Booked

Booked by Kwame Alexander

Twelve-year-old Nick loves soccer, but is forced to learn the power of words as he wrestles with problems at home, stands up to a bully, and tries to impress the girl of his dreams.  Nick gets help from his best friend Coby, and the Mac, a rapping librarian.  This is a novel in verse with thrills, setbacks, action and emotion.

At soccer Nick is a star, at school Nick is a good student and he has a crush on a girl, but doesn't have the confidence to approach her.  At home Nick's dad is an overbearing wordsmith that makes him learn new words from the dictionary every night. Nick has a close relationship with his mom and is very upset that his parents have decided to separate and his mom has accepted a job in another city.

Every word moves with energy in this book about relationships, middle school, soccer, bullies, and divorce.  It tackles real life issues and problem solving in a charming and fun way.  I was skeptical about reading a story written in verse, but I enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading another book by this author.

You can find Booked in the intermediate section of the library or we have the audio book you can listen to.