VVMBookBlog

Defiance by Valerie Hobbs

Toby has cancer, an overly protective mother, a father who is rarely around, and a summer in the country. His expectation is to spend the summer riding his bike and having fun. As he searches the country side, he comes across a couple of new friends. Of course, Toby’s over protective mother is not happy about this. She worries about his cancer. A spot appears on Toby’s back, but he doesn’t want to go back to the hospital and treatement. Via internet he is still able to communicate with a friend he met at the hospital on a previous visit. Although they are close friends, he doesn’t even tell her about the spot on his back. This is a novel that shows the strength of a young boy and how he reaches out to help others.

The Boy from the Basement by Susan Shaw

Imagine being locked in the basement for so long that you forgot how to read and write. Can you imagine being scared to go outside? Charlie’s father locked him in the basement for punishment. Although his mom doesn’t necessarily want him in the basement, she does nothing to help him escape. Escaping isn’t on Charlie’s mind because he thinks he deserves the punishment. Even after Charlie is rescued, he still thinks he want to go back to the basement. Will Charlie ever be able to live a “normal” life?

Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo

Private Thomas (Thomo) Peaceful is a soldier in WWI. As he is in intense fighting trying to stay awake at his post, he remembers his life back home. He remembers his family, the good and bad times at home. His brother has always been a major part of his life, and he thinks of him.

This book does a wonderful job helping the reader view the thoughts and feelings of this young man (only 17) who is facing some of the greatest fears of his life. It is a unique blend of the past and present life of two very courageous brothers.