 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Headlock
- By Joyce Sweeney
- Genre: Coming of Age
Common Sense Media says
Solid wrestling read for teen boys has heart.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book is about wrestling, but there isn't much actual violence inside or outside the ring. Kyle and his girlfriend have sex on the brain a lot -- and she participates in a lingerie-clad wrestling match. His girlfriend has a problem with alcohol, and another wrestler passes out after taking Ephedra.
What's the story?
Kyle quits gymnastics to learn to become a professional wrestler. He quickly becomes a rising star -- and scores a great girlfriend -- but when his beloved grandmother starts to need constant care, he puts his own dreams on hold for her. Will he ever get back in the ring?
Is it any good?
There's a sweet lesson in HEADLOCK about making time to go after your own dreams -- even when they're as crazy as wanting to become a professional wrestler. Readers will most appreciate the author's realistic depiction of wrestling. Kyle's wrestling ambition isn't just a device to draw readers in. The author provides great details about wrestling moves and seems to know -- and value -- the culture. She even compares it to Kabuki theater.
The story ties up loose ends a little too quickly in the end, but Kyle's big heart will win readers over -- as will the cast of crazy characters. This may be a good pick for any reluctant (male) readers you have in your house.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how books are marketed to boys. Did the title and cover art make you pick up this book, or was it something else? If someone had told you that the book was about a boy who takes care of his aging grandmother, would you have been as interested?
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AGE
this is a must read for anyone who likes wretsling
sorry but all i can say is i read it twice and i love it!
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AGE
Needs to be more books like this one!
I love it! I have been looking for a normal novel that shows how people get into pro wrestling cuz I'm a pro wrestler in training! This is awesome! Thank you joyce,thank you!
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| Author: | Joyce Sweeney |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Coming of Age |
| Publisher: | Henry Holt & Company, Inc. |
| Publication date: | November 20, 2006 |
| Number of pages: | 192 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.95 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 14 - 14 |
| Read aloud: | 15 |
| Read alone: | 15 |
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