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There Will Be Bears
Tyson is determined to hunt an elk — even if it means sneaking his grandpa out of a nursing home — in a debut novel sparked with dry wit and wilderness adventure.
Thirteen-year-old Tyson loves hanging out with his roughneck Grandpa Gene, who’s a lot more fun than Tyson’s ex–best friend, Brighton. These days, Bright just wants to be seen with the cool jocks who make fun of Tyson’s Taylor Swift obsession and dorky ways. So when Grandpa Gene has to move to a nursing home that can manage his kidney disease, Tyson feels like he’s losing his only friend.
Not only that, but Tyson was counting on Grandpa Gene to take him on his first big hunt. So in defiance of Mom and Dad’s strict orders, and despite reports of a scary, stalking, man-eating grizzly named Sandy, the two sneak off to the Grand Tetons. Yes, there will be action, like shooting and dressing a six-hundred-pound elk. Is Tyson tough enough? There will be heart-pounding suspense: is Grandpa Gene too sick to handle the hunt, miles away from help? And, oh yes, there will be bears...
Thirteen-year-old Tyson loves hanging out with his roughneck Grandpa Gene, who’s a lot more fun than Tyson’s ex–best friend, Brighton. These days, Bright just wants to be seen with the cool jocks who make fun of Tyson’s Taylor Swift obsession and dorky ways. So when Grandpa Gene has to move to a nursing home that can manage his kidney disease, Tyson feels like he’s losing his only friend.
Not only that, but Tyson was counting on Grandpa Gene to take him on his first big hunt. So in defiance of Mom and Dad’s strict orders, and despite reports of a scary, stalking, man-eating grizzly named Sandy, the two sneak off to the Grand Tetons. Yes, there will be action, like shooting and dressing a six-hundred-pound elk. Is Tyson tough enough? There will be heart-pounding suspense: is Grandpa Gene too sick to handle the hunt, miles away from help? And, oh yes, there will be bears...
224 pages, Hardcover
First published April 22, 2014
About the author
Ryan Gebhart
2 books24 followersRyan Gebhart was born and raised in Maumee Ohio and graduated from Ohio University with a master's degree in Spanish (he can hablar some español like a boss). His debut middle grade There Will Be Bears, about getting older, best friends, and a bear, is a selected title for seven state reading lists. His debut young adult Of Jenny and the Aliens, about first love and discovering that we're not alone in the universe, will be released Spring 2017 with Candlewick Press.
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November 12, 2016I wrote this book. It's about getting older, best friends, and a bear. It's pretty incredible, ngl.
June 8, 2014
This YA winner is unique among the crowded YA aisle because, at the tender age of 13, its protagonist, Tyson, longs to hunt elk and bear with his grandfather in the worst way. Yes, there are a few more familiar angles added in -- estrangement from his best-friend-not-quite-forever, Brighton, arguments with an annoying younger sister, and a budding romantic interest with a girl named Karen , but Karen is from Texas and hunts herself, so really that's about as close to formula as you get.
Tyson's grandfather, Gene, is a tad eccentric in that he not only teaches the boy a thing or two about elk and grizzly bears (the setting is Wyoming), he teaches him about "pruning," or cleaning yourself out for health purposes by consuming vast quantities of prune juice with a competitor, sitting to watch episodes of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, then racing the other person for the only (I know -- unusual in this day and age) bathroom in the house.
Uh, I warned you it was a little... "different."
Eventually, though, the novel hits its rhythm with Tyson's refreshing voice and sense of humor (it's first-person point of view). Tyson's dad, who stands between eager novice and ailing veteran (Gramps), is the voice of reason who wants to block the hunting expedition due to his opposition to hunting and his worry about his father's declining health. The grandfather-grandson combo scheme and plot, however, to make Tyson's dream-of-a-lifetime reality. After all, Tyson's convinced that hunting big game will make him a man. Of sorts.
First-time novelist Ryan Gebhart's inspiration was said to come from his own hunting experience, which ended in the field-dressing or an elk. Prepare, in other words, for a little blood. Oh. And a lot of heart....
Tyson's grandfather, Gene, is a tad eccentric in that he not only teaches the boy a thing or two about elk and grizzly bears (the setting is Wyoming), he teaches him about "pruning," or cleaning yourself out for health purposes by consuming vast quantities of prune juice with a competitor, sitting to watch episodes of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, then racing the other person for the only (I know -- unusual in this day and age) bathroom in the house.
Uh, I warned you it was a little... "different."
Eventually, though, the novel hits its rhythm with Tyson's refreshing voice and sense of humor (it's first-person point of view). Tyson's dad, who stands between eager novice and ailing veteran (Gramps), is the voice of reason who wants to block the hunting expedition due to his opposition to hunting and his worry about his father's declining health. The grandfather-grandson combo scheme and plot, however, to make Tyson's dream-of-a-lifetime reality. After all, Tyson's convinced that hunting big game will make him a man. Of sorts.
First-time novelist Ryan Gebhart's inspiration was said to come from his own hunting experience, which ended in the field-dressing or an elk. Prepare, in other words, for a little blood. Oh. And a lot of heart....
August 4, 2014
I suppose if I'm going to go and give a book that so many other people rated so highly all of two stars I should probably explain why.
One star is for the title and the cover. Excellent design and really, how often do you get references to either John Updike or Daniel Day Lewis in juvenile fiction?
The other star is for the first page. The first page was fantastic. Full of humor, suspense and a great first person voice. If only I'd quit reading at that point.
What's my gripe you ask? That would be our narrator Tyson. I could put up with the remarkable lack of bears thought the majority of this book. (There WILL Be Bears. That future tense manages to stay pretty darn future.) I could live with the random obsessions that aren't given any real grounding in the story. Ok, he likes Taylor Swift. But why? The author presents it as a way to connect him with his sister (more on this later) and his friend, but never actually does much with it. I could even live with the overwhelmingly narcissistic world view- His grandfather has to move to a nursing home and it's all about how much it ruins Tyson's life- because who isn't a raging narcissist at 13? He manages some decent personal growth by the end. Not a lot, but some. Not enough to recover from the point when in an attempt to get money for a Halloween costume, he sells his Taylor Swift tickets online. To his sister who is only trying to buy the tickets so she could go with him.
All of this could have been fine. Except that Tyson is a sexist sizeist little douche. He tells us about how cool his granddad is by saying that "He will dance with any women from the hotties in their twenties to fatties in their fifties." (Because all women are lining up do dance with elderly red necks.) He describes seeing a bear as being like an obese man walking on all fours. (Seriously, WTF?) And he is like this for no good reason than the author seemed to think it was funny. And that, I can't forgive.
One star is for the title and the cover. Excellent design and really, how often do you get references to either John Updike or Daniel Day Lewis in juvenile fiction?
The other star is for the first page. The first page was fantastic. Full of humor, suspense and a great first person voice. If only I'd quit reading at that point.
What's my gripe you ask? That would be our narrator Tyson. I could put up with the remarkable lack of bears thought the majority of this book. (There WILL Be Bears. That future tense manages to stay pretty darn future.) I could live with the random obsessions that aren't given any real grounding in the story. Ok, he likes Taylor Swift. But why? The author presents it as a way to connect him with his sister (more on this later) and his friend, but never actually does much with it. I could even live with the overwhelmingly narcissistic world view- His grandfather has to move to a nursing home and it's all about how much it ruins Tyson's life- because who isn't a raging narcissist at 13? He manages some decent personal growth by the end. Not a lot, but some. Not enough to recover from the point when in an attempt to get money for a Halloween costume, he sells his Taylor Swift tickets online. To his sister who is only trying to buy the tickets so she could go with him.
All of this could have been fine. Except that Tyson is a sexist sizeist little douche. He tells us about how cool his granddad is by saying that "He will dance with any women from the hotties in their twenties to fatties in their fifties." (Because all women are lining up do dance with elderly red necks.) He describes seeing a bear as being like an obese man walking on all fours. (Seriously, WTF?) And he is like this for no good reason than the author seemed to think it was funny. And that, I can't forgive.
January 21, 2015
Have you ever been on a roller coaster that doesn't look so good, but once you get on, you feel like it's the best decision you've made in your entire life? Well, that's basically what this book makes you feel like. It has a loveable main character that you can relate to in at least one way. Along the way, it feels like the characters in the book have become your friends. There's a plot twist in the book that teaches you a serious life lesson: simply because a person is different, doesn't mean that you can't push those differences aside and become friends. If you feel like learning a little something about life, take the time to read this book.
June 16, 2014
Cute story of the bond between a man who is nearing the end of his life and wants to go out with a bang and the grandson who just wants more time with Grandpa. Hemingway-ish Grandpa is dying and is transferred to an assisted living facility that is everything he is not so the two hatch a plan to spring Grandpa from the facility and go big game hunting. The only thing wrong with this idea - mom and dad don't know about it and "There Will Be Bears". Great for every kid who has a special connection with a Grandparent.
March 30, 2014
From beginning to end, the pages of this book held me in a painfully hilarious Bear Swear of a captivated squeeze. I did not want to escape! The author has in NO WAY forgotten what it is like to be a kid! In this case, one coping with fair-weather friends, the vagaries of adult decision-making, the need to be one's self even when that's not guaranteed to bring the girls running, not to mention the specter of death. There were bears! Scary beautiful horrible unavoidable breath-taking bears.
June 10, 2016
I loved this! Great story about a boy and his grandfather and a coming of age story about what it takes to be a man.
April 9, 2019
I rated the book "There will be Bears" by Ryan Gebhart a 5. I rated this book a 5 because of the way Gebhart wrote it. I really liked this book because it was about hunting. The topic of hunting has really interested me since I was a little kid.
I really liked this book because of the story told in the book. Tyson's wish to go on a family elk hunting trip has always been a dream of mine too. When Tyson's trip was cancelled he was upset. Tyson's Grandpa Gene was put in a nursing home. Tyson snuck his grandpa Gene out of the nursing home to go on this trip. Tyson was very optimistic about this trip.
I would recommend this book to teens or young adults who are interested in the topic of hunting. overall this book was amazing and I would definitely reread this book again.
I really liked this book because of the story told in the book. Tyson's wish to go on a family elk hunting trip has always been a dream of mine too. When Tyson's trip was cancelled he was upset. Tyson's Grandpa Gene was put in a nursing home. Tyson snuck his grandpa Gene out of the nursing home to go on this trip. Tyson was very optimistic about this trip.
I would recommend this book to teens or young adults who are interested in the topic of hunting. overall this book was amazing and I would definitely reread this book again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2019
Tyson is determined to shoot an elk. Even if that means that he has to sneak his gramps out of the nursing home. Tyson learns a lot when he is in the woods with hid gramps gene. He overcomes fears and in counters animals.
August 2, 2014
In Ryan Gebhart's debut MG novel, THERE WILL BE BEARS, 13-year old Tyson can't wait for the elk hunting trip he and his grandfather have been planning. Tyson will finally get to go hunting and spend a weekend in the wilderness with Gramps, who's hands down the coolest grandfather around. Shortly after he and Gramps guzzle prune juice (to clean out their systems in preparation for the trip), his parents break the news: the hunting trip is cancelled. To make matters worse, Gramps is sick and being moved to home in a whole different state. Tyson is stuck with his dreams shattered, an ex-best friend who's a total yamhole, and some unexpected, difficult truths about his family weighing him down. Feeling angry and betrayed, he throws caution to the wind when Gramps suggests pulling a fast one on Tyson's parents and going on the hunting trip as planned, despite multiple reports of a dangerous grizzly bear in the area and his grandfather's deteriorating health. Will Tyson and Gramps make it through the weekend alive?
I have no doubt that middle school boys will love this book and I'm fairly confident that many girls will too. I know middle school me would have loved it. Part of the appeal for me was how much Gramps reminds me a lot of my own grandfather, prune juice guzzling and big game hunting included.
Growing up in the Midwest, specifically NE Michigan, hunting has always been a pretty big part of my life. Hunting with a parent or grandfather is as much of a rite of passage in my world as it is in Tyson's, so I could relate to his heartbreak when his trip with Gramps is cancelled. His determination to be able to shoot and clean his kill on his own - and his hesitation when that moment comes - are all important, teachable moments during a fragile time in Tyson's life.
Though Tyson's relationship with Gramps drives much of the novel's action, I also appreciated his relationship with his sort of ex-best friend. This friend, Bright, has made some new friends and he's been spending less and less time with Tyson. I love that, though Tyson is hurt by Bright's actions and behavior, he's mature enough to realize what's motivating Bright and to, eventually, forgive him.
I'm looking forward to more great MG from Gebhart!
I have no doubt that middle school boys will love this book and I'm fairly confident that many girls will too. I know middle school me would have loved it. Part of the appeal for me was how much Gramps reminds me a lot of my own grandfather, prune juice guzzling and big game hunting included.
Growing up in the Midwest, specifically NE Michigan, hunting has always been a pretty big part of my life. Hunting with a parent or grandfather is as much of a rite of passage in my world as it is in Tyson's, so I could relate to his heartbreak when his trip with Gramps is cancelled. His determination to be able to shoot and clean his kill on his own - and his hesitation when that moment comes - are all important, teachable moments during a fragile time in Tyson's life.
Though Tyson's relationship with Gramps drives much of the novel's action, I also appreciated his relationship with his sort of ex-best friend. This friend, Bright, has made some new friends and he's been spending less and less time with Tyson. I love that, though Tyson is hurt by Bright's actions and behavior, he's mature enough to realize what's motivating Bright and to, eventually, forgive him.
I'm looking forward to more great MG from Gebhart!
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August 31, 2016Kids are incredibly intuitive. Though adults try to shield them, and rightly so, from adult worries, kids know when something is wrong. When they are little, kids trust their adults, partly because they have no choice. But as those kids begin to transition into adulthood, they lose patience for the constant “protection.” Gebhart captures this period in every new teen’s life with the kind of painful realism that took me back to my own early years. We see Tyson’s anger at being “lied” to, his fear of what might be wrong, and the responsibility that comes with learning the truth. Tyson is both overwhelmed and capable, and that’s pretty much what thirteen felt like for me, too.
As an older sister, I also appreciated how Gebhart portrayed the dynamic between Tyson and his sister Ashely. Being a sibling has two parts: the part where you feel like your sister is hardly related and maybe actually out to get you, and the part where you realize she might not be so bad and that you have each other’s back, no matter what. I will never believe him if Gebhart tries to tell me he’s an only child.
I was nervous about getting to the hunting scenes because as the description notes, there will be “shooting and dressing a six-hundred-pound elk.” But those scenes ended up being some of the most beautiful in the novel as we ride horses through the Grand Tetons, spy the elk, and experience the range of Tyson’s emotions as he takes his first buck. And then, of course, there is the bear.
The thing about bears is they rarely come from where you expect them to, and usually we’re lucky if it’s only a fur-covered behemoth in the woods and not something really scary like the fear of losing someone we love. Tyson faces both and survives, not because he’s courageous (though there is courage) but because he has a good heart, and that will carry him through no matter what comes.
As an older sister, I also appreciated how Gebhart portrayed the dynamic between Tyson and his sister Ashely. Being a sibling has two parts: the part where you feel like your sister is hardly related and maybe actually out to get you, and the part where you realize she might not be so bad and that you have each other’s back, no matter what. I will never believe him if Gebhart tries to tell me he’s an only child.
I was nervous about getting to the hunting scenes because as the description notes, there will be “shooting and dressing a six-hundred-pound elk.” But those scenes ended up being some of the most beautiful in the novel as we ride horses through the Grand Tetons, spy the elk, and experience the range of Tyson’s emotions as he takes his first buck. And then, of course, there is the bear.
The thing about bears is they rarely come from where you expect them to, and usually we’re lucky if it’s only a fur-covered behemoth in the woods and not something really scary like the fear of losing someone we love. Tyson faces both and survives, not because he’s courageous (though there is courage) but because he has a good heart, and that will carry him through no matter what comes.
February 16, 2018
In this hilarious by Ryan Gebhart, 13 year old Tyson is planning to go on a hunting trip with his grandfather who he calls Gramps. Starting the story we have Tyson and Gramps sitting at a table with a gallon of prune juice. "For good luck we need to prune and watch Jeopardy! Once we finish Jeopardy! That is the only time we may go to the bathroom".
April 13, 2014
Thirteen-year-old Tyson is disappointed to learn that he and his grandfather won't be going on a much-anticipated hunting trip. After he realizes just how ill the man is, he understands the reason for that decision. But even though the old man is now living in a nursing home, he has something up his sleeve. The secret trip the two take to Wyoming will be his final hurrah as well as give Tyson a chance to prove himself. Although the book does contain descriptions of the wilderness and hunting, it also examines Tyson's ambivalence about shooting one of the elk that race by him during the hunt. It also allows him to face several of his fears, some well-founded, about grizzlies, talking to girls, and what to do about his former best friend. While at first it might seem as though Tyson is rather clueless, he turns out to be comfortable in his own skin. After all, he's a guy who loves the music of Taylor Swift. The book tackles quite a few tough issues, including aging, death, and poverty, among others.
December 10, 2013
Based on the cover, I expected to hate this book. I'm not a huge fan of hunting, and the cover made me think it would be strictly about hunting and wilderness adventures. I picked up the ARC because I figured fans of Hatchet in my classes may like it. I was so surprised to find that I liked it - a lot! The first person narration makes it really easy to get right into the story. Additionally, Tyson, the protagonist, is a very likable kid. He is flawed, and that's why I liked him so much. While the novel does have hunting as part of the plot, it's about so much more than hunting. It really is a coming of age story - Tyson learns what it means to be a son, grandson, brother, friend, and possibly a boyfriend. My only complaint is that it wasn't long enough! I want to hear more about Tyson and his exploits.
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August 10, 2016The uproarious tale of Tyson, who loves bears, Taylor Swift, and his gramps, and who just wants to go hunting with his grandpa like he's been promised his whole life. When his grandpa is moved to an elderly home, Tyson's dreams look like they're fizzling out. Luckily – or unluckily – Grandpa's on Tyson's side.
This book is entirely quote-worthy. I liked how Tyson didn't act like many other 13-year-old boys you read about. He unabashedly loves Taylor Swift (singing her lyrics, knowing tons of trivia about her) and is very pensive about life. He's got a refreshing voice you don't come across often.
This book is entirely quote-worthy. I liked how Tyson didn't act like many other 13-year-old boys you read about. He unabashedly loves Taylor Swift (singing her lyrics, knowing tons of trivia about her) and is very pensive about life. He's got a refreshing voice you don't come across often.
June 11, 2014
This book is a roaring, bear, good time! I read it in a matter of a few short hours. It was that fun to read. I loved Tyson and Grandpa Gene. They were like Starsky and Hutch. They made a entertaining, good pair. The "pruning scene" was funny. I have drank prune juice before but never a full jug of it. I can imagine the horror and pain that Tyson and his grandfather were in on top of the white throne. Of course, I can not write my review without mentioning the hunt. It did not disappoint me. The hunt was good but the bear meet with Sandy, the big bear was scary. However not scary enough to give younger readers nightmares.
April 5, 2014
This book has such a fantastic voice--full of humor, but also true to the struggles kids like Tyson face as they moves between the worlds of childhood and adulthood. There's also plenty of action, as Tyson and his BFF (who also happens to be his grandfather) undertake a secret hunting trip into the territory of a ferocious grizzly bear.
I loved their relationship, Tyson's witty comments throughout, and his insistence on the awesomeness of Taylor Swift, even as it became uncool for him to like her publicly. This is a terrific debut novel that boys and girls would enjoy equally.
I loved their relationship, Tyson's witty comments throughout, and his insistence on the awesomeness of Taylor Swift, even as it became uncool for him to like her publicly. This is a terrific debut novel that boys and girls would enjoy equally.
January 13, 2015
Well written, especially appealing for middle grade to junior high boys facing the changes that can occur in friendships when elementary friends move on. Nice to see a book for boys that addresses this common part of growing up. Quirky thirteen year old Tyson loves bears. When his beloved grandfather faces a health crisis...it is decided that Tyson and the grandfather will go out on an elk hunt. But watch out, a man eating grizzly is on the loose. What will happen to Tyson and Gene in the great outdoors???
April 8, 2015
Need something to recommend to fans of Gary Paulsen's HATCHET? This is a refreshingly honest "boy" tween novel, with Tyson describing a hunting trip with his gramps. There is a lot of depth - gramps needs to live in a nursing home, and Tyson is having trouble dealing with the change. This doesn't glorify guns or hunting but demonstrates respect for animals. A memorable, emotional adventure story.
August 10, 2015
This is a great coming of age book for boys. Tyson loves his gramps, but he doesn't realize how sick he is becoming right before their big elk hunt. Bright, Tyron's best friend is duping him left and right to be cool. It is a fast read for struggling readers and I think the boys will connect to Tyson easily.
June 17, 2015
Middle school boys will love this book! Action, adventure and a boy trying to figure out this whole growing up thing. Loved it!
February 4, 2017
This book started out so strong, and then, meh. I was promised bears, but 3/4 of the way through there still weren't any. It eventually lives up to its name, but not soon enough for me.
April 24, 2021
This was really cute. It seemed like the author really spent some time hunting and had a lot of solid first hand knowledge. We see our character grow, we see his struggle with killing a beautiful creature, but then the sheer excitement and joy as well.
I loved the relationship with his grandpa. I never really got have a relationship with my grandpa, and I try hard to make sure my kids get to have that relationship.
I really liked Tyson. I loved that goofy preteen that is so real in kids that age. They would totally play with plastic army men and pretend all day long if society still let them. Don't make your kids grow up too fast.
There were a couple of plot points that didn't add much. His relationship with his sister grew, but we never had a great starting place. His relationship with his dad never had any closure; he should have been honest and told his dad immediately when they showed up. True adulthood is taking responsibility for your actions, not kissing, not hunting, not "falling in love" (whatever THAT means to a 13 year old), responsibility is the cornerstone of being an adult.
Still, I fell for this book and really enjoyed it. Makes me want to go hunting with my kids.
I loved the relationship with his grandpa. I never really got have a relationship with my grandpa, and I try hard to make sure my kids get to have that relationship.
I really liked Tyson. I loved that goofy preteen that is so real in kids that age. They would totally play with plastic army men and pretend all day long if society still let them. Don't make your kids grow up too fast.
There were a couple of plot points that didn't add much. His relationship with his sister grew, but we never had a great starting place. His relationship with his dad never had any closure; he should have been honest and told his dad immediately when they showed up. True adulthood is taking responsibility for your actions, not kissing, not hunting, not "falling in love" (whatever THAT means to a 13 year old), responsibility is the cornerstone of being an adult.
Still, I fell for this book and really enjoyed it. Makes me want to go hunting with my kids.
February 24, 2023
I am still reading the book right now, but overall I am enjoying the story at the moment. The book talks about a boy named Tyson and his grandpa Gene. They have this family tradition where they go hunting, but for bears on the boy's 13th birthday. but unfortunately, Tyson's grandfather had got put into a nursing home by his father and was no longer able to go hunting like he wanted to. Tyson's father is not interested in letting/ and or even going hunting with his Grandfather, because he just has worked and just doesn't want Tyson to go with his grandfather in hopes of keeping him safe. While Tyson is struggling to go hunting with his grandfather he is also going through some of his own problems. He's also having problems with one of his close friends bright, distancing away from each other after bright joined the soccer team. Tyson is also having problems in school keeping his grades up and just trying to fight in. I can't wait to finish to see how it all ends......
November 15, 2019
Entering middle school on the losing end of a friendship with a guy who is striving for popularity, grades in a downward spiral, and the onset of his beloved grandfather’s illness, Tyson is feeling pretty low. When his grandfather’s illness causes his mother to cancel their much anticipated hunting trip, Tyson becomes increasingly depressed. But his grandfather, Gene, won’t join the rest of the world in letting him down. Off they go on a quest to hunt elk, but also to find meaning in their lives. This is an excellent realistic fiction novel to help underscore the importance of being true to yourself, as well as being loyal to the ones you love. Students will respond to Tyson’s quirky sense of humor and occasional language and innuendo.
February 11, 2018
Eighth grader, Tyson, who has a very close relationship with his grandfather, negotiates his way from being a boy into young adulthood. The relationships he has with his best friend and family members are changing, and he's interested in the new girl in school. He also wants to fulfill his lifelong desire to hunt with his grandfather now that he's almost a man, and prove that he has what it takes. This story is filled with heartfelt, funny and adventurous moments that are surprisingly action-packed. I "bear swear" you'll enjoy it!
July 29, 2017
Although I liked Tyler's relationship with his grandfather and it's always nice to see an unconventional storyline (in this case, a hunting trip), there was too much that fell flat. I didn't find Tyler's relationships with his sister or best friend nearly as genuine. Too many times in the story that I had to suspend disbelief. I kept reading because it was a quick read and I hoped it would improve.
September 7, 2020
I did not expect this book to be about the sport of hunting. I knew it was action/adventure because I've had several students tell me so over the years. I also did not realize it would be about the love between a grandson and his grandfather.... or friendship.... or first crushes.
But it was.
My students were right. This is a good book. The reader gets to watch the protagonist grow and mature.
It hits the spot with several of my students. It did with me.
But it was.
My students were right. This is a good book. The reader gets to watch the protagonist grow and mature.
It hits the spot with several of my students. It did with me.
September 5, 2021
Not bad at all. Quite nice to read, actually. However, I feel like the plot and overall concept of the book is a bit overused these days. Like, "rebel son goes rogue by taking his best friend (which happens to be his grandfather) on a daring trip". Oh and you can't forget the part where the whole point is being terrified because your life is threatened. I'm sure if the concept wasn't so hyped up, I would've liked it a tad bit more.
May 29, 2017
Is it ever OK to lie? This story provides a platform for that discussion, and almost had me believing there are often circumstances in which it could be forgiven. It took a couple chapters to get me interested, but the suspense, humor, and realistic struggles with family (including an aging grandparent) and friends were woven together into a story I couldn't put down.
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