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Original Essays | June 27, 2009

Fran Cannon Slayton: IMG On Wakes and Rum (and Coke)

1 comment By Fran Cannon Slayton

"Unfortunately, I've been to my fair share of wakes." Continue »
  1. $11.89 Sale Hardcover add to wish list

    When the Whistle Blows

    Fran Cannon Slayton

Skate

by Michael Harmon

Skate Cover

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

There’s not much keeping Ian McDermott in Spokane, but at least it’s home. He’s been raising Sammy practically on his own ever since their mom disappeared again on one of her binges. They get by, finding just enough to eat and plenty of time to skateboard.

But at Morrison High, Ian is getting the distinct, chilling feeling that the administration wants him and his board and his punked hair gone. Simply gone. And when his temper finally blows–he actually takes a swing at Coach Florence and knocks him cold–Ian knows he’s got to grab Sammy and skate. Run.

Their search for the one relative they can think of, their only hope, leads Ian and Sammy across the entire state of Washington in the cold and rain–and straight into a shocking discovery. Through it all, Ian knows exactly what he has to do: protect Sammy, and let no one split up their family of two. Michael Harmon tells a nuanced and unflinching story of wilderness survival, the fierce bond between brothers, and teen rage–and redemption.

From the Hardcover edition.

Review:

“Readers will continue to cheer for this outsider who finds life’s deck stacked against him. . . . A must-read for fans of Chris Crutcher.”The Bulletin

Review:

“[A] remarkable first novel.”Kirkus Reviews

Review:

“Harmon compellingly renders wary, brittle Ian, particularly the tension between his admirable motivations and his self-destructive impulses.”Booklist

Review:

“A marvelous debut.”Kirkus Reviews

Review:

“Harmon knows the world of outsiders, and he writes in a dead-on true voice, both funny and tragic.”Chris Crutcher

From the Paperback edition.

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About the Author

Michael Harmon's hobbies include backpacking, fishing, woodworking, and building skateboard and snowboarding ramps for his kids in the backyard. Skate is his first novel. The author lives in Spokane, WA.

From the Hardcover edition.

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What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 1 comment:
jellington, October 10, 2006 (view all comments by jellington)
I loved this book! Couldn't put it down. I am a Mom to 5 boys, and they loved it too, even the 2 that "hate" to read. The story is very quick moving and full of action. It is edgy and "cool" without being offensive. And without being preachy, Skate manages to teach about accountability and dealing with the failures that allow us all to become our best.

Get this book for every kid on your list!! They will love it. I am just sorry there are no other books by this author available.

Dr. JE
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780375975165
Publisher:
Random House
Subject:
Family
Author:
Harmon, Michael B.
Author:
Harmon, Michael
Subject:
Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General
Subject:
Brothers
Subject:
Family problems
Subject:
SPORTS & RECREATION / Skateboarding
Subject:
Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings
Subject:
Social Issues - Abandonment
Publication Date:
October 2006
Binding:
Library Binding
Language:
English
Pages:
242
Dimensions:
8.38x5.88x.86 in. .88 lbs.
Age Level:
14-17
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