Common Sense Media Review
By Kate Pavao
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Solid wrestling read for teen boys has heart.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
- Publication date : November 20, 2006
- Number of pages : 192
- Last updated : September 22, 2015
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