really happen?’
I feel guilty and nod. ‘Yeah.’
Jess sucks her teeth. ‘Anyway. Their fight got louder–and I don’t know why, but he snapped. He must've lifted his fist because she said, “I’m NOT scared of YOU!” Then BOOM! Everything went too quiet.’
I think back to the cop car, to my stepdad’s promise that he’d get her back for calling the cops on him.
And that night, as Ma iced her puffy eye, I made a promise through my salty tears, deep in my heart:
On my life…
On my mom’s…
On my sisters’...
He won't ever hit Ma again.
Never.
Watch.”
Trevor’s ex-con stepdad violated his parole when he punched Trevor’s mom in the face. He was given two years back in jail for having done so.
The story soon jumps forward to the last weeks of those two years. Now Trevor is twelve and he’s shot up to nearly six feet. What will happen when his stepfather is released?
Trevor had once been a little kid who used his hands to draw his beloved superheroes. Back then, the adults around him had agreed that he had talent. Promise. But in the wake of his mother’s assault, Trevor seeks out the skills to fight, in order to physically protect his mom and sisters. The power to take matters into his own hands and deck his stepfather, if need be.
As the clock ticks down to his stepfather’s release, we wonder whether Trevor will keep up his grades and return to what, all agree, is his talent for drawing. Or will he find himself falling through the cracks into the unwelcome focus of law enforcement?
Given the many caring adult characters who urge him to walk the high road, particularly his so-called “uncles” in the neighborhood, the author demonstrates the mantra about it taking a village to raise a child.
Full of heart and wisdom, HANDS is a superb coming-of-age tale for tweens and teens. Told from Trevor’s perspective in crisp one-to-two-page chapters, it’s a perfect fit for reluctant readers and a must-have for middle school libraries.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
“When someone makes you slip
And you wanna bruise their lip
Use a word (Use a word!)
When someone grabs your book
And you go for your left hook
Use a word (Use a word!)
– Red Grammer (1986)
“Jess: ‘Ma said he shook a fist near her face. Threatened to clock her. And threatening became his thing when he couldn’t win with words.’
‘He ever put his fist in your face?” I ask.
Jess: No! Ma wouldn’t let him. She said she’d die before she let that happen!’
Jess shares why the big fight started. ‘They were arguing about you, Trev. Dad told Ma, “You raising him soft.” I know because I’d eavesdrop at their bedroom door when they argued. Dad barked, “I tried teaching him to box and he was all whiny. No. I don’t want to throw a punch. I don’t want to hurt anybody.”’ Jess eyes me now. ‘Did that really happen?’
I feel guilty and nod. ‘Yeah.’
Jess sucks her teeth. ‘Anyway. Their fight got louder–and I don’t know why, but he snapped. He must've lifted his fist because she said, “I’m NOT scared of YOU!” Then BOOM! Everything went too quiet.’
I think back to the cop car, to my stepdad’s promise that he’d get her back for calling the cops on him.
And that night, as Ma iced her puffy eye, I made a promise through my salty tears, deep in my heart:
On my life…
On my mom’s…
On my sisters’...
He won't ever hit Ma again.
Never.
Watch.”
Trevor’s ex-con stepdad violated his parole when he punched Trevor’s mom in the face. He was given two years back in jail for having done so.
The story soon jumps forward to the last weeks of those two years. Now Trevor is twelve and he’s shot up to nearly six feet. What will happen when his stepfather is released?
Trevor had once been a little kid who used his hands to draw his beloved superheroes. Back then, the adults around him had agreed that he had talent. Promise. But in the wake of his mother’s assault, Trevor seeks out the skills to fight, in order to physically protect his mom and sisters. The power to take matters into his own hands and deck his stepfather, if need be.
As the clock ticks down to his stepfather’s release, we wonder whether Trevor will keep up his grades and return to what, all agree, is his talent for drawing. Or will he find himself falling through the cracks into the unwelcome focus of law enforcement?
Given the many caring adult characters who urge him to walk the high road, particularly his so-called “uncles” in the neighborhood, the author demonstrates the mantra about it taking a village to raise a child.
Full of heart and wisdom, HANDS is a superb coming-of-age tale for tweens and teens. Told from Trevor’s perspective in crisp one-to-two-page chapters, it’s a perfect fit for reluctant readers and a must-have for middle school libraries.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
March 19, 2023
Cross-posted from my blog: http:/quietandbusy.blogspot.com
Back in May of 2021, I read Tight by Torrey Maldonado. It was selected as a whole class read for the eighth graders at my school. At the time, I didn't personally love it. However, I was hopeful that the kids would be able to relate to it. Now it's two years later and I can confirm, the kids really do enjoy it. They like the short length and the realistic plot. It's a manageable story about kids like themselves. It ended up being a good choice to use in the classroom. When I saw that Maldonado had published a new novel named Hands, I immediately wanted to give it a try to see if this would be another book that the students might get into.
The plot of this novel revolves around a 12-year-old named Trevor. As the story begins he is reflecting on a traumatic family event. Two years ago, his stepfather was arrested for hitting his mother during an argument. This act of violence violated his parole, sending him to prison for two years. In the time since then, Trevor has been grappling with a lot of complex feelings. He is determined not to let his mother or sisters be hurt again, and has taken up boxing so he will know how to fight back when his stepfather returns. However, he's not a fighter at heart; he's actually a talented artist and a very kind soul. He just doesn't want to feel helpless. With his stepfather's release drawing near, he finds himself caught between the tough persona he's tried to adopt and the person he truly is inside.
Hands was a quick read, but it actually packed a pretty strong emotional punch. I felt for Trevor throughout the novel and I was definitely rooting for him to make good choices. His problems with his stepfather were very heavy, but Maldonado did a nice job of keeping the text appropriate for his audience. This is the kind of story that middle grades readers will love because it deal with a mature topic and isn't too long. With most chapters being just two or three pages, it's very approachable and uses language that kids will understand. I really liked its ultimate messages of being yourself and reaching out for help when you need it too.
Ultimately, I think I enjoyed Hands a little bit more than Tight. I was able to connect more with the emotional topic and I liked Trevor as a character. I will definitely be recommending this one to students in the future. Torrey Maldonado has really found his niche writing these quick middle grades reads about boys with relatable problems, and I hope he keeps writing because it's tough to find books that boys at this age will stick with.
Back in May of 2021, I read Tight by Torrey Maldonado. It was selected as a whole class read for the eighth graders at my school. At the time, I didn't personally love it. However, I was hopeful that the kids would be able to relate to it. Now it's two years later and I can confirm, the kids really do enjoy it. They like the short length and the realistic plot. It's a manageable story about kids like themselves. It ended up being a good choice to use in the classroom. When I saw that Maldonado had published a new novel named Hands, I immediately wanted to give it a try to see if this would be another book that the students might get into.
The plot of this novel revolves around a 12-year-old named Trevor. As the story begins he is reflecting on a traumatic family event. Two years ago, his stepfather was arrested for hitting his mother during an argument. This act of violence violated his parole, sending him to prison for two years. In the time since then, Trevor has been grappling with a lot of complex feelings. He is determined not to let his mother or sisters be hurt again, and has taken up boxing so he will know how to fight back when his stepfather returns. However, he's not a fighter at heart; he's actually a talented artist and a very kind soul. He just doesn't want to feel helpless. With his stepfather's release drawing near, he finds himself caught between the tough persona he's tried to adopt and the person he truly is inside.
Hands was a quick read, but it actually packed a pretty strong emotional punch. I felt for Trevor throughout the novel and I was definitely rooting for him to make good choices. His problems with his stepfather were very heavy, but Maldonado did a nice job of keeping the text appropriate for his audience. This is the kind of story that middle grades readers will love because it deal with a mature topic and isn't too long. With most chapters being just two or three pages, it's very approachable and uses language that kids will understand. I really liked its ultimate messages of being yourself and reaching out for help when you need it too.
Ultimately, I think I enjoyed Hands a little bit more than Tight. I was able to connect more with the emotional topic and I liked Trevor as a character. I will definitely be recommending this one to students in the future. Torrey Maldonado has really found his niche writing these quick middle grades reads about boys with relatable problems, and I hope he keeps writing because it's tough to find books that boys at this age will stick with.
June 16, 2025
Trev's stepdad, as he was arrested for domestic violence on his mom, promised that he'd get revenge. Trev then makes a promise to himself to protect his mother by training his hands. But, the hopes and dreams of his deceased father, his living father-figures and uncles, and his teachers who tell him that he has a promise of a different kind with his drawing, want something more for his future. Trev is pulled in different directions in this well-written, powerful and complex coming-of-age tale.
This short, easy and engaging read is an English teacher's dream. A great independent read for students to dive into character and theme analysis. There's tons of intertextual connections (I'm thinking of incorporating it into my Monster, 12 Angry Men, and Outsiders unit).
"I've felt that way since my stepdad got locked up two years ago. Life kept moving, spinning. At twelve, I'm much bigger than I was at ten--almost as big as my stepdad. Muscly. Feel stronger, but not. Fell ready, but not. And sometimes I still feel ten, in a bad way. All this hate. This fear. It's been holding on to me. Holding me in place. I feel like I got locked up when my stepdad did. His being stuck has me stuck. His promise to Ma has me stuck." (39)\
"Don't have to keep promises like mine.
Ms. Clark told me, 'You have promise.'
Nah. This family here has promise. Their son is free. Not stuck. He has a different promise. I eye the other kid's fidget spinner. Spins so fast, stuck in one place. Stuck. In. One Place." (40)
"I stare back at Nips and think of what Uncle Larry said: What he represents. Promise...
There's that word again.
Nips was in the middle. Coulda gone to any side. Am I in that same spot?
This thing with my stepdad has me in the middle, thinking where I might end up." (80)
"A few fancy auto companies on the edge of our projects sell cars that drive on autopilot. Someone drove one on auto here, proving that moving on auto in my neighborhood is bad. The car hit a mom and daughter. Nah. Ran over them. They were under the bumper.
Right now, remembering that makes me inhale, exhale. Get outta auto, Trev. Quick,. I realize where I'm at and where being on auto got me." (81)
"'I know. [Ma and Yoda are] both wise in this gentle way.'
'Yeah, Exactly. They give good advice.'
...But soon the fun stops because this movie starts reminding me of my life. Luke Skywalker squares up to fight his dad, Darth Vader." (114)
This short, easy and engaging read is an English teacher's dream. A great independent read for students to dive into character and theme analysis. There's tons of intertextual connections (I'm thinking of incorporating it into my Monster, 12 Angry Men, and Outsiders unit).
"I've felt that way since my stepdad got locked up two years ago. Life kept moving, spinning. At twelve, I'm much bigger than I was at ten--almost as big as my stepdad. Muscly. Feel stronger, but not. Fell ready, but not. And sometimes I still feel ten, in a bad way. All this hate. This fear. It's been holding on to me. Holding me in place. I feel like I got locked up when my stepdad did. His being stuck has me stuck. His promise to Ma has me stuck." (39)\
"Don't have to keep promises like mine.
Ms. Clark told me, 'You have promise.'
Nah. This family here has promise. Their son is free. Not stuck. He has a different promise. I eye the other kid's fidget spinner. Spins so fast, stuck in one place. Stuck. In. One Place." (40)
"I stare back at Nips and think of what Uncle Larry said: What he represents. Promise...
There's that word again.
Nips was in the middle. Coulda gone to any side. Am I in that same spot?
This thing with my stepdad has me in the middle, thinking where I might end up." (80)
"A few fancy auto companies on the edge of our projects sell cars that drive on autopilot. Someone drove one on auto here, proving that moving on auto in my neighborhood is bad. The car hit a mom and daughter. Nah. Ran over them. They were under the bumper.
Right now, remembering that makes me inhale, exhale. Get outta auto, Trev. Quick,. I realize where I'm at and where being on auto got me." (81)
"'I know. [Ma and Yoda are] both wise in this gentle way.'
'Yeah, Exactly. They give good advice.'
...But soon the fun stops because this movie starts reminding me of my life. Luke Skywalker squares up to fight his dad, Darth Vader." (114)
April 15, 2025
I give hands by Torrey Maldonado four and a half out of five stars. I loved the premise. It is a
story about a 14 year old kid named Trevor stuck and confused on how to solve his problems.
He wants to solve it with his hands but his family wants to help him through the situation. You
can feel the love Trevor has for his family. He is also a very relatable character, wanting to
protect those he loves. Trevor sees a quote at his school that makes him mad in the beginning
but slowly warms up to it. The quote is, “It takes a village to raise a child” The only complaint I
have is the fact that the ending is super broad. Never finishing the story. It feels like they got
lazy near the end. I would have loved to see the author finish the narrative.
Trevor is a twelve year old boy who loves to draw, he is very skilled at it. He is a smart kid who
will most likely have a good future. He lives with his step dad and his two sisters. One night he
hears his mom and dad arguing. He goes to check it out to see his step father hit his mom, his
mom calls the cops and the dad goes to jail for two years. Trev lives those two years struggling
to sleep and scared. He decided he will take control of his fear and learn to fight. He goes to his
local rec center. Here he meets a cowboy looking guy. We later learn that this is one of his
deceased uncles friends. The cowboy refused to train on a previous request of his uncle. Trev
meets up with some of his family friends and they all say the same thing. Trev learned to fight
on his own, watching films and practicing with his best friend P. With a few weeks left until his
dad is let out, Trev fights off his sister's boyfriend. He attempts to punch him and hits a window
of a room. The glass shatters and tears up his hand. Later that night he starts to rethink his
actions. He started to think that he shouldn’t fight because if he didn't, who would protect his
mom? He then met up with his “uncle” and watched the Star Wars movie. Trev eventually spilled
about his dilemma and his “uncle” said that his mom doesn’t need protection. She is stronger
than anyone. Trev goes to a different “uncle” and there he says he will protect his mom. He says
he will fight for her if anything happens. Trev, feeling relieved continues his drawing, teaching
his neighbor how to draw.
story about a 14 year old kid named Trevor stuck and confused on how to solve his problems.
He wants to solve it with his hands but his family wants to help him through the situation. You
can feel the love Trevor has for his family. He is also a very relatable character, wanting to
protect those he loves. Trevor sees a quote at his school that makes him mad in the beginning
but slowly warms up to it. The quote is, “It takes a village to raise a child” The only complaint I
have is the fact that the ending is super broad. Never finishing the story. It feels like they got
lazy near the end. I would have loved to see the author finish the narrative.
Trevor is a twelve year old boy who loves to draw, he is very skilled at it. He is a smart kid who
will most likely have a good future. He lives with his step dad and his two sisters. One night he
hears his mom and dad arguing. He goes to check it out to see his step father hit his mom, his
mom calls the cops and the dad goes to jail for two years. Trev lives those two years struggling
to sleep and scared. He decided he will take control of his fear and learn to fight. He goes to his
local rec center. Here he meets a cowboy looking guy. We later learn that this is one of his
deceased uncles friends. The cowboy refused to train on a previous request of his uncle. Trev
meets up with some of his family friends and they all say the same thing. Trev learned to fight
on his own, watching films and practicing with his best friend P. With a few weeks left until his
dad is let out, Trev fights off his sister's boyfriend. He attempts to punch him and hits a window
of a room. The glass shatters and tears up his hand. Later that night he starts to rethink his
actions. He started to think that he shouldn’t fight because if he didn't, who would protect his
mom? He then met up with his “uncle” and watched the Star Wars movie. Trev eventually spilled
about his dilemma and his “uncle” said that his mom doesn’t need protection. She is stronger
than anyone. Trev goes to a different “uncle” and there he says he will protect his mom. He says
he will fight for her if anything happens. Trev, feeling relieved continues his drawing, teaching
his neighbor how to draw.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2023
Hands is a short story that follows 12-year-old Trev in the aftermath of his step-father's imprisonment after he physically abuses Trev's mother. With the threat of his step-father's release from prison looming, Trev takes it upon himself to learn how to protect his mother and sisters the only way he thinks he can: with his hands.
Short answer: Absolutely loved this book! 10 outta 10, would definitely recommend and definitely will.
Long answer: I want to cut directly to what makes me love this book so much: several adults in Trev's life, blood relation or not, make it clear to him that they are always there for him if he needs help. And in turn, Trev makes multiple attempts to go to the adults in his life to get help; when he doesn't receive the kind of help and advice he expects, he is hurt and becomes cold to certain authority figures, but the adults NEVER give up offering their help. In fact, a few of the adults come together to make sure they can meet Trev at his level to figure out how to best to make him feel safe.
Trev is a very thoughtful and caring boy, not only for his immediate family, but towards his young neighbor, Cole. We see Trev struggle with his anxiety and how he tries to handle it on his own, but eventually come to the realization that he doesn't have to figure it out alone. I could cry!
Hands is a great example of "it takes a village" and a beautiful showcase of what a powerful force fictive kin can be in a child's life. I hope that it can be a positive motivator for every child who reads it.
Plot aside, the structure of Torrey Maldonado's books are always what draws me to them. The books are thin, the chapters short--there are a total of 67 chapters in a book that is 135 pages long. This makes his books more easily accessible to not only black and brown boys who might see themselves in Trev, but for any child who might be deemed a "reluctant reader".
I would say it's a read-alike for fans of Ghost; if you're looking for something similar but a little older skewing, then it's similar to Forged by Fire by Sharon Draper.
Short answer: Absolutely loved this book! 10 outta 10, would definitely recommend and definitely will.
Long answer: I want to cut directly to what makes me love this book so much: several adults in Trev's life, blood relation or not, make it clear to him that they are always there for him if he needs help. And in turn, Trev makes multiple attempts to go to the adults in his life to get help; when he doesn't receive the kind of help and advice he expects, he is hurt and becomes cold to certain authority figures, but the adults NEVER give up offering their help. In fact, a few of the adults come together to make sure they can meet Trev at his level to figure out how to best to make him feel safe.
Trev is a very thoughtful and caring boy, not only for his immediate family, but towards his young neighbor, Cole. We see Trev struggle with his anxiety and how he tries to handle it on his own, but eventually come to the realization that he doesn't have to figure it out alone. I could cry!
Hands is a great example of "it takes a village" and a beautiful showcase of what a powerful force fictive kin can be in a child's life. I hope that it can be a positive motivator for every child who reads it.
Plot aside, the structure of Torrey Maldonado's books are always what draws me to them. The books are thin, the chapters short--there are a total of 67 chapters in a book that is 135 pages long. This makes his books more easily accessible to not only black and brown boys who might see themselves in Trev, but for any child who might be deemed a "reluctant reader".
I would say it's a read-alike for fans of Ghost; if you're looking for something similar but a little older skewing, then it's similar to Forged by Fire by Sharon Draper.
January 21, 2024
Trevor is the main character and is 12 years old
P, Pete is his best friend
Cole, 8 year old neighbor who looks up to him
Jess, 17 year old stepsister, daughter of stepfather
Nikki, 15 year old sister
His father died when he was young
His uncle Lou, his mother’s brother, died when he was 4 years old in a fight
His uncles (not blood but family) Uncle Puff brings him to get subs for dinner for his family
Uncle Frankie, works in a garage and his uncle Lou had saved him from a life in a gang
Uncle Larry, the librarian
Quick, the boxing trainer at the rec
All help to raise him and look out for him.
Ms. Clark, a teacher who sees PROMISE in Trev
The word promise keeps circling back and Trev thinks of the promises he made and what his stepfather promised after going to jail for hitting his mom when he was 10 years old.
Quotes: “Sometimes you gotta throw hands”
“It takes a Village to raise a Child”
“Be a Rainbow in Someone’s Cloud”
I liked the style this book was written. Very easy level to read and fast moving. I liked how the reader can follow Trev’s emotions and see the choices Trev makes and the choices others are helping him see. I liked the analogy with Darth Vader and Luke and His Stepfather and Trev. I liked how uncle Larry pointed out, “….When he comes out, then your stepdad is real. But now? Who’s keeping you in pain?” Page 117
I like how Trevor is shown that he is causing himself this pain. …”Never thought of it that way.,”Me?”
“Yes. You. You sitting in all this anger….”
I like the message that we take responsibility for our actions and the message family has each other’s back. I like how the book shows readers we have choices with our hands, drawing and school are better choices.
This book also shows me, I really live in a different world from these children. I never had to deal with many of the struggles Trev has to navigate. I think it will not only help students that live in similar situations but also help students see others have other circumstances and we shouldn’t be judgmental.
I like that the author wished he had this book when he was their age. I’m glad he wrote it and I hope many people read it!
P, Pete is his best friend
Cole, 8 year old neighbor who looks up to him
Jess, 17 year old stepsister, daughter of stepfather
Nikki, 15 year old sister
His father died when he was young
His uncle Lou, his mother’s brother, died when he was 4 years old in a fight
His uncles (not blood but family) Uncle Puff brings him to get subs for dinner for his family
Uncle Frankie, works in a garage and his uncle Lou had saved him from a life in a gang
Uncle Larry, the librarian
Quick, the boxing trainer at the rec
All help to raise him and look out for him.
Ms. Clark, a teacher who sees PROMISE in Trev
The word promise keeps circling back and Trev thinks of the promises he made and what his stepfather promised after going to jail for hitting his mom when he was 10 years old.
Quotes: “Sometimes you gotta throw hands”
“It takes a Village to raise a Child”
“Be a Rainbow in Someone’s Cloud”
I liked the style this book was written. Very easy level to read and fast moving. I liked how the reader can follow Trev’s emotions and see the choices Trev makes and the choices others are helping him see. I liked the analogy with Darth Vader and Luke and His Stepfather and Trev. I liked how uncle Larry pointed out, “….When he comes out, then your stepdad is real. But now? Who’s keeping you in pain?” Page 117
I like how Trevor is shown that he is causing himself this pain. …”Never thought of it that way.,”Me?”
“Yes. You. You sitting in all this anger….”
I like the message that we take responsibility for our actions and the message family has each other’s back. I like how the book shows readers we have choices with our hands, drawing and school are better choices.
This book also shows me, I really live in a different world from these children. I never had to deal with many of the struggles Trev has to navigate. I think it will not only help students that live in similar situations but also help students see others have other circumstances and we shouldn’t be judgmental.
I like that the author wished he had this book when he was their age. I’m glad he wrote it and I hope many people read it!
August 27, 2024
A 2024 Global Read Aloud selection
Age 10-12 reading interest
Written to “help readers feel more up and figure out how to feel less down…To empower anyone experiencing similar issues to respond to challenges in ways that keep empowering them and others.”
Trev has a seventeen year old stepsister, Jess, and a fifteen year old sister,Nikki.
Trev’s step-dad wants to “be the only man of the house,” so no talking about Trev’s father. The stepfather gets “locked up” for “throwing hands” (hitting Trevor’s mother in the face) and threatens Trevor’s mother as he is taken away. This has left Trev knowing he has promised to keep, but not certain which ones.
Trevor believes his hall is the “safest” in the projects. He sees Pete being kind to a young neighbor Cole, in the hallway, and they begin boxing together, ending up at the rec center where Quick tells Trevor fighting is not for him. Trevor notices a tattoo on Quick’s arm that matches the one his mother’s brother had, which gets him thinking about other men he’s seen with the same tattoo. Trevor realizes there are adults around him who will help him.
Trevor’s promises: 1) Stand Up for Your sisters, protect them no matter what. 2) You should keep drawing…promise you’ll think about it. 3) For the Uncles - Make sure Trev sticks with school. Tell him not to think with fists. Promise.
_____
Be a rainbow in someone’s cloud. Maya Angelou
This is an A and B conversation. C your way out.
Why throw hands when using your head might be better?
Age 10-12 reading interest
Written to “help readers feel more up and figure out how to feel less down…To empower anyone experiencing similar issues to respond to challenges in ways that keep empowering them and others.”
Trev has a seventeen year old stepsister, Jess, and a fifteen year old sister,Nikki.
Trev’s step-dad wants to “be the only man of the house,” so no talking about Trev’s father. The stepfather gets “locked up” for “throwing hands” (hitting Trevor’s mother in the face) and threatens Trevor’s mother as he is taken away. This has left Trev knowing he has promised to keep, but not certain which ones.
Trevor believes his hall is the “safest” in the projects. He sees Pete being kind to a young neighbor Cole, in the hallway, and they begin boxing together, ending up at the rec center where Quick tells Trevor fighting is not for him. Trevor notices a tattoo on Quick’s arm that matches the one his mother’s brother had, which gets him thinking about other men he’s seen with the same tattoo. Trevor realizes there are adults around him who will help him.
Trevor’s promises: 1) Stand Up for Your sisters, protect them no matter what. 2) You should keep drawing…promise you’ll think about it. 3) For the Uncles - Make sure Trev sticks with school. Tell him not to think with fists. Promise.
_____
Be a rainbow in someone’s cloud. Maya Angelou
This is an A and B conversation. C your way out.
Why throw hands when using your head might be better?
February 13, 2025
Twelve-year-old Trevor is a gifted comic-book artist and a good student who would do anything to protect his mom and sisters. Trev thinks he needs to learn to “throw hands,” like Muhammad Ali and Creed, to handle anyone who might threaten his or his family’s safety. His stepfather did that very thing when he lay his hands on Trev’s mom and went to jail for it. He swore he’d be back, and Trev’s lived in terror of that happening ever since.
Almost six feet tall, Trev and has bulked up and wants to learn to box; however, not everyone in his life is supportive of his plan. There’s a whole crew of men in the neighborhood that have set themselves up as Trev’s uncles, and they are not about to let him throw everything away because of what he fears. They want Trev to make better use of his hands by focusing on art to help him build a better future. Ultimately, Trev knows his future is in his hands, and his hands are his own, and he has to choose how to use them.
After over twenty five years of teaching tweens and teens, the author knows that many young people see muscles as strength or feel they're alone to solve their problems. The book shows how some who don't seem strong can be the strongest.
Torrey Maldonado, a native of Brooklyn, has been referred to as a “high-low” writer, which means that he writes sophisticated stories with a low page count that won’t scare away reluctant readers. Most YA novels exceed 200 pages, but this story, focused on plot and character, is told in 135 pages. Because it’s target audience is 5th-7th graders, there is no profanity, drug use, or sexual references. 3.5
Almost six feet tall, Trev and has bulked up and wants to learn to box; however, not everyone in his life is supportive of his plan. There’s a whole crew of men in the neighborhood that have set themselves up as Trev’s uncles, and they are not about to let him throw everything away because of what he fears. They want Trev to make better use of his hands by focusing on art to help him build a better future. Ultimately, Trev knows his future is in his hands, and his hands are his own, and he has to choose how to use them.
After over twenty five years of teaching tweens and teens, the author knows that many young people see muscles as strength or feel they're alone to solve their problems. The book shows how some who don't seem strong can be the strongest.
Torrey Maldonado, a native of Brooklyn, has been referred to as a “high-low” writer, which means that he writes sophisticated stories with a low page count that won’t scare away reluctant readers. Most YA novels exceed 200 pages, but this story, focused on plot and character, is told in 135 pages. Because it’s target audience is 5th-7th graders, there is no profanity, drug use, or sexual references. 3.5
June 14, 2024
This is my second Maldonado book and I'm definitely not his intended audience because I haven't liked either one. I mean, I'm truly not his intended audience because I'm old, white, and female. But in addition to those drawbacks, I am also not a fan of his writing style. I have not had much traction on What Lane in my library, even though I have a large minority population. As for this one, I feel like authors really overestimate the appeal of books written in....slang? street? whatever the right term is for alternative grammatical language. I don't hear my students talking about how a book really sounds like them, and no matter how in touch an author is, I can't believe that any adult is getting it exactly right. Even if they are, it will become dated very quickly.
Aside from that issue, the whole story felt disjointed. I get the juxtaposition of Trev using his hands for fighting vs. using them for drawing, but I think the drawing part could've been made much more explicit. And the ending was so abrupt! I guess he feels supported now and can choose drawing, or the less violent path, but it's not made real clear. I only knew I was done with the book because the next page was "Acknowledgements". I went back to see what I had missed. Several chapters.
The overall theme of a teen feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders will resonate, but I wish the execution was a whole lot better.
Aside from that issue, the whole story felt disjointed. I get the juxtaposition of Trev using his hands for fighting vs. using them for drawing, but I think the drawing part could've been made much more explicit. And the ending was so abrupt! I guess he feels supported now and can choose drawing, or the less violent path, but it's not made real clear. I only knew I was done with the book because the next page was "Acknowledgements". I went back to see what I had missed. Several chapters.
The overall theme of a teen feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders will resonate, but I wish the execution was a whole lot better.
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