Bones of a Saint
By Michael Berry,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Resourceful teen faces gang in exciting coming-of-age tale.
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What's the Story?
As BONES OF A SAINT begins, RJ Armante wants to be left alone by the Blackjacks, while the gang insists that he torment Mr. Leguin, a mysterious loner who's moved into an abandoned house. RJ wants to protect his disabled brother Charley, but he also doesn't to hurt the old man. As he searches for a way out, RJ uncovers secrets about Leguin, about his family and about himself.
Is It Any Good?
Anti-gang sagas can dip into cliche, but this mid-'70s coming-of-age novel uses familiar elements to create something new. Grant Farley sets Bones of a Saint in the dead-end town of Arcangel, and depicts the characters who live there with empathy and respect. RJ in particular is an engaging protagonist, trapped by circumstance but fighting to keep his family safe. Readers may be reminded of the novels of S. E. Hinton, but Bones of a Saint shines with its own particular light -- a funny, exciting, and knowing debut.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Parents can talk about how Bones of a Saint depicts rural teen life nearly 50 years ago. How have things changed for kids since that time?
Why do kids join gangs? How can gang kids learn about new ways of life? What resources do they need to succeed in life?
How does one find redemption? Why do people want to confess their sins?
Book Details
- Author: Grant Farley
- Genre: Coming of Age
- Topics: Friendship, Great Boy Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Soho Teen
- Publication date: February 2, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 18
- Number of pages: 304
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: March 30, 2021
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