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Messed Up
A fifteen-year-old Mexican American has experienced a series of tough breaks before finding himself completely on his own. He decides to try to keep his lack of a home a secret from his school while working hard and staying out of trouble.
250 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2009
51 people are currently reading
1059 people want to read
About the author
Janet Nichols Lynch
21 books37 followersJanet Nichols Lynch is the author of seventeen books. Her most recent novel, MORE TO LIFE, about the humor and challenges of aging, was published Fall 2025 by Legacy Book Press. Her children's Black historical novel, ELLEN OF ALLENSWORTH is about a girl growing up in Allensworth, the only town in California owned and governed by Blacks, which is now a California Historic State Park. Janet's debut novel, CHEST PAINS, was published in 2009. Her short fiction has appeared in THE NEW YORKER, SEVENTEEN, HIGHWAY99, A LITERARY JOURNEY THROUGH CALIFORNIA'S GREAT CENTRAL VALLEY, and elsewhere. Her young adult novels include MESSED UP, a 2009 ALA Quick-Pick for Reluctant Readers and a VOYA (Voices of Youth Advocates) Top of the Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers; RACING CALIFORNIA, a 2012 Society of School Librarians International Honor Book; MY BEAUTIFUL HIPPIE; COMMIE PINKO; and WHEEL OF FIRE. Janet has also written nonfiction for young readers including CLARA SCHUMANN, PIANIST AND COMPOSER; FLORENCE PRICE, AMERICAN COMPOSER; ELIZABETH WARREN AND IT TAKES TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT; AMERICAN MUSIC MAKERS: AN INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN COMPOSERS; and WOMEN MUSIC MAKERS: AN INTRODUCTION TO WOMEN COMPOSERS;
Janet was born in Sacramento, California, and graduated with a BA in Music from California State University, a Master of Music Degree in Piano from Arizona State University, and an MFA in Creative Writing from Fresno State University. She has taught music and English at the community college, high school, and middle school levels, and private piano to all ages.
Janet lives in Visalia, California, with her husband composer Timothy Lynch, and they have two grown children, three grandchildren, and three cats. Janet has completed twenty marathons and numerous other races and triathlons. As an avid cyclist, her longest ride was from Phoenix, AZ to Washington, D.C., and she is nearing the completion of her goal of cycling in all fifty states. Find Janet on Facebook at facebook.com/jnicholslynch and Instagram at janet_nichols_lynch. Her website is JanetNicholsLynch.com.
Janet was born in Sacramento, California, and graduated with a BA in Music from California State University, a Master of Music Degree in Piano from Arizona State University, and an MFA in Creative Writing from Fresno State University. She has taught music and English at the community college, high school, and middle school levels, and private piano to all ages.
Janet lives in Visalia, California, with her husband composer Timothy Lynch, and they have two grown children, three grandchildren, and three cats. Janet has completed twenty marathons and numerous other races and triathlons. As an avid cyclist, her longest ride was from Phoenix, AZ to Washington, D.C., and she is nearing the completion of her goal of cycling in all fifty states. Find Janet on Facebook at facebook.com/jnicholslynch and Instagram at janet_nichols_lynch. Her website is JanetNicholsLynch.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
February 16, 2009
A pitch-perfect account of becoming a young adult and the fear that comes with actually gaining the independence you so desire as a young person.
December 16, 2015
Aww, I loved this book.
R.D. is a 15 year old Mexican-American kid starting 8th grade for the second time. His father is out of the picture and his mother has long been gone away, serving time in prison for a drug offense. He is taken in by his grandmother, but she leaves him with her boyfriend Earl to go off with another man, a biker. Earl is a kind man, a Vietnam veteran with "Agent Orange" who eventually cares for R.D. in his grandmother's absence until he dies unexpectedly one day while R.D. is at school.
Even though this book begins with R.D.'s first (or second first day) in the 8th grade, the real story starts after Earl's death. His grandmother is unreachable in another state, and the last thing R.D. wants is for Child Protective Services to get involved and take him away from the only home he's ever known. R.D. vows to tell no one of Earl's death and is forced to navigate the world as an adult in her absence--arranging his funeral, having no money for bills, shopping for food. He is also still a child so he also juggles typical teenage issues as well--meeting a nice girl, dealing with gangbangers, handling a crazy girlfriend, etc. There are a lot of subplots here (normally I don't like a story that's too complicated) but I did not seem to mind, as they were all completely necessary to show the onslaught of "real-world" decisions that a 15 year old is forced to make in the face of extraordinary odds.
On a personal note this book hit very close to home for me. I taught middle school for 10 years. In my career I saw hundreds of "R.D.'s"--children who have good intentions but due to a chaotic home life and situations that are completely beyond their control (interrupted schooling, poverty, parents who don't give a shit) they lack the adult guidance and resources to make wise choices and be the 'good' student that we want them to be. They drift through school until they eventually drop out, usually around 16 or 17, and from there they become unfortunate statistics--caught in a cycle of chronic joblessness or criminals in the prison system. This story moved me to tears because I knew so many kids like this, and even though R.D.'s story ends on a happy note, dozens of them don't.
When I looked on the back of the book and saw that the author was a middle-aged woman I was completely floored because her use of voice was extraordinary. R.D. talks like most kids do, for example, "says" is spelled "sez" and the observations that he makes about the world (which are, at times, hilarious) are completely consistent with a child his age.
I could picture this book specifically for teenagers who are reluctant to read because they find all books "boring."
Anyway, great reading experience. A+.
R.D. is a 15 year old Mexican-American kid starting 8th grade for the second time. His father is out of the picture and his mother has long been gone away, serving time in prison for a drug offense. He is taken in by his grandmother, but she leaves him with her boyfriend Earl to go off with another man, a biker. Earl is a kind man, a Vietnam veteran with "Agent Orange" who eventually cares for R.D. in his grandmother's absence until he dies unexpectedly one day while R.D. is at school.
Even though this book begins with R.D.'s first (or second first day) in the 8th grade, the real story starts after Earl's death. His grandmother is unreachable in another state, and the last thing R.D. wants is for Child Protective Services to get involved and take him away from the only home he's ever known. R.D. vows to tell no one of Earl's death and is forced to navigate the world as an adult in her absence--arranging his funeral, having no money for bills, shopping for food. He is also still a child so he also juggles typical teenage issues as well--meeting a nice girl, dealing with gangbangers, handling a crazy girlfriend, etc. There are a lot of subplots here (normally I don't like a story that's too complicated) but I did not seem to mind, as they were all completely necessary to show the onslaught of "real-world" decisions that a 15 year old is forced to make in the face of extraordinary odds.
On a personal note this book hit very close to home for me. I taught middle school for 10 years. In my career I saw hundreds of "R.D.'s"--children who have good intentions but due to a chaotic home life and situations that are completely beyond their control (interrupted schooling, poverty, parents who don't give a shit) they lack the adult guidance and resources to make wise choices and be the 'good' student that we want them to be. They drift through school until they eventually drop out, usually around 16 or 17, and from there they become unfortunate statistics--caught in a cycle of chronic joblessness or criminals in the prison system. This story moved me to tears because I knew so many kids like this, and even though R.D.'s story ends on a happy note, dozens of them don't.
When I looked on the back of the book and saw that the author was a middle-aged woman I was completely floored because her use of voice was extraordinary. R.D. talks like most kids do, for example, "says" is spelled "sez" and the observations that he makes about the world (which are, at times, hilarious) are completely consistent with a child his age.
I could picture this book specifically for teenagers who are reluctant to read because they find all books "boring."
Anyway, great reading experience. A+.
Read
November 8, 2010i Chose to read this book because when are teacher showed it too us and told us a little about it , it sounded really good.
The setting took place in Lemoore.
The genere is basically realistic fiction.
This book is about a book about a boy name r.d who failed the 8th grade and is now taking it again.
He is known for getting in trouble and lives with his step granpa earl. His grandmother rose left them to be with a guy named hairy. One, day when r.d comes home from school late he finds earl in the bathroom dead and hes not sure what to do. but, after he callls the ambelance and the police came he lies and makes them think his grandmother is still living there but, after that it seems like one lie just turns into a nother and on top of that he's doing everything he has to do to survive. but, when his friend dominc stabs his other friend scraps in the back with a knife he knows he has to make the right decision and tell the truth witch means the end of his freedom. Earls sister ends up finding out about r.ds "scam" and tries to pretend like shes his friend but her pan back fires when she finds out earl left everything to r.d... R.d decides to give her his half of the house but keeps the money becuase he really does need it .. but, after ealrs sister cant find any one to buy the house she decides so rent it to r.d and even tho shes making him pay way more then what the house is worth he decides to take the offer cus he knows he wont find anyone else that will rent to a minor ..
R.d is now doing really good in his new alternative school. and is working at a resturant and his grandma and hair come and visit him every other weekend he is doing very well and is feeling much better now that every one knows the truth.
I really enjoyed this book it kept me on the edge and made me want to keep reading(:
The setting took place in Lemoore.
The genere is basically realistic fiction.
This book is about a book about a boy name r.d who failed the 8th grade and is now taking it again.
He is known for getting in trouble and lives with his step granpa earl. His grandmother rose left them to be with a guy named hairy. One, day when r.d comes home from school late he finds earl in the bathroom dead and hes not sure what to do. but, after he callls the ambelance and the police came he lies and makes them think his grandmother is still living there but, after that it seems like one lie just turns into a nother and on top of that he's doing everything he has to do to survive. but, when his friend dominc stabs his other friend scraps in the back with a knife he knows he has to make the right decision and tell the truth witch means the end of his freedom. Earls sister ends up finding out about r.ds "scam" and tries to pretend like shes his friend but her pan back fires when she finds out earl left everything to r.d... R.d decides to give her his half of the house but keeps the money becuase he really does need it .. but, after ealrs sister cant find any one to buy the house she decides so rent it to r.d and even tho shes making him pay way more then what the house is worth he decides to take the offer cus he knows he wont find anyone else that will rent to a minor ..
R.d is now doing really good in his new alternative school. and is working at a resturant and his grandma and hair come and visit him every other weekend he is doing very well and is feeling much better now that every one knows the truth.
I really enjoyed this book it kept me on the edge and made me want to keep reading(:
March 22, 2017
The students have been asking me to read this book for months. I bought a hardbound copy off of eBay because I thought I might want it in my classroom library since it's so popular. Having begun the book, I have to say it won't go in my gen. ed. classroom; it's too... dirty, disrespectful, ugly for my gen. ed. room. Parents would raise a fuss if they read the opening chapters. However, it will go in my struggling readers class library. They'll relate.
Last night as I lay reading, I had an epiphany. It's Hatchet for inner city kids. It's about surviving middle school when surrounded by gangs, friends who aren't friends but fellow survivalists, and laziness/loneliness. It's about not understanding how the world works "for realz." It's about independence once adults get out of the picture.
The theme "messed up" runs throughout the book. I think my students' grasp that better than I do. "Messed up" isn't really in my vocabulary but runs strong in theirs.
RD's experiences reminds me of Lockdown. He learns how to make a plan; the same issue the protagonist in Lockdown struggled with.
I'm still debating whether this should be a read aloud in the classroom. My students want it to be but I don't like RD's views of women in the opening chapters. Maybe I need to allow my struggling readers to show me their world.
Last night as I lay reading, I had an epiphany. It's Hatchet for inner city kids. It's about surviving middle school when surrounded by gangs, friends who aren't friends but fellow survivalists, and laziness/loneliness. It's about not understanding how the world works "for realz." It's about independence once adults get out of the picture.
The theme "messed up" runs throughout the book. I think my students' grasp that better than I do. "Messed up" isn't really in my vocabulary but runs strong in theirs.
RD's experiences reminds me of Lockdown. He learns how to make a plan; the same issue the protagonist in Lockdown struggled with.
I'm still debating whether this should be a read aloud in the classroom. My students want it to be but I don't like RD's views of women in the opening chapters. Maybe I need to allow my struggling readers to show me their world.
September 8, 2010
R.D. is stuck in limbo in the San Joaquin Valley school system. He's repeating 8th grade again and is sick of seeing the same old crap day after day. He’s neutral but there are those who wear red or blue find and fight for no reason at all. Being Mexican and Cheyenne doesn’t help him at all. R.D. lives with his grandmother's boyfriend Earl, who takes really good care of him while Grandma is off with her new boyfriend and his mom is in the State Pen. One thing is for sure, R.D. has got a great heart. He does do some messed up things, but he is just trying to get by in life and some how- some way- the reader knows that R.D. will do great things. He figures out how to take care of himself, feed himself, make money and R.D. is a great main character who brings to light the difficulties of growing up in hard times and in diverse communities. He also ends up making some great friends and deep connections. R.D. is a great example of a teen overcoming adversity. Even more inspiring is that the author allowed R.D. to achieve his highest heights.
July 28, 2009
Realistic fiction, identity, middle school, family.
R.D. (Richard Diaz) seems to mess up at everything. He is repeating eighth grade while living with Earl (his grandma's ex boyfriend). He returns from school one day and finds Earl dead and is unable to call Earl's sister, best friend or his grandma. He ends up living on his own for 3 months before everyone finds out.
One of my favorite things about this book is R.D.'s slang talk. Lynch really knows how middle school homies talk and she crafts this book very well. Fortunately R.D. gets his life together and begins to complete his homework, realizes when a possible girlfriend is up to no good and makes an effort to attend school everyday. His English teacher shows some compassion to him too.
I enjoyed reading this book very much but am not sure how it is multicultural. Yes, R.D. is Mexican American and he talks slang, but the culture part is pretty weak. Just not sure.
R.D. (Richard Diaz) seems to mess up at everything. He is repeating eighth grade while living with Earl (his grandma's ex boyfriend). He returns from school one day and finds Earl dead and is unable to call Earl's sister, best friend or his grandma. He ends up living on his own for 3 months before everyone finds out.
One of my favorite things about this book is R.D.'s slang talk. Lynch really knows how middle school homies talk and she crafts this book very well. Fortunately R.D. gets his life together and begins to complete his homework, realizes when a possible girlfriend is up to no good and makes an effort to attend school everyday. His English teacher shows some compassion to him too.
I enjoyed reading this book very much but am not sure how it is multicultural. Yes, R.D. is Mexican American and he talks slang, but the culture part is pretty weak. Just not sure.
September 5, 2014
This book is about a boy named R.D, he always gets in trouble so he had to repeat 8th grade. He lives with an old guy (he calls his best friend) names Earl. Earl starts to get sick so R.D wanted to start getting better grades, staying out of trouble, etc. All R.D ever wanted was to stay away from the CPS. (child protective services) once Earl got too sick to live, he ended up passing away and R.D kept it a secret from all of Earl's family. R.D ended up sending Earl's body to a college to do experiments on him. Earls sister ends up finding he's dead by a nosy neighbor. She ends up letting R.D stay at the house but he has to pay $1,200 in rent. R.D gets old enough where he don't need anybody in his life to take care of him so he fends for hisself and manages to get by with the little money left from Earl.
February 21, 2009
See Sean's review. I was frustrated that R.D. didn't always explain situations and so was unfairly punished, but I guess that's realistic. I felt it showed how he grew from self-centered, lazy teenager to a mature, responsible young man. And he had built more solid relationships, or just come to see that he had them all along because he called upon those people to help him and get involved.
September 3, 2018
This YA novel tells the story of R.D., a 15-year-old eighth grader. His life was sort of messed up before, with his grandma gone and his mom in jail. But at least he still has Earl, his grandma's ex-boyfriend.
But when Earl dies, R.D.'s problems get a whole lot bigger.
Told in the first person, the story is suffused with R.D.'s unforgettable voice. In the course of the novel, he realizes just how much he doesn't know--and just how much he has inside of him that will help him overcome life's obstacles and disappointments.
R.D. is a sharp observer, and his descriptions are often things only a teenager who pretends not to care about anything would notice. But they are also funny. Here he is, telling readers about his first experience at a funeral home looking at a dead man:
"Then I see him--a dead guy all propped up in his coffin like death just caught him sudden-like, right in the middle of a sit-up. He's real old with a tense smile, the kind you make just before a fart. He's got on makeup and hair spray and glasses like he fell asleep reading.
"What's he need glasses for now? I remember at one of those church camps they said when you die you see God. Would God be all blurry if this guy didn't have his glasses?"
This is a good choice of book for any reluctant boy stuck in middle school and feeling like everything is hopeless. The narrator spells stuff wrong all the time--everybody "sez" lots of things. But that's the best part, perhaps, showing how anyone, with determination and a few people believing in them, has the potential to succeed.
But when Earl dies, R.D.'s problems get a whole lot bigger.
Told in the first person, the story is suffused with R.D.'s unforgettable voice. In the course of the novel, he realizes just how much he doesn't know--and just how much he has inside of him that will help him overcome life's obstacles and disappointments.
R.D. is a sharp observer, and his descriptions are often things only a teenager who pretends not to care about anything would notice. But they are also funny. Here he is, telling readers about his first experience at a funeral home looking at a dead man:
"Then I see him--a dead guy all propped up in his coffin like death just caught him sudden-like, right in the middle of a sit-up. He's real old with a tense smile, the kind you make just before a fart. He's got on makeup and hair spray and glasses like he fell asleep reading.
"What's he need glasses for now? I remember at one of those church camps they said when you die you see God. Would God be all blurry if this guy didn't have his glasses?"
This is a good choice of book for any reluctant boy stuck in middle school and feeling like everything is hopeless. The narrator spells stuff wrong all the time--everybody "sez" lots of things. But that's the best part, perhaps, showing how anyone, with determination and a few people believing in them, has the potential to succeed.
Currently reading
May 11, 20112-3-2011
the writer is talking about the fight between some girls.
p.4
2-7-2011 Mon "4 sentence Summary"
Teachers was asking what happened about the fight. Teachers asked different people opinion and ideas. the main character gave his opinion about the school. also, i found out that the charater is not very good kids in school
p.8
2-9-2011 Wed "5 sentence Summary"
the officer Mendz comes to Mr.Bowan's office to take the character home. the officer asked some questions about the character during the way home. His grandma is taking care of the character's life.The character did lot of ad things in school, such as:fighting, shooting others students out of a pen......Also, i knew that the character scared to go to jail.
p.11
2-10-2011 Thur "Reaction to Cover"
The book cover is insteresting, the boy put his both hands onto his hat. that make me feel like he is thinking and stick with something, he seems to have a lot of stress. I like this book cover cause it makes me want to know why the character has so much questions and problem in his head. Is it a big problem or a small problem? Also, i would like to know more about this character and his life.
2-16-2010 wed "5 sentence summary"
The character introduces his neighbor to us. He said that he doesn't really know any information about them.He doesn't get any chance to talk with them. Also, he introduce a man who called Earl to us. Earl asked some questions about the fighting at school, but our character didnt tell him.Earl and our chracter were cooking toghter.
p.14
2-22-2011
Question:
1) what will R.D after out of school?
2) Will R.D explain to the pricple that he didn't fight with others?
statement:
1) i believe that his life will be very hard for him.
2) I think at the end of the story, all the people will know R.D didn't have a fight with others.
2-23-2011 wed "5 sentence summary"
R.D's grandma left home. R.D and Earl had to stay together. R.d said that He would be happy if grandma left home cause he can do what he wants without asking permittion. He and Earl like sitting in the sofa and watching TV show. Earl was sick while they were watching the show.
p.21.
3-3-2011 "problem, Actions, Outcomes"
Problem:
1) R.D was misunderstanding by his school teachers and prinple.
2) R.D's grandma life home for couple weeks. R.D needs to stay with Earl.
Actions:
1) he tried to tell them that he didn't have a fight, he was just helping them to slove to fight.
2)R.D was very happy about that so he dedecied to do a lot of things that he wants, such as watching TV for a long period of time, eat what he wants.
outcomes:
1) Many of the teachers and the prinple didn't believe him. They kicked him out of school.
2) R.D was very happy. Earl was sick during this period of time.
R.D needs to take care of him.
3-7-2011 7 sentences
Earl was very sad. He kept drinking everyday. Earl stared to cough a lot. R.D seems very worried about him. Bobby was here with Earl, so that earl can have a friend to talk with. R.D tlaked with Earl about the school stuffs. R.D said everything was messed up.
p.24
3-8-2011 8 sentences
R.D tried to explain what was going on in the school to Earl. Earl tried to tell R.d what should he do. But R.D kinda mad at Earl cause he thinks Earl talks to much. R.D doesn't want other to tell him what he should do. That's why R.D was angry with Earl. They have a little arugument about it. They both vey sad.
3-15-2010
R.D was talking about when he was in fifth grade.he really wanted to play an music instrument. But grandma said no because it costed too much. Also, the second reasons was grandma doesn't like to listen to the bad practice sounds of the beginning.
3-17-2010
What do you think will by your lasting impression of the book you are reading now?
About a young boy's life, he is a normal teenager but his life is a little bit different than others.
What will be your most vivid memories of it a year from now? Beyond a year?
He is a good person cause he respects his grandma. Also, he learns faster than others.
3-22-2011
The fist day that R.D went back to school. He met a lot of his old friends, such as the one girl that was fighting at the first day of school. R.D said some of people change a lot. R.D. didn't go to school for couple days, so he missed a lot of homework. R.D didn't pay attention in class, when teacher asked him question,he didn't answer it. Teacher thinks that R.D is a bad kid.
3-24-2011
R.D metioned that he didn't pay any attention in the class, when teacjer told him to open the book.He did open the book, but he didn't really read it, he just looked at the pictures.In the class, there is something that happened. The teacher with some argument with one of the student. But at the end, they slove the problem, and the student accept the teacher.
p.42
3-28-2011
R.D and his friend was standing in the fid cart line. The girls came streaming up to R.D's friend, Desiree.After that, that two girls weren't very nice to them. R.D. gave them a quick squeeze. R.D was kinda worried about that two girls think that R.D was going out with Desiree. In the evening, the rain stopped. R.D missed to bus to go home. He didn'r have any change to call Earl. He decided to walk a couple blocks. When he at the city road, i used the beg money to call Earl to take him home.
p.47
3-29-2011
R.D grandpa dead, so he didn't know what should he do.
My grandma dead when i was very little. She is a good person and always take good care of me. When she left, our whole family is very sad about it.
5-9-2011
R.D was remembering about how his grandma did good to him, when he was little, his grandma always give him cookies when he got hurts. Also, she tells him a lot of stories that make him feel more better. R.D misses his grandma so bad especally Earl was deaded.
P.61
5-11-2011
R.D was too lonely so he tried to drive Earl's car. But he was so scared that he will be pulled over or get found out. he drove realy slow. RD said he don't evn know how to get on the freeway.
p.75
the writer is talking about the fight between some girls.
p.4
2-7-2011 Mon "4 sentence Summary"
Teachers was asking what happened about the fight. Teachers asked different people opinion and ideas. the main character gave his opinion about the school. also, i found out that the charater is not very good kids in school
p.8
2-9-2011 Wed "5 sentence Summary"
the officer Mendz comes to Mr.Bowan's office to take the character home. the officer asked some questions about the character during the way home. His grandma is taking care of the character's life.The character did lot of ad things in school, such as:fighting, shooting others students out of a pen......Also, i knew that the character scared to go to jail.
p.11
2-10-2011 Thur "Reaction to Cover"
The book cover is insteresting, the boy put his both hands onto his hat. that make me feel like he is thinking and stick with something, he seems to have a lot of stress. I like this book cover cause it makes me want to know why the character has so much questions and problem in his head. Is it a big problem or a small problem? Also, i would like to know more about this character and his life.
2-16-2010 wed "5 sentence summary"
The character introduces his neighbor to us. He said that he doesn't really know any information about them.He doesn't get any chance to talk with them. Also, he introduce a man who called Earl to us. Earl asked some questions about the fighting at school, but our character didnt tell him.Earl and our chracter were cooking toghter.
p.14
2-22-2011
Question:
1) what will R.D after out of school?
2) Will R.D explain to the pricple that he didn't fight with others?
statement:
1) i believe that his life will be very hard for him.
2) I think at the end of the story, all the people will know R.D didn't have a fight with others.
2-23-2011 wed "5 sentence summary"
R.D's grandma left home. R.D and Earl had to stay together. R.d said that He would be happy if grandma left home cause he can do what he wants without asking permittion. He and Earl like sitting in the sofa and watching TV show. Earl was sick while they were watching the show.
p.21.
3-3-2011 "problem, Actions, Outcomes"
Problem:
1) R.D was misunderstanding by his school teachers and prinple.
2) R.D's grandma life home for couple weeks. R.D needs to stay with Earl.
Actions:
1) he tried to tell them that he didn't have a fight, he was just helping them to slove to fight.
2)R.D was very happy about that so he dedecied to do a lot of things that he wants, such as watching TV for a long period of time, eat what he wants.
outcomes:
1) Many of the teachers and the prinple didn't believe him. They kicked him out of school.
2) R.D was very happy. Earl was sick during this period of time.
R.D needs to take care of him.
3-7-2011 7 sentences
Earl was very sad. He kept drinking everyday. Earl stared to cough a lot. R.D seems very worried about him. Bobby was here with Earl, so that earl can have a friend to talk with. R.D tlaked with Earl about the school stuffs. R.D said everything was messed up.
p.24
3-8-2011 8 sentences
R.D tried to explain what was going on in the school to Earl. Earl tried to tell R.d what should he do. But R.D kinda mad at Earl cause he thinks Earl talks to much. R.D doesn't want other to tell him what he should do. That's why R.D was angry with Earl. They have a little arugument about it. They both vey sad.
3-15-2010
R.D was talking about when he was in fifth grade.he really wanted to play an music instrument. But grandma said no because it costed too much. Also, the second reasons was grandma doesn't like to listen to the bad practice sounds of the beginning.
3-17-2010
What do you think will by your lasting impression of the book you are reading now?
About a young boy's life, he is a normal teenager but his life is a little bit different than others.
What will be your most vivid memories of it a year from now? Beyond a year?
He is a good person cause he respects his grandma. Also, he learns faster than others.
3-22-2011
The fist day that R.D went back to school. He met a lot of his old friends, such as the one girl that was fighting at the first day of school. R.D said some of people change a lot. R.D. didn't go to school for couple days, so he missed a lot of homework. R.D didn't pay attention in class, when teacher asked him question,he didn't answer it. Teacher thinks that R.D is a bad kid.
3-24-2011
R.D metioned that he didn't pay any attention in the class, when teacjer told him to open the book.He did open the book, but he didn't really read it, he just looked at the pictures.In the class, there is something that happened. The teacher with some argument with one of the student. But at the end, they slove the problem, and the student accept the teacher.
p.42
3-28-2011
R.D and his friend was standing in the fid cart line. The girls came streaming up to R.D's friend, Desiree.After that, that two girls weren't very nice to them. R.D. gave them a quick squeeze. R.D was kinda worried about that two girls think that R.D was going out with Desiree. In the evening, the rain stopped. R.D missed to bus to go home. He didn'r have any change to call Earl. He decided to walk a couple blocks. When he at the city road, i used the beg money to call Earl to take him home.
p.47
3-29-2011
R.D grandpa dead, so he didn't know what should he do.
My grandma dead when i was very little. She is a good person and always take good care of me. When she left, our whole family is very sad about it.
5-9-2011
R.D was remembering about how his grandma did good to him, when he was little, his grandma always give him cookies when he got hurts. Also, she tells him a lot of stories that make him feel more better. R.D misses his grandma so bad especally Earl was deaded.
P.61
5-11-2011
R.D was too lonely so he tried to drive Earl's car. But he was so scared that he will be pulled over or get found out. he drove realy slow. RD said he don't evn know how to get on the freeway.
p.75
May 7, 2018
Such a great book!! I felt like I was in the story; if this book was a movie, I would go see it 10,000 times
May 9, 2024
This book is a classic to me that I’ve read many times throughout my life. It is raw, real, and holds such a special place in my heart.
January 30, 2020
This book deserves an infinite amount of gold stars! I stumbled across during my weekly to the library many years ago. The image on the cover is what caught my attention. Once I started reading, I could not put it down. Through this book, I saw life through the eyes of a Mexican American teenager who had no real parents and suffered the loss of the only person that cared about him. It made me realize that there are actually other children that go through these hardships and have to fend for themselves. Of children that try and hide their home life in fear that they will get put in to the system. This book had me praying that R.D. would have a happy ending and that he would be successful and live the happy life ever child deserves!
Want to read
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2017
A great MS book and compelling for many readers I would imagine. It's related to some work we are doing at school and was recommended to me, and I can see how it is valuable to us as we learn more about the subject of incarceration, though that's a kind of minimal detail in this story. It's a minimal detail but also, it actually drives the storyline. I liked the language and the main character, R.D.
February 12, 2013
An abandoned teen cares for himself
R.D. is a fifteen-year-old Mexican-American boy with Cheyenne ancestry who's had a very rough life. His father abandoned him. His mother is in prison. His grandmother has recently deserted him. And to top it all off, his grandmother's longtime boyfriend, Earl, who has continued to care for R.D. after her departure, suddenly drops dead. To avoid being sent to a group home, R.D. pretends his grandmother is still around to care for him and struggles to take care of himself, supporting himself by forging Earl's signature on his Social Security and pension checks.
I've read multiple young-adult novels with the premise of a teen pretending he or she has not been abandoned in order to avoid foster care, but what makes this story unique is R.D. He's a very strong and sympathetic protagonist. It's clear he feels the harshness of his life deeply, but he never surrenders to despair. It's fascinating reading about how he learns how to take care of himself, and in the process gets a handle on how to deal with school and making himself into a person who has a chance to succeed in life, in spite of terrible odds in a world filled with gangs, drugs and violence.
This book is written in a clear, uncluttered style that never intrudes on the moving story. It's in first-person point of view, and R.D.'s personality leaps off the page in his thoughts, his reactions to the dark world around him, and the particular language he uses, such as "sez" for "says," "cept" for "except," and slang like "homies" and "saggin-and-baggin."
From page one there is a strong sense of what a basically decent person R.D. is. He clearly wants to stand back from life and be an observer, to survive by staying uninvolved in the terrible situations around him, but his heart won't let him. This is vividly illustrated when he sees a small girl getting beat up by a much larger girl, and he can't refrain from stepping in and stopping the fight when he imagines in his mind, "the little girl's head cracked open, blood streaming over the sidewalk." The death scene with his caretaker Earl is macabre and horrifying, but rather than crumbling from the strain of losing yet one more caretaker, R.D.'s response is to find a way to take care of himself--while at the same time feeling guilty that his need to survive is stronger than his grief.
It is always great to see a YA novel with a male protagonist, but especially welcome that this author has created a compelling hero so vividly alive he becomes a dear friend by the end of the book.
I rate this book as follows:
Hero: 4 stars
Subcharacters: 4
Writing: 4
Plot: 4
Overall: 4
R.D. is a fifteen-year-old Mexican-American boy with Cheyenne ancestry who's had a very rough life. His father abandoned him. His mother is in prison. His grandmother has recently deserted him. And to top it all off, his grandmother's longtime boyfriend, Earl, who has continued to care for R.D. after her departure, suddenly drops dead. To avoid being sent to a group home, R.D. pretends his grandmother is still around to care for him and struggles to take care of himself, supporting himself by forging Earl's signature on his Social Security and pension checks.
I've read multiple young-adult novels with the premise of a teen pretending he or she has not been abandoned in order to avoid foster care, but what makes this story unique is R.D. He's a very strong and sympathetic protagonist. It's clear he feels the harshness of his life deeply, but he never surrenders to despair. It's fascinating reading about how he learns how to take care of himself, and in the process gets a handle on how to deal with school and making himself into a person who has a chance to succeed in life, in spite of terrible odds in a world filled with gangs, drugs and violence.
This book is written in a clear, uncluttered style that never intrudes on the moving story. It's in first-person point of view, and R.D.'s personality leaps off the page in his thoughts, his reactions to the dark world around him, and the particular language he uses, such as "sez" for "says," "cept" for "except," and slang like "homies" and "saggin-and-baggin."
From page one there is a strong sense of what a basically decent person R.D. is. He clearly wants to stand back from life and be an observer, to survive by staying uninvolved in the terrible situations around him, but his heart won't let him. This is vividly illustrated when he sees a small girl getting beat up by a much larger girl, and he can't refrain from stepping in and stopping the fight when he imagines in his mind, "the little girl's head cracked open, blood streaming over the sidewalk." The death scene with his caretaker Earl is macabre and horrifying, but rather than crumbling from the strain of losing yet one more caretaker, R.D.'s response is to find a way to take care of himself--while at the same time feeling guilty that his need to survive is stronger than his grief.
It is always great to see a YA novel with a male protagonist, but especially welcome that this author has created a compelling hero so vividly alive he becomes a dear friend by the end of the book.
I rate this book as follows:
Hero: 4 stars
Subcharacters: 4
Writing: 4
Plot: 4
Overall: 4
March 17, 2014
What would you do if your gardian died and you had no one to take care of you? You could find out what R.D. Mitchell did when his step grandfather died in the realistic fiction book "Messed Up". This book was really good. I couldn't stop reading it.
"Messed Up" is about a 15 year old boy named R.D. Mitchell. He lives with his grandparents in an old house in a dangerous neiboorhood. R.D. is always getting in trouble in school.He even gets held back in the 8th grade. When his grandmother abandones R.D. and his grandfather "Earl" things start to fall apart. Earl starts getting sick. One day R.D. comes home from school and finds Earl dead in the bathroom. He calls 911 and later lies to the police saying his grandmother will be home later. R.D. does not want to be sent to an orphanage. He lies to everyone saying his grandmother is at home with him. When actually he is alone. R.D. doesnt have money for food or even to have Earl be buried in a cemetary. He even tries his hardest to behave in school for they won't call home. Things start getting worse for R.D. The story takes place in Tulare County in California.
"Messed up" is a really good book. It wasn't at all boring. Its also exciting because the main character R.D. drove his dead grandfathers car at night and almost crashed and got hawnked at by every car. I would compare this book to "The outsiders" because the greasers live by themselfs and do what ever they want almost like R.D. I could compare this to my life because when I was younger and I Would be home alone i felt like I could do what ever i wanted to do.
Also another reason on why this book is really good is that it doesnt have any boring parts in my opinion. It was also iteresting how he needs to behave in order to keep his secret safe. I could relate this to my life because My brother and sister would always be bad in school.
Overall this book was really good. I really enjoyed reading it. I would rate this book a 9 because I didnt want to put the book down. I would recommand this book to kids my age because its really interesting. IT was really cool reading how a boys life was messed up.
"Messed Up" is about a 15 year old boy named R.D. Mitchell. He lives with his grandparents in an old house in a dangerous neiboorhood. R.D. is always getting in trouble in school.He even gets held back in the 8th grade. When his grandmother abandones R.D. and his grandfather "Earl" things start to fall apart. Earl starts getting sick. One day R.D. comes home from school and finds Earl dead in the bathroom. He calls 911 and later lies to the police saying his grandmother will be home later. R.D. does not want to be sent to an orphanage. He lies to everyone saying his grandmother is at home with him. When actually he is alone. R.D. doesnt have money for food or even to have Earl be buried in a cemetary. He even tries his hardest to behave in school for they won't call home. Things start getting worse for R.D. The story takes place in Tulare County in California.
"Messed up" is a really good book. It wasn't at all boring. Its also exciting because the main character R.D. drove his dead grandfathers car at night and almost crashed and got hawnked at by every car. I would compare this book to "The outsiders" because the greasers live by themselfs and do what ever they want almost like R.D. I could compare this to my life because when I was younger and I Would be home alone i felt like I could do what ever i wanted to do.
Also another reason on why this book is really good is that it doesnt have any boring parts in my opinion. It was also iteresting how he needs to behave in order to keep his secret safe. I could relate this to my life because My brother and sister would always be bad in school.
Overall this book was really good. I really enjoyed reading it. I would rate this book a 9 because I didnt want to put the book down. I would recommand this book to kids my age because its really interesting. IT was really cool reading how a boys life was messed up.
November 16, 2012
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
R.D. never knew his father, and his mother is in prison. He was raised by his grandmother, but she up and left him with her boyfriend, Earl, so she could run off with a hairy truck driver. R.D. has promised to clean up his act and get through the eighth grade this year for sure, but it's the first day of school and things aren't starting off very well since he's suspended for fighting by lunch time.
Earl tries to keep R.D. out of trouble and encourages him to stick with it at school, but he has some serious health issues dating back to his exposure to Agent Orange during his time in Vietnam. Ever since R.D.'s grandmother left, Earl has been having more frequent attacks that leave him gasping for breath and sending R.D. in search of his inhaler. Just a few short weeks into the school year, R.D. gets off the bus and discovers Earl on the bathroom floor, dead.
With no way to contact his grandmother and no one else to turn to, R.D. decides to try to handle things himself. He deals with the funeral home people, handles the questions from nosy neighbors, and manages through trial and error to keep himself fed and the bills paid. Surprisingly, this forced independence turns R.D. into a more reliable student at school and has him learning things about life he never would have thought possible.
MESSED UP by Janet Nichols Lynch is a heart-warming and riveting read. R.D. starts out as an underachieving, gangster wannabe who turns his life around through handwork and determination. Readers will learn right along with him as he deals with the everyday, practical aspects of survival. He learns to shop for groceries and clothes and teaches himself how to cook and clean.
For someone who pretty much let the world just happen around him, he takes on the challenge of making his own way and succeeds. MESSED UP is an excellent addition to any library or classroom collection.
R.D. never knew his father, and his mother is in prison. He was raised by his grandmother, but she up and left him with her boyfriend, Earl, so she could run off with a hairy truck driver. R.D. has promised to clean up his act and get through the eighth grade this year for sure, but it's the first day of school and things aren't starting off very well since he's suspended for fighting by lunch time.
Earl tries to keep R.D. out of trouble and encourages him to stick with it at school, but he has some serious health issues dating back to his exposure to Agent Orange during his time in Vietnam. Ever since R.D.'s grandmother left, Earl has been having more frequent attacks that leave him gasping for breath and sending R.D. in search of his inhaler. Just a few short weeks into the school year, R.D. gets off the bus and discovers Earl on the bathroom floor, dead.
With no way to contact his grandmother and no one else to turn to, R.D. decides to try to handle things himself. He deals with the funeral home people, handles the questions from nosy neighbors, and manages through trial and error to keep himself fed and the bills paid. Surprisingly, this forced independence turns R.D. into a more reliable student at school and has him learning things about life he never would have thought possible.
MESSED UP by Janet Nichols Lynch is a heart-warming and riveting read. R.D. starts out as an underachieving, gangster wannabe who turns his life around through handwork and determination. Readers will learn right along with him as he deals with the everyday, practical aspects of survival. He learns to shop for groceries and clothes and teaches himself how to cook and clean.
For someone who pretty much let the world just happen around him, he takes on the challenge of making his own way and succeeds. MESSED UP is an excellent addition to any library or classroom collection.
February 20, 2015
The book messed up got my attention since the main person in the book was a Mexican kid who had a rough time growing up his parents left him so he lives with his grandparents. The book first starts off with chick fight in the school and he was in trouble for taking a video of the fight. He was a "bad boy" in high school always gotten in trouble and gotten thrown out of school. I could connect to that since in middle school I honestly did not car about anything and did anything I wanted. My parents didn't really care, so it was pretty fun 3 years of middle school. The thing is he didn't really care about his grades so he was in the 8th grade for three years. I always gotten in trouble, but I still was on 3.5 honer every year. When he got thrown out of school he went to get help cause the school said he was in trouble way to much. I never gotten help when I wasn't being good but still that's pretty bad. He never gotten along with the consular, but he still had to go. Little in the book he was really close with his grandfather and in the middle of the book he dies on the toilet. He had a heart attack. He didn't tell anyone he died so he could live by him self. I really liked the book since he made sense to me. Like most books were reading I don't even understand whats going on (romeo and Juliet) but when i read this book (messed up) I could relate to it and I thought it was pretty cool cause its for adult teens. The only thing I wish this story could of done is made the book longer than it is now and made this book into a series. The author left the story kinda dumb cause the book ends with him going to treatment, but i would love to see what happens to hm in the future and how he ends up living. If I could choose my favorite book it would this one cause I read this book millions of times and I never gotten bored of it. I just love it so much.
May 4, 2012
I thought it was a great book! So different from anything else I've read in teen fiction. So 'boy'.
Teen boys' brains supposedly rewire and make them feel a bit lost. The book lets us see how lost R.D. is. He doesn't know why he does the things he does. You feel his confusion throughout the book. I'd especially recommend it to a boy. It shows that learning survival skills like shopping and cooking might be a good thing to do. Otherwise his potatoes might taste like dirt!
The writing style was fresh and the topic of living in gang country gave me a peek into what it might be like to be in a poor area where learning is inhibited by all the other life issues that are going on.
It had an honest view of what it might be like to come upon a dead person--the muscles don't hold everything in any more. A detail most books ignore. And when R.D.goes to the funeral home to make arrangements he doesn't realize why people back away from him--it is his B.O. from skipping bathing and washing his clothes. So the book might be a bit too earthy and slang-ridden for many readers. Personally, that was one of the things that kept me interested--it wasn't all glossed over like some of the romance teen novels are. No football players falling in love with cheerleaders in this one. R.D. really lays it out when he complains that the girl that is interested in him dresses like a Ho. He is surprised when she doesn't end up pregnant after she goes after another guy. R.D.'s mom had him when she was still in junior high so it isn't an unexpected situation where he comes from. In many ways the book has a deeply compassionate portrayal of someone trying to navigate life when so much is against him. He hasn't been nurtured or shown how to develop a moral compass.
Teen boys' brains supposedly rewire and make them feel a bit lost. The book lets us see how lost R.D. is. He doesn't know why he does the things he does. You feel his confusion throughout the book. I'd especially recommend it to a boy. It shows that learning survival skills like shopping and cooking might be a good thing to do. Otherwise his potatoes might taste like dirt!
The writing style was fresh and the topic of living in gang country gave me a peek into what it might be like to be in a poor area where learning is inhibited by all the other life issues that are going on.
It had an honest view of what it might be like to come upon a dead person--the muscles don't hold everything in any more. A detail most books ignore. And when R.D.goes to the funeral home to make arrangements he doesn't realize why people back away from him--it is his B.O. from skipping bathing and washing his clothes. So the book might be a bit too earthy and slang-ridden for many readers. Personally, that was one of the things that kept me interested--it wasn't all glossed over like some of the romance teen novels are. No football players falling in love with cheerleaders in this one. R.D. really lays it out when he complains that the girl that is interested in him dresses like a Ho. He is surprised when she doesn't end up pregnant after she goes after another guy. R.D.'s mom had him when she was still in junior high so it isn't an unexpected situation where he comes from. In many ways the book has a deeply compassionate portrayal of someone trying to navigate life when so much is against him. He hasn't been nurtured or shown how to develop a moral compass.
August 27, 2013
I think this book is very awesome!! I recommend this book to 13 years and older. It's just Realistic and it shows and tells you that people have a messed up life. R.D is the main character who just doesn't know how to get his life together. My favorite part of the book is when, R.D took Jeanette to the dance. Once they walked in Jeanette saw Sterling,her crush, dancing with his girlfriend. Jeanette was so upset she ran to the carpenter room. R.D ran after her to figure out what was wrong. When he caught up with her she told him why she was so upset. After that, R.D pulled down here sleeve and demanded her, No don't do that anymore. She had cuts all over her arms. Jeanette couldn't help it, but she promised not to do it anymore. It just said a lot to me, Their is no need to cut yourself under in any circumstances. R.D is so nice and sweet he tried to help her and he succeeded. What a awesome thing to do. He is so thankful and considerate. I would love to have a friend like that to tell me not to give up and he/she will always be their for me thru thick and thin. The part that made me upset is when R.D was suspended from school for helping a teacher break up a fight. R.D didn't care that he was suspended either way he had to be sent to high school next year. This book is so interesting when I had to put it down it made me angry. Once I got on the bus, I picked it up once again. It didn't take me long to read it. It seemed like forever though. I will give this book 5 stars! The author did a great job!!!! I would love to see a sequel of this book. Everyone should read this book , trust you will love it like you love your favorite food or your favorite t.v show. You won't regret it.
June 14, 2012
This book had me at the first line:
"Cat fight - about the only good thing that can happen the first day of school."
And kept me going with lines likes these:
"He don't get sent to Merit Reform like other kids cuz like I sez, he don't have regular anger, he's got 504 Anger."
"Miz Trueblood don't see any of this, that's how new teachers are. They're so busy smiling and teaching their shiny new lesson plans that they don't see nothing."
"Then I see her, farther back, Desiree leaning against a pole, watching and laughing with Pepsi Can Girl, who's a real joke - first she claims red, then blue, and she's white the whole time."
"Maybe middle school sucks wherever you go."
"'You can't come in here, young man,;" sez the librarian, Miz Saroian. . . 'Didn't you read the sign? There's a meeting of the Promotion of Literacy Team in here today.'"
And finally, my favorite:
"Some people come to the restaurant just to have R.D.'s Rosemary Chicken. It says that right on the menu so I guess I'm sort of famous. Not to anybody I know, but when I'm walking around my school I'm happy just to feel famous inside."
"Cat fight - about the only good thing that can happen the first day of school."
And kept me going with lines likes these:
"He don't get sent to Merit Reform like other kids cuz like I sez, he don't have regular anger, he's got 504 Anger."
"Miz Trueblood don't see any of this, that's how new teachers are. They're so busy smiling and teaching their shiny new lesson plans that they don't see nothing."
"Then I see her, farther back, Desiree leaning against a pole, watching and laughing with Pepsi Can Girl, who's a real joke - first she claims red, then blue, and she's white the whole time."
"Maybe middle school sucks wherever you go."
"'You can't come in here, young man,;" sez the librarian, Miz Saroian. . . 'Didn't you read the sign? There's a meeting of the Promotion of Literacy Team in here today.'"
And finally, my favorite:
"Some people come to the restaurant just to have R.D.'s Rosemary Chicken. It says that right on the menu so I guess I'm sort of famous. Not to anybody I know, but when I'm walking around my school I'm happy just to feel famous inside."
January 7, 2010
I would give this one 3.5 stars. Based on all of the hype, I expected to like it a lot more. I usually like urban teenage books, but this book's slang felt a bit forced for me. For example, the author uses "alot" and "sez." These aren't pronounced any differently verbally, so why spell them differently if the book isn't written in a journalistic format? I also found many of the characters to be very archetypal, particularly Mrs. Trueblood and R.D.'s friends.
I liked the plot line. It reminded me a lot of MARTYN PIG. I think the author does a great job developing R.D. and showing how he grows from the beginning of the book to the end. He truly transforms in the book. It wraps up a bit too nicely in the last two chapters, but I many teenagers will like that. I think the book will be inspirational for a lot of kids who can't find their niche in school. This is absolutely a book I will recommend to certain students.
I liked the plot line. It reminded me a lot of MARTYN PIG. I think the author does a great job developing R.D. and showing how he grows from the beginning of the book to the end. He truly transforms in the book. It wraps up a bit too nicely in the last two chapters, but I many teenagers will like that. I think the book will be inspirational for a lot of kids who can't find their niche in school. This is absolutely a book I will recommend to certain students.
August 30, 2010
R.D. is a "messed up" kid who can't quite get what life is about. He is now repeating 8th grade for the 3rd time, lives with his grandmother and grandfather, Earl because mom is in jail and dad, long gone. He gets in fights, skips school so he doesn't have a good rep at school with administration or the police. On the first day of school, R.D. stops a fight between 2 girls and helps a new teacher but he still gets suspended for three days. His grandmother has deserted RD and Earl for another guy and when RD is on suspension, Earl dies. Now RD doesn't want to be in a foster home, so he starts to tell people Earl is in the hospital---but this is also a downward spiral that helps RD become a good kid. Reluctant readers will love this book because RD doesn't get it and they will all relate to him and those around him.
November 21, 2010
What would you do if you were 15 and on your own? This was the case for R.D. R.D. was part Indian and part Mexican and had no one to turn to. His mother was in prison and his father was an illegal immigrant that was no where to be found. He lived with his grandmother and her long term boyfriend Earl. When Earl died his grandmother left and he was now alone. He did not tell anyone that he was alone because he did not want to be placed in a home. He forged signatures, cashed Earl's checks, and did countless things to hide his big problem. Despite being left alone, he does not know how to do basic things like washing clothes. In the end he gets help from an unsuspecting source.
This is a great book that would appeal to middle school boys. I am going to recommend it to some of my reluctant readers when we get back from Thanksgiving break.
This is a great book that would appeal to middle school boys. I am going to recommend it to some of my reluctant readers when we get back from Thanksgiving break.
December 13, 2016
I was in the head of 15-yr-old, flunked and still in 8th grade RD. Mom's in jail. He lived with his Grandma and her boyfriend, Earl, until Gram took off with a new boyfriend. Earl is caring, but very sick due to Agent Orange. RD has floated through life, a victim of his circumstances and completely unmotivated. As a reader and a teacher, I was saddened that he was always blamed for everything, even if he was trying to be helpful because he was that unmotivated, impulsive kid. When he finds Earl dead, he is terrified to tell anyone because he doesn't want to go to a group home, so he begins living a lie on his own. GREAT book, inspirational, Mexican main character - I loved seeing how he viewed the world and pulled things together for survival instead of letting them fall apart!
December 14, 2009
My favorite thing about the main character was his ability to learn. He quickly learned to change behavior, imitate common decency, and appreciate what others did for him--even if it was too late to thank them. There are lots of cultural references in this book that would make it fun to teach. I didn't like the editing of this book, however. The text is written in slang as the main characters voice. I can appreciate and understand slang but I think the editors made a bad choice with misspellings. Used frequently in the book were words like: alot, pist, and sez. Teens (and myself) have enough difficulty spelling as it is. Reading is supposed (not spost) to help learn spelling, not make it more challenging.
September 21, 2011
R.D.'s dad is out of the picture. His mom was sent to prison when R.D. was little. His family consists of his grandma and her boyfriend, Earl, until she meets a guy who makes her feel younger and she runs off with him. R.D. and Earl have a relationship of understanding. R.D. gets in trouble at school often (he is repeating the 8th grade), and Earl doesn't bug him about it. But then Earl dies and R.D. has to figure out to survive without being sent to foster care. At the same time he loses old friends and makes new. A sad story about a teenage boy forced to grow up early. I wonder if any teens live in similar circumstances as R.D. The novel is sad but leaves the reader hopeful.
Grades 8-10.
Grades 8-10.
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June 18, 2012R.D. never knew his father, and his mother is in prison. He was raised by his grandmother, but she up and left him with her boyfriend, Earl, so she could run off with a hairy truck driver. R.D. has promised to clean up his act and get through the eighth grade this year for sure, but it's the first day of school and things aren't starting off very well since he's suspended for fighting by lunch time. Ever since R.D.'s grandmother left, Earl has been having more frequent attacks that leave him gasping for breath and sending R.D. in search of his inhaler. Just a few short weeks into the school year, R.D. gets off the bus and discovers Earl on the bathroom floor, dead. Then the story really begins.
July 20, 2009
R.D.'s mom is in jail, he doesn't know his dad, and now his grandma left him with her ex-boyfriend, Earl, to go off with her new boyfriend. R.D. is just trying to get by in his third year of eighth grade until he turns 16 and they have to move him up to high school. Then Earl dies and R.D. is alone. He doesn't even know how to cook. He has to learn how to survive , mature and make it on his own. I really liked R.D. and want to know more about him. Although his dad was mentioned, I'd love a sequel where we learn more about his dad and mom. Maybe when mom gets out of jail? and how that impacts his new self-sufficiency??? I want more! A good read!
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