Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Saunders
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
12-year-old boy chooses hope over violence in candid novel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
When HANDS begins, 12-year-old Trevor is living in the projects with his mom, sister, and stepsister. His stepfather is in prison after punching Trevor's mother, but his release is imminent. Trevor decides he needs to learn how to fight so he can protect the family. Along with his new friend P, he starts going to a boxing gym. A group of adult male mentors, blood uncles and men from the community, mentor Trevor to try to keep him out of adult problems and off the path of violence. At the same time, Trevor contemplates the other way he likes to use his hands -- drawing superheros.
Is It Any Good?
In this compelling story, author Torrey Maldonado takes a candid approach to tough subjects and takes a strong stand for Black men and boys. In Hands, the author does not flinch from the reality that men sometimes commit violence against women and each other. He doesn't also doesn't whitewash life in an impoverished community where a drug dealer is a benefactor. However, the primary portraits he provides of Black men are men who are "trees," strong, smart, nurturing protectors of their community.
The young readers this book is intended for can't be sheltered from the negative situations presented in the story. They already know, maybe more than they want to. The purpose of this book is to tell them they're not alone and give them hope for a better future.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the incarceration of a family member in Hands. Do you or anyone you know have a family member who's been in jail or prison?
"Promise" is a major theme in Hands: making promises, keeping promises, and showing promise. What does that word mean to you?
Why do you think the author chose Hands as the title of this book?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Friendship
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Empathy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Nancy Paulsen Books
- Publication date : January 24, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 12
- Number of pages : 144
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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