What do you think?
Rate this book
Edenville Owls
There is something evil in the air. Fourteen-year-old Bobby senses it. Who is that man he saw arguing with his pretty new English teacher? And what was the real reason she missed school for days afterward? Bobby knows he should mind his own business, but times are confusing. World War II has just ended and the world is changing. Bobby’s world, especially. There’s his relationship with Joanie, for one—why does being her friend feel awkward all of a sudden? And then there are his buddies, the junior varsity Edenville Owls—a group of basketball players in need of a leader. Can they help each other off the court as well as they can on it? They will need to. Something evil is in the air.
Robert B. Parker brings the same powerful storyline and spare, atmospheric prose to his first novel for young readers that he does to his New York Times best selling Spenser novels. A perfect fit.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
64 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Robert B. Parker
492 books2,302 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database named Robert B. Parker.
Robert Brown Parker was an American writer, primarily of fiction within the mystery/detective genre. His most famous works were the 40 novels written about the fictional private detective Spenser. ABC television network developed the television series Spenser: For Hire based on the character in the mid-1980s; a series of TV movies was also produced based on the character. His works incorporate encyclopedic knowledge of the Boston metropolitan area. The Spenser novels have been cited as reviving and changing the detective genre by critics and bestselling authors including Robert Crais, Harlan Coben, and Dennis Lehane.
Parker also wrote nine novels featuring the fictional character Jesse Stone, a Los Angeles police officer who moves to a small New England town; six novels with the fictional character Sunny Randall, a female private investigator; and four Westerns starring the duo Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch. The first was Appaloosa, made into a film starring Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen.
Robert Brown Parker was an American writer, primarily of fiction within the mystery/detective genre. His most famous works were the 40 novels written about the fictional private detective Spenser. ABC television network developed the television series Spenser: For Hire based on the character in the mid-1980s; a series of TV movies was also produced based on the character. His works incorporate encyclopedic knowledge of the Boston metropolitan area. The Spenser novels have been cited as reviving and changing the detective genre by critics and bestselling authors including Robert Crais, Harlan Coben, and Dennis Lehane.
Parker also wrote nine novels featuring the fictional character Jesse Stone, a Los Angeles police officer who moves to a small New England town; six novels with the fictional character Sunny Randall, a female private investigator; and four Westerns starring the duo Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch. The first was Appaloosa, made into a film starring Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
April 17, 2009
This I think is Parker's story about the 'birth' of his Spenser character, as well as the beginning of his love for and relationship with his wife, Joan.
This is his first YA novel, very good and he does a pretty good job, but I think The Boxer and The Spy is better. The setting of post-WWII and the narratives about what life was like for an 8th grader back then are perhaps a bit too distant for modern 8th graders. But the emerging feelings about girls and sex are spot on, and I think he's done a good job of describing them as well as teaching the reader that it's normal to not be so self-confident.
I also loved his lesson about being smart. Too many smart kids feel forced to be slackers so they won't be bullied in school, and at least one author is telling them that it's OK to be smart, and not to hide it. Not flaunt it, but just be who you are. Another good thing he does is to subtly reveal that we have different ways of learning - his Bobby character (i.e. Parker and his alter ego, Spenser, combined) makes mention of the fact that he does not do well by taking notes, that he does better by listening and then writing something down later if he needs to. Compulsive note takers like me needed to understand that some brains function like that.
The backdrop of the basketball leaque was interesting - especially the fact that the kids formed a team on their own, with no adult coach or supervision, kept it going, and entered into tournaments on their own, including HITCH-HIKING to each game. Of course, none of this, especially the hitching, would be today. It was a simpler time, and made me think that perhaps in some ways it was a bit empowering for kids.
Parker's lesson about intolerance (within the story of an Army deserter turned neo-Nazi) was told with an 'of course this is ridiculous' tone, and that was perfect. No one goes to the media and rants about it, no one protests. They just treat the neo-Nazi like an idiot and walk away from him. An interesting thought for our times...
So all in all a good effort, and he got better with the second one.
This is his first YA novel, very good and he does a pretty good job, but I think The Boxer and The Spy is better. The setting of post-WWII and the narratives about what life was like for an 8th grader back then are perhaps a bit too distant for modern 8th graders. But the emerging feelings about girls and sex are spot on, and I think he's done a good job of describing them as well as teaching the reader that it's normal to not be so self-confident.
I also loved his lesson about being smart. Too many smart kids feel forced to be slackers so they won't be bullied in school, and at least one author is telling them that it's OK to be smart, and not to hide it. Not flaunt it, but just be who you are. Another good thing he does is to subtly reveal that we have different ways of learning - his Bobby character (i.e. Parker and his alter ego, Spenser, combined) makes mention of the fact that he does not do well by taking notes, that he does better by listening and then writing something down later if he needs to. Compulsive note takers like me needed to understand that some brains function like that.
The backdrop of the basketball leaque was interesting - especially the fact that the kids formed a team on their own, with no adult coach or supervision, kept it going, and entered into tournaments on their own, including HITCH-HIKING to each game. Of course, none of this, especially the hitching, would be today. It was a simpler time, and made me think that perhaps in some ways it was a bit empowering for kids.
Parker's lesson about intolerance (within the story of an Army deserter turned neo-Nazi) was told with an 'of course this is ridiculous' tone, and that was perfect. No one goes to the media and rants about it, no one protests. They just treat the neo-Nazi like an idiot and walk away from him. An interesting thought for our times...
So all in all a good effort, and he got better with the second one.
April 29, 2018
The writing style is very simple so I'd say this is a good story for very reluctant readers, those readers being boys obssessed with basketball and a bit of mystery. Bobby is a good kid, who has 4 male friends who he plays basketball with. Aside from the fact that one is very tall and one is black, you can't really tell them apart as they seem to be all the same. And then there is a female friend who's sort of the same too, but a girl.
Still a decent story.
Still a decent story.
May 25, 2019
Love all the Parker series and missed this YA title as I tally my favorite authors...Young group of boys who love basketball & their teacher get her out from under the demands of an abusive former husband...good Parker stuff
February 11, 2015
I've read several of Parker's books in the past, so when I saw this YA book with his name on it sitting on a clearance shelf, I thought it might be worth a shot. Turns out it was a nice little teenage mystery story.
The book is written with a very simplistic style, short sentences and basic word choice, but that reflects the main character narrating the tale. He is a fourteen year old boy from a small town in post-WWII America. He and his friends play basketball as the Edenville Owls, an amateur team trying to play in a local tournament. They have no coach, so Bobby, the main character, watches the local JV team and takes note of what their coach is teaching them.
Right in the middle of this innocent life comes a mystery. While Bobby and one of his teammates are staying after school, they notice their favorite teacher being harassed by a strange man. Bobby yells out so the man knows he is being watched, and the moment ends, but this leads the boys into a mystery that they feel a strong need to solve in order to help their teacher.
Definitely a fun teen mystery/adventure. The relationship between the Owls is reminiscent of other young groups like the Goonies or the boys in Stand By Me. There is also an interesting relationship between Bobby, the narrator, and Joanie, a young girl who has been good friends with Bobby almost all his life and who wants to be absolutely sure this friendship remains strong forever. It is interesting to see the way Bobby thinks of Joanie, and seeing how he feels the need to push his burgeoning hormonal reactions away because she is his friend and it makes him feel awkward.
Parker really does a good job here of interpreting teenage reactions to some adult situations.
The book is written with a very simplistic style, short sentences and basic word choice, but that reflects the main character narrating the tale. He is a fourteen year old boy from a small town in post-WWII America. He and his friends play basketball as the Edenville Owls, an amateur team trying to play in a local tournament. They have no coach, so Bobby, the main character, watches the local JV team and takes note of what their coach is teaching them.
Right in the middle of this innocent life comes a mystery. While Bobby and one of his teammates are staying after school, they notice their favorite teacher being harassed by a strange man. Bobby yells out so the man knows he is being watched, and the moment ends, but this leads the boys into a mystery that they feel a strong need to solve in order to help their teacher.
Definitely a fun teen mystery/adventure. The relationship between the Owls is reminiscent of other young groups like the Goonies or the boys in Stand By Me. There is also an interesting relationship between Bobby, the narrator, and Joanie, a young girl who has been good friends with Bobby almost all his life and who wants to be absolutely sure this friendship remains strong forever. It is interesting to see the way Bobby thinks of Joanie, and seeing how he feels the need to push his burgeoning hormonal reactions away because she is his friend and it makes him feel awkward.
Parker really does a good job here of interpreting teenage reactions to some adult situations.
July 5, 2023
Although Parker is a prolific author I have never read one of his books. I saw this short novel on a clearance shelf and picked it up to check off one of my annual reading goals-reading an established contemporary author I have never tried. I did not know this was his first young adult and could fit into several genres, historical, sports fiction, and mystery. The prose and dialogue are very simplistic and somewhat repetitive but clearly reflects the naïveté of young teenaged boys in the 1940’s. The main character, Bobby, operates under a certain code of chivalrous ethics indicative of this era. He believes he should protect girls and women, do the right thing, is confused by sexual thoughts, that hard work leads to success, and that to be “a good man” he should be a knight that charges in an saves the damsel in distress.
In essence this story is about a group of boys who band together to form an independent basketball and hitchhike to area schools to play games in an effort to make their way into a state tournament. They quickly learn that even though they have talent they lack strategy, drills, stamina and game plans to help aid their success. Without a coach, Bobby observes a local high school coach and gets pointers on how to improve the team. During this junior high year he sees a new young teacher abused by a strange man who she seems to fear. Thus the mystery begins to unfold.
The plot is well developed, logical and is paced appropriately. The Owls’ characters are interesting although not complex. It was an enjoyable quick middle grade read that should spark good conversations about historical perspectives on women, racism, and fanaticism.
In essence this story is about a group of boys who band together to form an independent basketball and hitchhike to area schools to play games in an effort to make their way into a state tournament. They quickly learn that even though they have talent they lack strategy, drills, stamina and game plans to help aid their success. Without a coach, Bobby observes a local high school coach and gets pointers on how to improve the team. During this junior high year he sees a new young teacher abused by a strange man who she seems to fear. Thus the mystery begins to unfold.
The plot is well developed, logical and is paced appropriately. The Owls’ characters are interesting although not complex. It was an enjoyable quick middle grade read that should spark good conversations about historical perspectives on women, racism, and fanaticism.
May 27, 2019
This book is a significant departure from the usual Parker stories, in both action and dialog. In structure and plotline, it is more suited as a young adult novel rather than one for adult readers. The context is shortly after the end of World War II, when the men are returning to their lives after what were often horrific experiences.
Bobby Murphy is in middle school and his best friend for years is Joannie, only now adolescence is making both of them aware that things are getting different between them. They want to remain friends, but now the boys talk and think about sex. There is also a very pretty new teacher, Miss Delaney, young and attractive enough to light a hormonal fire in early teen boys. Bobby has formed the Edenville Owls basketball team with four of his friends. With no coach and no other support, their goal is to win the state championship in their division.
When Bobby witnesses a man physically assaulting Miss Delaney, it is clear that she knows him and that he will not simply leave. Resolving to do something to aid Miss Delaney despite her insistent that he do not, Bobby must find a way to determine what the context really is so that he can take countermeasures against an adult man and war veteran. This makes the book a light detective story with a sports plot in a secondary role.
A combination of teen angst, the desire to play competitive and winning sports and a detective novel based on the thought processes of middle schoolers, fans of Parker will miss the snappy dialog and tense action typical of his more well-known series.
Bobby Murphy is in middle school and his best friend for years is Joannie, only now adolescence is making both of them aware that things are getting different between them. They want to remain friends, but now the boys talk and think about sex. There is also a very pretty new teacher, Miss Delaney, young and attractive enough to light a hormonal fire in early teen boys. Bobby has formed the Edenville Owls basketball team with four of his friends. With no coach and no other support, their goal is to win the state championship in their division.
When Bobby witnesses a man physically assaulting Miss Delaney, it is clear that she knows him and that he will not simply leave. Resolving to do something to aid Miss Delaney despite her insistent that he do not, Bobby must find a way to determine what the context really is so that he can take countermeasures against an adult man and war veteran. This makes the book a light detective story with a sports plot in a secondary role.
A combination of teen angst, the desire to play competitive and winning sports and a detective novel based on the thought processes of middle schoolers, fans of Parker will miss the snappy dialog and tense action typical of his more well-known series.
September 5, 2019
A trip to McKay's is always good for a few surprises. This time it was a group of Robert B. Parker YAs.
The Edenville Owls are a young junior high school basketball team. Since their school doesn't have its own team, they hitchhike around Massachusetts playing school teams as an independent squad and competing to get into the annual state playoffs.
They wanted to be Tigers or Wolverines or something fierce. But Owls were the only uniforms they could afford.
And Robert Murphy, Parker's young alter ego, fits right into the Parker playbook. He is Irish, subscribes to a code of right and wrong and -- like Parker before him -- has fallen for a young girl named Joan.
When Robert looks out a window and sees a man roughing up a popular new woman teacher, his code of chivalry kicks into high gear. Trying to protect the teacher takes him up against some very racist and unAmerican ideas that are foreign to him in the aftermath of World War Two.
It's always fun to find something new from an author who has been gone so long. And this one is Parker (and Spenser) at their best.
The Edenville Owls are a young junior high school basketball team. Since their school doesn't have its own team, they hitchhike around Massachusetts playing school teams as an independent squad and competing to get into the annual state playoffs.
They wanted to be Tigers or Wolverines or something fierce. But Owls were the only uniforms they could afford.
And Robert Murphy, Parker's young alter ego, fits right into the Parker playbook. He is Irish, subscribes to a code of right and wrong and -- like Parker before him -- has fallen for a young girl named Joan.
When Robert looks out a window and sees a man roughing up a popular new woman teacher, his code of chivalry kicks into high gear. Trying to protect the teacher takes him up against some very racist and unAmerican ideas that are foreign to him in the aftermath of World War Two.
It's always fun to find something new from an author who has been gone so long. And this one is Parker (and Spenser) at their best.
October 15, 2017
This was Parker’s only book for young people and it took me until the end to question how much of the story was autobiographical because the main characters were Bobby and Joan, though they were middle schoolers. Parker and his wife Joan met in grade school. Much like the Spenser series, this story is about doing the right thing because it is the right thing. When Bobby sees his teacher being threatened by a man who hits her, he wants to help. Meanwhile, Bobby is trying to build a basketball team despite not having a coach. He and his “team”, the Edenville Owls, are determined to win. Bobby is smart, observant and with his friend Joan is his corner, there is nothing he can’t do. The only reason it was a three star book was because it was slow. Despite being short, and ultimately very good, it only truly captured me at the end. (Which then sent me researching Parker’s life. Once a librarian...)
May 31, 2019
At some point, popular writers of adult fiction realized how lucrative a market the YA field was, and started writing their own YA novels. Is this a good thing? Yes and no. Writers who make that their specialty seem to have a greater familiarity with the teenage experience and are better at capturing young voices. The afore-mentioned adult fiction writers sometimes underestimate young people's intelligence, and over-simplify things, even the dialogue. This phenominon is evident in this novel by Robert B. Parker. But that doesn't mean it's a bad story. It's actually quite engaging. I wish it was more fully fleshed out. One thing I like about it is that it's set in a more innocent time, the late 40's. So the kids are not exactly as kids are today. There is a greater sense of morality and nobility. At the same time, they face a rather horrific evil. The way they do it is very YA and not what you would have in an adult novel, but that is okay.
Read
January 20, 2022I'm reading the book called Edenville Owls by Robert B. Parker it's about a 14 year old boy his name is Bobby Murphy and he has been through things and is going through things. He is at the new school he made friends with and he and his friends made their own basketball team.
World War II has ended and Bobby's life has been getting worse and on of his teammates Nick is dating this girl and it's just a bit weird how they say that they broke up and they didn’t just get complicated and they have always been friends and nick wants to stay that way.
His teacher Miss Delaney he has noticed she has been getting bruises on her face from idk what but he has been seeing her talking to this dude that looks creepy and he thinks that man has been leaving them bruises on her face and bobby wants to try and help her but he doesn’t think a boy like him his age can help her.
World War II has ended and Bobby's life has been getting worse and on of his teammates Nick is dating this girl and it's just a bit weird how they say that they broke up and they didn’t just get complicated and they have always been friends and nick wants to stay that way.
His teacher Miss Delaney he has noticed she has been getting bruises on her face from idk what but he has been seeing her talking to this dude that looks creepy and he thinks that man has been leaving them bruises on her face and bobby wants to try and help her but he doesn’t think a boy like him his age can help her.
March 8, 2021
I felt that the book was a great short story for someone who doesn’t have much time on their hands to read a long book. The book has all of the key plot points to make it a good story and is written by a very good author. The book was written in a larger font which made it even easier to read, but it got off topic a few times talking about the Owls basketball games. If you are looking for a short mystery to read then this is the book to choose. The Spenser series written by the same author is a very similar book to this one and I would recommend reading those if you liked this one.
May 2, 2020
This book would be good for anybody that has 13-14 year old readers at home. It read pretty young for me. This book follows a group of 14 year olds through their school year. The MC Bobby finds himself wanting to help his new teacher Miss Delaney when he sees her in trouble with a mysterious man. The kids who are always in someone’s business tracks the guy down and finds out his secrets and tries to figure away to get rid of him. It is a fast pace read.
February 3, 2021
This is an intriguing "Who dun it?" novel that will appeal to junior high boys and girls, especially if they play basketball. It's well written from a literary standpoint and it has a most original story line.
Hope Irvin Marston, award-winning author of THE WALLS HAVE EARS: A BLACK SPY IN THE CONFEDERATE WHITE HOUSE, a Charlotte Award 2021 nominee.
Hope Irvin Marston, award-winning author of THE WALLS HAVE EARS: A BLACK SPY IN THE CONFEDERATE WHITE HOUSE, a Charlotte Award 2021 nominee.
August 7, 2020
Parker's venture into "children's" lit...albeit quite dark.
a memoir, i think--with italized interludes of post WWII American culture, in shorthand, the top sparks of old memories.
NOT to write a spoiler--but the last page kinda "proves" it a memoir.
well worth the read.
a memoir, i think--with italized interludes of post WWII American culture, in shorthand, the top sparks of old memories.
NOT to write a spoiler--but the last page kinda "proves" it a memoir.
well worth the read.
February 13, 2022
Love Robert Parker! This is a young adult story written for someone around 12 or 13, but was an enjoyable read about adolescence, friendship, and perseverance. As a middle school teacher, can easily see this story appealing to young males in the 7th or 8th grades.
July 24, 2023
Pulled from the Nativity library. A Robert Parker (of Spenser fame) book for young readers. Oh to be 14 again. Liked it and liked the ingenuity of the kids. Captures some of the weirdness of the post WW2 time. But, not sure that even young readers would like it.
May 20, 2025
I've always enjoyed Robert B. Parker's books, so this one caught me off guard. I wasn't prepared for it being a young adult reader book, all written through the eyes of 14 +/- kids. However, as usual, it was a great read.
January 26, 2018
Good. I liked it.
April 29, 2019
Good mystery. Cute ending. Definitely meant for a younger audience, but solid story.
May 7, 2023
Autobiographical young adult Robert Parker storytelling
July 21, 2025
What a great book for teenager! Loved it!
September 18, 2025
Really well written with a great story line. One for the ages
September 19, 2007
I just finished Edenville Owls by Robert B. Parker. It is the prolific mystery writer's first book for teens. Taking place just after WWII and full of period detail, this book could be considered historical fiction. But wait, it's also about a basketball team hoping to win a big tournament, so it could be considered a sports read. But wait again, most of the plot centers on the mystery of the strange man threatening fourteen-year-old Bobby's teacher, so it could also be considered a mystery-suspense novel. One book, three genres, same price---which is absolutely free if you get it at your local library. You can't beat that with a stick and eat it.
I liked the book, finding it a fast, easy and entertaining read. Parker really made me feel like he knew the 1940s era. I liked the main character's relative naivete, coupled with his earnest desire to be a "good man." I couldn't have cared less about the basketball aspect of the story, but I'm sure people who are actually interested in sports would appreciate it. I liked the main character and his gang of friends (though I really couldn't tell one friend from the other, aside from the one who was female). All in all, this is a good fast book, one that would be a very successful recommendation to a reluctant reader, especially a boy. This was definitely a stereotypically "boy" book. It's also good for younger teen readers, though older readers will appreciate it too. Though there are some serious themes like racism and violence, there is nothing over the top, and for parents who worry about such things as naughty language, aside from two instances of swear words and two racial epithets, language shouldn't be an issue--all of the shocking utterances make perfect sense in their context, it should be noted.
My quibbles with the novel are few. The thing that struck me most glaringly was the overly simplistic language the author chose to use. Sentence structure was repetitive and very simple. I wondered if Parker had dumbed down his prose or if his books for adults are like this too. I certainly hope Parker didn't feel the need to simplify his language for his teen audience as that would be fairly insulting. However, I got used to the choppy sentences after awhile and just accepted that it was his style. Plus, the plot was good enough to keep me hooked and turning the pages so I forgave the simple style. My second quibble is that the characters of some of the supporting cast, notably the teacher, Miss Delaney, are pretty flat. Miss Delaney is basically the damsel in distress, one with an interesting back story but not enough oomph on her own. Since Miss Delaney is essential for plot only and not as important as our main character or his best friend, Joanie, for whom he has conflicted feelings, her lack of spark tended not to matter overmuch. I noticed it, but let it go. My final quibble: I wish this had a jazzier title than Edenville Owls.
All in all I enjoyed this book. It might even inspire me to try one of his adult books. But that depends on whether or not my To Be Read pile (aka tower) tumbles over and crushes me to death before I can get to one.
I liked the book, finding it a fast, easy and entertaining read. Parker really made me feel like he knew the 1940s era. I liked the main character's relative naivete, coupled with his earnest desire to be a "good man." I couldn't have cared less about the basketball aspect of the story, but I'm sure people who are actually interested in sports would appreciate it. I liked the main character and his gang of friends (though I really couldn't tell one friend from the other, aside from the one who was female). All in all, this is a good fast book, one that would be a very successful recommendation to a reluctant reader, especially a boy. This was definitely a stereotypically "boy" book. It's also good for younger teen readers, though older readers will appreciate it too. Though there are some serious themes like racism and violence, there is nothing over the top, and for parents who worry about such things as naughty language, aside from two instances of swear words and two racial epithets, language shouldn't be an issue--all of the shocking utterances make perfect sense in their context, it should be noted.
My quibbles with the novel are few. The thing that struck me most glaringly was the overly simplistic language the author chose to use. Sentence structure was repetitive and very simple. I wondered if Parker had dumbed down his prose or if his books for adults are like this too. I certainly hope Parker didn't feel the need to simplify his language for his teen audience as that would be fairly insulting. However, I got used to the choppy sentences after awhile and just accepted that it was his style. Plus, the plot was good enough to keep me hooked and turning the pages so I forgave the simple style. My second quibble is that the characters of some of the supporting cast, notably the teacher, Miss Delaney, are pretty flat. Miss Delaney is basically the damsel in distress, one with an interesting back story but not enough oomph on her own. Since Miss Delaney is essential for plot only and not as important as our main character or his best friend, Joanie, for whom he has conflicted feelings, her lack of spark tended not to matter overmuch. I noticed it, but let it go. My final quibble: I wish this had a jazzier title than Edenville Owls.
All in all I enjoyed this book. It might even inspire me to try one of his adult books. But that depends on whether or not my To Be Read pile (aka tower) tumbles over and crushes me to death before I can get to one.
June 29, 2015
Who knew that our prolific author wrote three novels for young adults, “Owls” being the first of these written from 2007-2009. We found it incredibly enjoyable despite its intended audience; and that it had rewarding content on many different levels. The novel surrounds 14-year-old Bobby; his four buddies with whom they comprise a JV basketball team; and long-time friend Joanie, most likely a biographical representation of Parker’s long-time wife Joan. In the plot, one of their young female teachers is being harassed and physically abused by a strange man. Bobby decides he wants to do something about it, and shows all of the doggedness, resourcefulness, and intelligence, not to mention bravery and grit, that could easily pass for a young Spenser.
Meanwhile, Bobby agonizes over his changing relationship with Joanie, as he develops new amorous feelings toward her despite their long friendship. Meanwhile, he self-coaches his basketball team, with no subs at all and no adult coach, all the way into the State finals. It came as no surprise that he and his cohorts eventually get the better of the teacher’s stalker, cleverly resolving the issue with no violence and no help from the authorities.
All-in-all, a wonderfully charming, fun story that need not be confined to younger readers, who probably will not realize all the complex undercurrents at work throughout. Highly entertaining!! Where’s the other two books??
Meanwhile, Bobby agonizes over his changing relationship with Joanie, as he develops new amorous feelings toward her despite their long friendship. Meanwhile, he self-coaches his basketball team, with no subs at all and no adult coach, all the way into the State finals. It came as no surprise that he and his cohorts eventually get the better of the teacher’s stalker, cleverly resolving the issue with no violence and no help from the authorities.
All-in-all, a wonderfully charming, fun story that need not be confined to younger readers, who probably will not realize all the complex undercurrents at work throughout. Highly entertaining!! Where’s the other two books??
January 29, 2022
I'm a great fan of the late Robert B. Parker, and have read all of his books; I even looked at his book he wrote for Sports Illustrated on Weightlifting. Edenville Owls was a book I bought several years ago and decided to read it today; a book he had written for young readers/young adults. It's a great read, in the same vein as S.E. Hinton's Outsiders.
From the publisher:
There is something evil in the air. Fourteen-year-old Bobby senses it. Who is that man he saw arguing with his pretty new English teacher? And what was the real reason she missed school for days afterward? Bobby knows he should mind his own business, but times are confusing. World War II has just ended, and the world is changing. Bobby’s world, especially. There’s his relationship with Joanie, for one—why does being her friend feel awkward all of a sudden? And then there are his buddies, the junior varsity Edenville Owls—a group of basketball players in need of a leader. Can they help each other off the court as well as they can on it? They will need to. Something evil is in the air.
Robert B. Parker brings the same powerful storyline and spare, atmospheric prose to his first novel for young readers that he does to his New York Times best-selling Spenser novels. A perfect fit.
From the publisher:
There is something evil in the air. Fourteen-year-old Bobby senses it. Who is that man he saw arguing with his pretty new English teacher? And what was the real reason she missed school for days afterward? Bobby knows he should mind his own business, but times are confusing. World War II has just ended, and the world is changing. Bobby’s world, especially. There’s his relationship with Joanie, for one—why does being her friend feel awkward all of a sudden? And then there are his buddies, the junior varsity Edenville Owls—a group of basketball players in need of a leader. Can they help each other off the court as well as they can on it? They will need to. Something evil is in the air.
Robert B. Parker brings the same powerful storyline and spare, atmospheric prose to his first novel for young readers that he does to his New York Times best-selling Spenser novels. A perfect fit.
July 31, 2007
The Edenville Owls are the guys who sit in the back row of Miss Delaney’s eighth grade class, making remarks about their pretty teacher and talking about how winning their next basketball game. It’s 1945 in small town Edenville, WWII has ended a couple months earlier, winter is on its way, and five friends are looking forward to a statewide basketball tournament. Aside from the stuff 14 year-old guys think about — sports, girls, school, etc. — something strange, new and scary has come about. One day after school, Bobby witnesses a strange man talking angrily to Miss Delaney. He causes a distraction to make the man flee, but is sworn to secrecy by Miss Delaney to never mention anything to anyone about the man. Bobby wrestles with feeling like he should find a way to help his teacher but feels that keeping the man secret is important too.
PArker tried a little too hard to force this one to be a historical novel. There are these stream of consciousness pages where a disembodied voice is mentioning pop culture elements from 1945. The book didn't need them. If readers skipped over these sections, they'd miss nothing this otherwise oretty good book has to offer.
PArker tried a little too hard to force this one to be a historical novel. There are these stream of consciousness pages where a disembodied voice is mentioning pop culture elements from 1945. The book didn't need them. If readers skipped over these sections, they'd miss nothing this otherwise oretty good book has to offer.
November 6, 2014
Edenville Owls by Robert B. Parker (Philomel Books 2007) (Fiction - Young Readers Mystery): I love the author's Spenser novels, and I'm the father of three teenagers who all love to read. I knew that Parker had written a handful of mysteries targeted at younger readers, so I thought I'd read a few to see whether the books might appeal to my kids. This is the first one I tried; it was geared to the youngest teens. The hero is a fourteen year old who, with the help of his friends, solves a mystery having to do with his schoolteacher. Parker inserts some gentle lessons about the mysteries which loom so large before the youngest teens: our hero learns important initial (and very innocent) lessons about the opposite sex. The author inserts a little teaching about teamwork, honesty, and a little U.S. history. Come to think of it, these are ideas and concepts which I wish to reinforce; I'll place a copy of Edenville Owls on my twelve-year-old son's bed for him to find after school today. My rating: 7/10, finished May 2013.
September 13, 2010
This is a good coming-of-age book, where a 14-year-old boy, Bobby Murphy, becomes a young man. The Edenville Owls starts off as a sports story, with a group of five friends who play basketball--they form a team and begin playing against local teams and schools. They don't have a coach or a basketball program at their school, but manage to learn to play as a team and learn that being in shape and prepared is better than a coach and great uniforms. This book is also a mystery--why is their junior high teacher being abused by a man she mentioned was her boyfriend at one time? Bobby follows this man to where he lives and finds an angry man who is leading a group of white racists; the man, Mr. Tupper, had fought in World War II and has come to believe that the United States should have fought with Germany against Russia (!). How well the Edenville Owls do in their quest to get to the state basketball tournament, and save their teacher makes for a good story.
September 12, 2010
This book was included in a bag of books dropped off by my sister. We exchange books constantly. It is Robert B. Parker's first book written for "young readers", which I certainly am not, but I am inclined to read everything in sight, so I did read it and enjoyed it. The principal character is a very likeable 14 year old who is part of a five member basketball team (the Edenville Owls), also an admirer of his teacher who is obviously in trouble, and then has a friend who happens to be a girl, who perhaps could be more than just a "friend". He looks after all these situations in a manner that is very satisfying.
This would be a good book for any young reader and also for those not so young.
This would be a good book for any young reader and also for those not so young.
June 22, 2009
Now that I've finished the books in Parker's Spenser, Jesse Stone, and
Sunny Randall series, I'm reading anything else of his that I can find.
This was the first of his books for teen readers, written in 2007. It
was excellent!! There is a teen hero who observes his teacher being
abused, and a friend (girl) is being abused by her father. So Bobby
sets out to make things right. Reminds me of Spenser.
Some wisdom: "You keep your mouth shut, you almost never get into trouble." And: I seemed to have to do a lot of bad things to do a good thing. It made me uncomfortable. It was kind of spoiling the adventure.
Sunny Randall series, I'm reading anything else of his that I can find.
This was the first of his books for teen readers, written in 2007. It
was excellent!! There is a teen hero who observes his teacher being
abused, and a friend (girl) is being abused by her father. So Bobby
sets out to make things right. Reminds me of Spenser.
Some wisdom: "You keep your mouth shut, you almost never get into trouble." And: I seemed to have to do a lot of bad things to do a good thing. It made me uncomfortable. It was kind of spoiling the adventure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews