Beat The Band

Reader: David L
Age: 17
Title: Beat The Band
Author: Don Calame
Publisher: Candlewick
Publish Date:
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: It's funny, creative, and up to date. It feels like it's written by someone who just got out of high school--that's how much realism the book has.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The witty banter. The main character is an amazing liar and his quick comebacks and fibs make the book worth reading.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I was not disappointed with this book. The writing may not have been utterly stellar, but the author made up for the fact that occasionally it sounded like a "Ramona" book by keeping it light, real, funny, etc. It's also really a great book for male readers. Most books seem to be directed at girls, but Don Calame does a great job of getting inside the teenage boy's mind.
Comments: I love how the narrator doesn't linger on things, beating himself up, etc. I also love how he has to answer for some of his lies at the end, and above all, I love his rock and roll attitude. I wish it carried through more near the end of the book, although it's also neat how he develops and loses some of his arrogance.
Cover: I liked the cover. It was a little garish, but a drum set reflects the contents as well as anything else. The rock lettering is awesome.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal