All Shook Up

by Shelley Pearsall

The King of Rock ’n’ Roll lives! And he’s Josh’s dad.

When 13-year-old Josh finds out that he has to stay with his dad in Chicago for a few months, he’s not too thrilled. But when he arrives at the airport, he’s simply devastated. His father—who used to be a scatterbrained but pretty normal shoe salesman—has become . . . Elvis. Well, a sideburnwearing, hip-twisting, utterly-embarrassing Elvis impersonator.

Josh is determined to keep his dad’s identity a secret, but on his very first day at his new school, a note appears on his locker. It’s signed Elvisly Yours, and instead of a name, a sneering purple smiley face. The secret is out, and when his dad is invited to perform at a special 50s concert at his school, Josh is forced to take drastic action. From award-winning author Shelley Pearsall comes a hilarious novel about discovering the important (and sometimes painful) difference between who you want to be—and who you really are.

“Alternately wry, silly, thoughtful and laugh-out-loud funny.” —BookPage

Genres: Realistic Fiction, Young Adult, Humor, Fiction, Middle Grade, Juvenile, Family

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

I have written seven novels for youth (ages 10 - 14) which have reached a half-million readers around the world. I'm currently working on several new projects, and I live an ocean-hopping writing life, moving between Scotland and the US.

I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio where I used to write stories in a bedroom closet (aka my writer’s office). I tried to get my first story published when I was thirteen. However, it took about twenty years before I succeeded. My first novel, Trouble Don't Last, was published in 2002. It received the Scott O'Dell Medal for Historical Fiction, among other honors.

In my seven published books, I've explored a wide range of topics and themes: geometry, pyramids, Elvis impersonators, art, neurodiversity, World War II, the Underground Railroad, and more. I've always believed in the power of books to build bridges and start conversations.

Over the years, my books have received many honors and accolades including: ALA Notable selections, Best Books of the Year, Amazon Book of the Month pick, Scripps National Spelling Bee bookclub selection, National Council for the Social Studies selections, and many state reading award nominations. They have been translated into Japanese, Korean, and Turkish.

Currently, I divide my time between Ohio and Scotland -- where I live in a renovated barn surrounded by hills with lots of sheep! I offer virtual visits and writing workshops for schools in the US and internationally. If you want to know more, check out my website: www.shelleypearsall.com.

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book probably deserves five stars, but the problem is with my taste in books rather than the book.

I am not sure what to say about this book. It should definitely appeal to all the kids whose parents have ever done something that embarrasses them. I guess that means everybody.

I really liked how Josh came to realize that everything was not about him. I couldn't blame him for being self-centered. I think that is human nature and it is especially strong in a teenager.

I grew up as an Elvis fan and I still enjoy his music. That's another thing this book will do for you. It will make you want to pull out your old 45s. I wonder if they still make turntables? -grin-

[Molly Krumm · Rating 3 out of 5]

You was a cute fast read

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pearsall, Shelley. 2008. All Shook Up.

When you're thirteen, it doesn't take much for you to think your parents are embarrassing. Meet Josh. He normally lives with his mom in Boston, but when his grandmother falls and breaks her hip, Josh is sent to stay with his Dad in Chicago while his mom is off to Florida.

Looking back, I would say everything in my life changed the summer I turned thirteen and my father turned into Elvis.
I'd heard people say thirteen was an unlucky number, and from the very beginning, that seemed to be true. I'd been thirteen for less than twenty-four hours when the phone call came from Florida about my grandma taking a fall on the steps of the Shadyside Episcopal Church and breaking her hip. That same day, somebody swiped my bike from the city pool because, yes--I'd stupidly left it unlocked. And then my mom decided to ship me off to Chicago for four months so she could rush to Florida to take care of my grandma.
Before arriving in Illinois at the end of the summer (which had been a pretty decent summer until I turned thirteen), I didn't know anything about my dad being Elvis. Well, that's not quite true, I'd heard there were people who pretended to be Elvis. You know--sideburns, sunglasses, twisting hips, jiggly legs, and all. But I never would have believed my own dad would become one of them. (1-2)

Josh's "shock" comes quickly when his Elvis-dad picks him up at the airport. "Trust me, right at that moment, I didn't really want an explanation for why my dad was pretending to be Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll. If you have to choose between standing around with somebody who is being a complete hunka-hunka burning shame in public--or getting as far away from the situation as you can--you take the second option. Always." (12)

Yes, Josh has a few adjustments to make that's for certain. And you can read all about them in All Shook Up.

It was a fun read because you couldn't help but want to listen to Elvis. (I don't know if teens will have this response or not?!) Even though Josh himself is turned off completely by anything and everything Elvis. (Will they like Josh be mortified by the King?)

The writing is good (not great but solidly good). I've always enjoyed Shelley Pearsall's books in the past--her previous books include Trouble Don't Last, Crooked River, and All of the Above. And I did enjoy this one. It started off strong. It was funny. But it was believable. It had great potential. And while I wasn't particularly disappointed in the book, the last half is weaker than the first half. Not that it ever turns bad.

If it were a beam routine (and forgive me but with the Olympics I have gymnastics on the brain), I'd say there were no falls, no major deductions per se. But a couple of balance checks and a hop on the landing keep it from getting that perfect perfect score.

© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

[Arminzerella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Josh, thirteen, has to go live with his father in Chicago when his mom has to go stay with her mother in Florida (after she breaks her hip). He misses his friends in Boston, and his life there, but Josh finds that the worst thing about coming to Chicago is the fact that his dad has become an Elvis impersonator after losing his job (shoe salesman). It’s so embarrassing that Josh can’t even tell his mom about it. It’s so embarrassing that he forbids Ivory (his dad’s girlfriend Viv’s daughter) to tell anyone at school. It’s so embarrassing that when Josh finds out that his dad has agreed to perform at his middle school he makes up a fake Elvis impersonator contest just so his dad won’t appear. When the truth finally comes out neither Josh nor his dad can speak to one another, and it takes some outside intervention (and a concert) to help them see eye to eye again.

This was a torturous read. Josh is so self-centered and his teenage concern (and embarrassment) over what people will think of him and his Elvis-impersonating father (if they should find out) is downright irritating (not to mention hurtful). It’s obvious that Josh is going to do something stupid and cruel, and also that everything is going to be ok in the end. Or, at least, more ok. It would have been nice if the men (Josh and his dad) were better at communicating, but they suck at it. So, readers are stuck with all of Josh’s thoughts of what he *could* or *should* have said and the horrible reality of what eventually came out of his mouth. Argh. Yes, parents can be embarrassing, but this sensitivity Josh displays is beyond annoying. He’s not confident or strong enough to stand up for himself (or his dad), and it’s not even clear where this social anxiety comes from (he was relatively well-liked and popular in his old school). It’s hard to sympathize with a character you can’t like.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book looked like it was going to be awful when I saw the cover and read the book jacket. It wasn't as bad as I thought and I had a good time reading it.

It was, however, a formula book. In that way, it was completely, outrageously, predictable. I understand why writers write this kind of book - it is easy to do. Think of a kid who would have a problem, think of a crazy scheme that's going to really hurt someone in his life, have him do it and feel very guilty for the rest of the book. Ugh. It's like She's All That and all the other teenage movies.

Anyway, enough complaining. It took place in Chicago, which was cool. I did want to keep reading it, so it was fun to read. I liked all of the Elvis lyrics.

Although this book did remind me that my cousin Kelley wants to name her daughter "Presley" ....... don't do it, Kelley!!!

[Austin Vanderaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything in this boy’s life changed the summer he turned 13 and his dad turned into Elvis. His name is Josh and he said people have always said turning 13 would be hard. In less than 24 hours his dad turned into Elvis, and his grandma also than fell and broke her hip. So since his grandma got hurt his mom had to go to Florida to take care of her. And now he is just trying to adjust with the school he is in. He then had to move to Chicago Illinois in August. He always knew people pretended to be Elvis, by having sideburns, sunglasses, twisting hips, jiggly legs, and so on. But he never thought that his dad would ever turn into him. I liked this song just because I like music a lot and well Elvis is a musician. Also it was just interesting it was all over the place but it was still really good. If I had to give it a rating I would say a 4 out of 5.

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My son is trying to read all 20 "Rebecca Caudill" 2011 book nominees for an award at his school. We've always been impressed by the books on the list - usually just right for ages 9-12 or so. This one was fine, but I become frustrated by books/shows where there is a problem caused by someone's dishonesty that could be cleared up if they would just tell the truth. But that rarely happens and so they dig themselves a deeper hole trying to cover up their lie... You know how it goes.

This is an easy read and my son liked it. A cute story about a boy whose Dad loses his job and becomes an Elvis impersonator, much to the son's dismay/horror.

[Jeanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

2011 RC I liked Pearsall's other book Crooked River a lot. This one-not so much. There are young adult books that a broad audience will enjoy and then there are young adult books for young adults. This is the latter. Joshua is another angry 12 year old child of divorced parents. His bitter selfishness may be very realistic, but I found it annoying. This one was very disappointing.

[Mary Duda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I kept reading, expecting Josh to be redeemed, but he never was. He was an annoying, selfish brat the whole way through. I have a kid this age and while they can sometimes be that way, they also have a good side. I never saw a good side in this kid.

[R.A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

His father lives in Chicago and is an Elvis impersonator. His mom lives in Boston. He travels back and forth on a fairly regular basis. I thought this book was funny and fabulous.

[David Burton · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a group of teenagers stumbled upon Elvis Presley, this books gives an answer: chaos and hilarity. Enter “All Shook Up,” where Shelley Pearsall delivers a rollicking, rock-n-roll-filled adventure that’s equal parts heartwarming and utterly entertaining.

The plot centers around a group of misfit teens whose lives get shaken up—quite literally—when they find themselves caught in the whirlwind of the King’s music and charisma. These characters are quirky, lovable, and, in some cases, totally clueless (which, of course, makes them even more endearing). The soundtrack? Pure Elvis magic. The result? A fun, offbeat journey of self-discovery that somehow combines the 1950s with a modern sensibility. It’s like stepping into a jukebox and accidentally hitting every single one of the good songs.

Pearsall’s writing is sharp, witty, and full of surprises. Her ability to capture the essence of being a teenager—awkward, confused, and desperately trying to fit in—while mixing it with the irresistible power of Elvis’ tunes is nothing short of genius. One moment, you're laughing at the characters' wild antics, and the next, you're genuinely rooting for them to figure out who they are, what they want, and how to finally get out of their own way.

I read this book 15 years earlier with my children and laughed. This time, while reading it, I realized there was a lot of teenage angst and fear. Who knew that just finding a seat at lunch could cause such anxiety!

The best part? You don’t need to be a die-hard Elvis fan to appreciate this book. It’s the kind of read that might just make you hit “Play” on a few old Elvis records (or, you know, open Spotify) and find yourself shaking, rattling, and rolling in the best possible way.

“All Shook Up” is the literary equivalent of a great road trip soundtrack: it’s fun, it’s unexpected, and it leaves you with a smile on your face and a newfound appreciation for both Elvis and the power of finding your own groove. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good laugh, a bit of nostalgia, and a whole lot of heart.

[Nushu Shri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because the synopsis seemed unusual, but intriguing. How many books do you read about someone's dad trying to impersonate Elvis? It's the reason why I enjoyed this book a lot.
On the character side, Josh is just a normal boy, who worries a lot about fitting in. He's funny and sarcastic, which makes his point of view very interesting. His dad is also really nice, but their relationship starts off rocky. Josh, understandably, isn't very cool with his dad's new job doing gigs, but the tension is resolved after the book's peak. (However, I don't really agree with the "drastic action" Josh takes in the middle of the book, because it's pretty selfish of him to not look out for his dad's feelings.) The other characters like Ivory and Viv were nice, too, and I like how Ivory doesn't care what anyone thinks of her and holds her friends in high respect. She doesn't let Josh boss her around.
The story is fun and interesting, and progresses at a nice pace. It's really about letting others find themselves, and not worrying so much about what someone thinks of you. I give it 4 stars. The author has a nice way with words!

Check out my blog for more reviews: notprimadonna.blogspot.com

[Alexis Muniz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads Book
The novel, ​All Shook Up​, by Shelley Pearsall is an interesting non -fiction book. It is about a boy named Josh that turned 13 and his dad Denny became an Elvis impersonator. Josh’s dad lost his job at a shoe factory. Josh didn’t know when he moved to Chicago with his dad, that he became an Elvis impersonator. Viv, Denny’s girlfriend made scarfs for his shows. Viv and her daughter had a great impact on Josh and his dad's life. Even though 13 is a unlucky number Josh ended up being very happy at the end.
I give All Shook Up 4 stars. All Shook Up has some interesting quotes in the book. Like my personal favorite from “Pocketful of Rainbows”. The characters do unexpected things. There are some interesting facts between the characters. The readers might not like the book because of the short chapters but I believe they will like the book because of the quotes in between the chapters. I recommend this book to people that like old rock and roll music. I also recommend this book to 6 grade and up. All Shook Up was a old classic book.

[Karen Gedeon · Rating 3 out of 5]

All Shook Up by Shelley Pearsall read by Pierce Cravens – When Josh’s grandmother becomes ill, he gets sent to live with his father in Chicago for a bit while his mom cares for his grandmother in Florida. Leaving Boston is hard enough, but now Josh must attend school in Chicago, make friends and deal with his dad. Josh was never very close with his dad, after all Chicago is so far from Boston and his parents are so different plus having to live with the shoe salesman is a torture no one should have to endure. But when Josh gets to Chicago, he finds his dad’s shoe store has been closed and he is beginning a new career as an Elvis impersonator. There is nothing more humiliating in Josh’s eyes now than being seen in public with his dad. Josh narrates his humiliation, quest to find popular friends and come to terms with his dad and his new career. Cravens narrates this middle grade novel injecting emotion and humor along the way. Makes a great family listening experience for long car rides.

[Chanelle S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Josh Greenwood's dad is Elvis Presley.

Well, not really.

His dad dresses like Elvis, has sideburns like Elvis, he even shakes his hips like Elvis on stage in front of hundreds of middle aged women at the local community bandshell, but he's no Elvis. Elvis Presley died decades ago.

Josh's dad is an Elvis impersonator, and Josh is pretty terrified that the kids at school are going to find out. How is he going to keep a secret this big, this humiliating, under wraps? It's going to be even harder to keep it a secret now that his dad is dating someone who's daughter thinks that the Elvis stuff is cool -- AND she goes to Josh's school.

Maybe Josh can get his dad to go back to being a shoe salesman before it's too late....

REVIEW: This is a good read-alike for kids who've finished all of Sonnenblick's books or Lynn Rae Perkins' As Easy as Falling Off the Face of the Earth and enjoyed it.

[Zoey S · Rating 3 out of 5]

All Shook Up by Shelley Pearsall, also writer of the book All of the above, tells a story about a young thirteen year old Josh Greenwood who has to go to Chicago to live with his dad for a few months while his mom goes to Florida to take care of his hurt grandma. When Josh arrives in Chicago at the airport his dad is dressed up as Elvis and is going around pretending to be the king himself. When Josh starts school he is just starting to fit in when he finds out that his dad is going to be performing at his school for a 50s concert as Elvis he has to do everything he can to keep his dad’s identity a secret before his entire school finds out about his Elvis problem. The lexile level is 890L.

I think the theme of this book is try to be who you are instead of who you are not. I think this because Josh’s dad is trying to pretend to be Elvis but he really shouldn’t be. Throughout the book Josh’s dad is trying to act like Elvis but is slowly losing Josh.

I really liked this book because the main character is around my age and I feel like I can relate to a lot of things in this book. This book was pretty easy to read. I really liked the ending. I don’t really have a favorite part of the book.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this so much more than I expected. It's entertaining, has some quirky & endearing characters, & even though I'm not an Elvis fan, I loved how his songs are incorporated in all of the chapter titles. I'll be suggesting this to my middle schoolers this year for sure. It's a fun, fast-paced, enjoyable story.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome if you love Elvis. There are many connections to songs he has wrote. It has many many entreating twists which makes you on the edge of your seat seeing what is going to happen next. This book is great!

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

When 13 yr old Josh’s dad loses his shoe store job, Jerry finds new employment as an Elvis impersonator much to the embarrassment of Josh.

This book is about teenagers, divorced parents, a new school and trying to fit in. Great characters in Ivory, Gladys & Digger.

[Leah Renollet · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a lot of interesting moments where he had to think about others more than himself, and that being popular isn't the best thing in anyone's life.

[Savannah Vanderbilt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really felt the emotion and the setting in the book. It was really good for any Elvis fan, and the story is just as good if your not.

[Travis Nacke · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an enjoyable easy read. Since I like Elvis it was fun.

[Annie · Rating 2 out of 5]

🤷‍♀️

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

LOVED the concept of this book! But I wish it would have been more of a madcap adventure with some bigger drama (I wanted Elvis to visit the school).

[Diann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big Elvis fan, so this was a fun read.

[Stuart Levy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard enough being a teen, but even harder when your dad is an Elvis impersonator. Very funny.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's summer! Josh is excited for summer to spend with his Mom until Josh's grandma breaks her hip, his mother has to travel to Florida to nurse her back to health, and Josh has to go to Boston to spend the whole summer with his Father. As Josh gets dropped off at the airport, he is expected to meet his father but instead he meets a Elvis Presley man. Turns out the Replica of Elvis Presley is Josh's Dad. Read the book to find out what happens next in the story, All Shook Up and how wild Josh's Summer will be and who he will meet.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have recently become a HUGE fan of this author. She writes everything from amazing historical fiction to contemporary fiction, to stories based on current, real-life events. I first became aware of her when her book ALL OF THE ABOVE showed up on the Maud Hart Lovelace Award Nominee list for 2010-11 in Division II (5th -7th grade).

Having read ALL OF THE ABOVE and enjoyed it so thoroughly, I went looking for more of Ms. Pearsall’s work. I also visited her website, which is quite informative and interesting to explore.

The next novel of Ms. Pearsall’s I read this summer was ALL SHOOK UP. This is set in the present. The main character is a 7th Grade boy whose parents are already divorced at the beginning of the story. His maternal grandmother falls in her home in Florida and his mother has to relocate there for a few months to help her mother with her recovery. Josh is sent to live with his dad in Chicago.

Upon arriving in Chicago Josh discovers that the father who had always worked as a shoe salesman has lost his job and is now working as an Elvis Presley impersonator. Josh is mortified by this information. He even goes so far as to pick up a job application from a local video store for his dad so he can have a “real” job again. The really moving part about this novel is the honesty with which Josh speaks. We all have feelings of anger and resentment and embarrassment connected at times with our parents. It’s hard to admit those things to ourselves. We see in Josh’s gradual realization of the discrepancy between his perceptions and his father’s our own understanding of those feelings and thoughts that can otherwise fester. When Josh decides to manipulate circumstances, sacrificing his father’s goals for his own he discovers that the consequences are far-reaching in ways he never anticipated. And he discovers how to find his way back from some questionable decisions. It is a remarkable book that adds to my admiration for Shelley Pearsall and her work.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sent to live with your dad for a few months while your mom cares for your elderly grandmother, forced to try to survive in a new school, and your Dad has chosen as his occupation ... Elvis impersonator.

The premise of this book is a good one.

I didn't care for Josh's tone. He comes across as EXTREMELY self-absorbed, and while I think 7th graders can be self-absorbed, this is a little over the top. I think Josh is realistic, but I think Josh's self-absorbancy makes it difficult to "root" for him.

On the positive side, the adults in the book are not moronic stereotypes of adults. They are real, and they are interesting. They attempt to communicate, and considering they had a hard time communicating going into the story, they improve in this area. Josh's dad has the opportunity to come across as crazy and selfish, but he really isn't. Josh's dad has a new girlfriend, and her daughter is important to Josh's survival there for a while ... when the chips are down, Ivory is there for Josh, though even Ivory doesn't want to deal with Josh in his selfishness.

I would imagine this is a good book for young people who have experienced divorce.

It was a quick read ... read the whole book (255 pages) in about four hours.

[Nazik · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Shook Up is about a boy named Josh whose life changes the summer he turns thirteen. Josh’s parents are divorced; he lives with his mom in Boston and visits his dad every summer in Chicago. Before starting the seventh grade, Josh’s grandmother, who lives in Florida, breaks her hip. His mom decides to go and take care of his grandmother and ships Josh to Chicago to live with his dad. So, Josh is forced to leave his school and friends in Boston and go live in Chicago for a few months. A surprise awaits Josh in Chicago. Not only does Josh need to deal with fitting in at his new school, but he finds out that his dad is trying to be Elvis for a living after losing his job as a shoe salesman. Josh is shocked and embarrassed of his forty-year old dad who is pretending to be Elvis. This book goes well with the title; everything is shook up. This was fun to read and had a hidden message about being in others’ shoes and not being selfish. I would recommend All Shook Up to all teenagers.