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Headlock (by Joyce Sweeney)

common sense media says

Solid wrestling read for teen boys has heart.

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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.

Positive messages: Kyle tries hard to be a good person, putting his life on hold to take care of his grandmother. But in the end, he learns he has to make time to pursue his own dreams.
Violence: The book is about wrestling -- but the worst thing that happens is that a wrestler drops his pet rat on the protagonist.
Sex: Kyle talks about having sex with his girlfriend and jokes around about sex with another wrestler. His girlfriend -- who also wrestles -- participates in a "Lingerie Match" with 12 other women.
Language: Some swearing, like "s--t" and "bitch."
Consumerism: Lots of TV shows are mentioned.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Kyle's girlfriend has an alcohol problem; another wrestler passes out after taking Ephedra.
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What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Joyce Sweeney
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
Publication date: November 20, 2006
Number of pages: 192
Hardcover price: $16.95
Read Aloud: 15
Read Alone: 15
This review was written by Kate Pavao
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

ASDAS
adult
 
I LIOKE HEADLOCK
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
motorstorm
adult
 
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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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
FutureWWEDiva2010
teen, 18 years old
16
 
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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was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)

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