Booked (HarperCollins, 2016) by Kwame Alexander is a novel in verse that tells the story of eighth grader Nick Hall.
Nick is a soccer star, victim of a dad who makes him read a book called Weird and Wonderful Words–written by Dad, daydreamer, and class comedian. He also has a crush on a certain girl, and his friend Coby and he have a pact about having girlfriends by ninth grade. Life is looking good, but some unpleasant surprises are headed Nick’s way.
I loved how Nick complains about the words his dad makes him learn, yet he uses them in conversation. He’s a nice mix of realistic attributes and emotion and humor. I also liked that Nick gets encouragement from a teacher during his struggles.
The author creates sympathy for Nick in this easy to read book. And I bet many kids are enjoying poetry because of Kwame Alexander’s many books. Read all about this impressive author on his website.
