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The F Factor
Javier Avila knows tenth grade is going to be exciting, even though everyone says sophomore year is so dull even the teachers get bored. Sophomores are nobodies, according to the upperclassmen at St. Peter's High School, but suddenly--and against his will--Javier finds himself front and center as the anchorman for the school's brand-new televised announcements.
At first Javier is sure the Media Broadcasting elective he finds on his schedule is a mistake. He's spent his whole life trying to live up to his reputation as "the smartest guy ever," and he doesn't have time for a fluff class. And anyway, why would anyone choose to look stupid in front of the whole school every morning?
But his counselor has been trying to convince him to join in extracurricular activities since his freshman year, and he's not going to let Javier off the "There's more to life than studying 24-7." To add to Javier's anxiety about being exposed as an academic fraud, he's paired with Pat Berlanga to co-anchor the news. He's going to be on TV with a guy who's known for sleeping the day away?!? The guy would rather nap than talk! To their surprise though, Javier and Pat make a good team, and Javier soon realizes that he has a special talent for public speaking, writing scripts, and editing video.
Javier and Pat slowly begin to feel more comfortable breaking free of the reputations imposed on them by others, but Javier wishes that he could feel as confident approaching Feliz, Pat's drop-dead gorgeous sister. Popular young adult author Diane Gonzales Bertrand has once again written a novel that will strike a chord with contemporary teens who struggle with questions about their choices in friends and the extreme pressure--whether internal or external--to succeed in today's competitive world.
At first Javier is sure the Media Broadcasting elective he finds on his schedule is a mistake. He's spent his whole life trying to live up to his reputation as "the smartest guy ever," and he doesn't have time for a fluff class. And anyway, why would anyone choose to look stupid in front of the whole school every morning?
But his counselor has been trying to convince him to join in extracurricular activities since his freshman year, and he's not going to let Javier off the "There's more to life than studying 24-7." To add to Javier's anxiety about being exposed as an academic fraud, he's paired with Pat Berlanga to co-anchor the news. He's going to be on TV with a guy who's known for sleeping the day away?!? The guy would rather nap than talk! To their surprise though, Javier and Pat make a good team, and Javier soon realizes that he has a special talent for public speaking, writing scripts, and editing video.
Javier and Pat slowly begin to feel more comfortable breaking free of the reputations imposed on them by others, but Javier wishes that he could feel as confident approaching Feliz, Pat's drop-dead gorgeous sister. Popular young adult author Diane Gonzales Bertrand has once again written a novel that will strike a chord with contemporary teens who struggle with questions about their choices in friends and the extreme pressure--whether internal or external--to succeed in today's competitive world.
- GenresYoung Adult
244 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Diane Gonzales Bertrand
36 books16 followersDiane Gonzales Bertrand’s vivid imagination led her to write her first novel in the fifth grade. Her creativity didn’t stop there. She went on to write school plays, Girl Scout skits, and poetry. When Diane became a teacher, she created funny soap operas, religious plays, and translated Shakespeare into easier words for her students to enjoy and perform. Today, Diane writes stories for families to read together.
Diane’s many accomplishments include: National Hispanic Scholar, Author for PEN Center (New York) Writer-in-School Program, Member National Council Teachers of English, Member Texas Council of Creative Writing Teachers, and Texas Writers’ League. Diane has published nine young adult novels and six picture books, and has received several awards from the national Latino Literary Hall of Fame for her children’s picture books and young adult novels. Her recent children’s book with Raven Tree Press, My Pal, Victor / Mi amigo, Víctor was recognized by the American Library Association (ALA) as the 2005 winner of The Schneider Family Book Award for best picture book for young children. The award honors an author and illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.
Diane earned her B.A. in English and History from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and her M.A. in Communication Arts from Our Lady of the Lake University. She currently works as Writer-in-Residence at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX, where she teaches English Composition and Creative Writing.
Source: Raven Tree Press
Diane’s many accomplishments include: National Hispanic Scholar, Author for PEN Center (New York) Writer-in-School Program, Member National Council Teachers of English, Member Texas Council of Creative Writing Teachers, and Texas Writers’ League. Diane has published nine young adult novels and six picture books, and has received several awards from the national Latino Literary Hall of Fame for her children’s picture books and young adult novels. Her recent children’s book with Raven Tree Press, My Pal, Victor / Mi amigo, Víctor was recognized by the American Library Association (ALA) as the 2005 winner of The Schneider Family Book Award for best picture book for young children. The award honors an author and illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.
Diane earned her B.A. in English and History from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and her M.A. in Communication Arts from Our Lady of the Lake University. She currently works as Writer-in-Residence at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX, where she teaches English Composition and Creative Writing.
Source: Raven Tree Press
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Want to Read
February 25, 2010Diane Gonzales Bertrand's novel for teens explores contemporary issues such as the intense pressure put on kids to succeed.
Praise for the work of Diane Gonzales Bertrand:
"This is a dramatic and realistic contemporary novel, in the tradition of Frank Bonham's Durango Street and Walter Dean Myers' Scorpions"
—Booklist on Trino's Choice
"This story has high interest and a quick pace with realistic dialogue, including suitably placed Spanish words and phrases. Characters are likeable and carefully drawn ... well-written sequel."
—School Library Jouranl on Trino's Time
Praise for the work of Diane Gonzales Bertrand:
"This is a dramatic and realistic contemporary novel, in the tradition of Frank Bonham's Durango Street and Walter Dean Myers' Scorpions"
—Booklist on Trino's Choice
"This story has high interest and a quick pace with realistic dialogue, including suitably placed Spanish words and phrases. Characters are likeable and carefully drawn ... well-written sequel."
—School Library Jouranl on Trino's Time
July 7, 2016
Nice local San Antonio story set in an all-boys' catholic school. What is the difference between doing good work and doing passionate work? Is it enough to be good at everything or great at one thing? How important is it to find what you love to do?
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews