The author of What Lane? and Tight delivers a fast-paced read that packs a punch about a boy figuring out how to best use his hands—to build or to knock down.
Trev would do anything to protect his mom and sisters, especially from his stepdad. But his stepdad’s return stresses Trev—because when he left, he threatened Trev’s mom. Rather than live scared, Trev takes matters into his own hands, literally. He starts learning to box to handle his stepdad. But everyone isn’t a fan of his plan, because Trev’s a talented artist, and his hands could actually help him build a better future. And they’re letting him know. But their advice for some distant future feels useless in his reality right now. Ultimately, Trev knows his future is in his hands, and his hands are his own, and he has to choose how to use them.---from the publisher
144 pages 978-0593323793 Ages 10-13
Keywords: boys and men, family life, boxing, stepdad, domestic violence, physical abuse, artist, 10 year old, 11 year old, 12 year old, 13 year old
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“When someone makes you slip
And you wanna bruise their lip
Use a word (Use a word!)
When someone grabs your book
And you go for your left hook
Use a word (Use a word!)
– Red Grammer (1986)
“Jess: ‘Ma said he shook a fist near her face. Threatened to clock her. And threatening became his thing when he couldn’t win with words.’
‘He ever put his fist in your face?” I ask.
Jess: No! Ma wouldn’t let him. She said she’d die before she let that happen!’
Jess shares why the big fight started. ‘They were arguing about you, Trev. Dad told Ma, “You raising him soft.” I know because I’d eavesdrop at their bedroom door when they argued. Dad barked, “I tried teaching him to box and he was all whiny. No. I don’t want to throw a punch. I don’t want to hurt anybody.”’ Jess eyes me now. ‘Did that really happen?’
I feel guilty and nod. ‘Yeah.’
Jess sucks her teeth. ‘Anyway. Their fight got louder–and I don’t know why, but he snapped. He must've lifted his fist because she said, “I’m NOT scared of YOU!” Then BOOM! Everything went too quiet.’
I think back to the cop car, to my stepdad’s promise that he’d get her back for calling the cops on him.
And that night, as Ma iced her puffy eye, I made a promise through my salty tears, deep in my heart:
On my life…
On my mom’s…
On my sisters’...
He won't ever hit Ma again.
Never.
Watch.”
Trevor’s ex-con stepdad violated his parole when he punched Trevor’s mom in the face. He was given two years back in jail for having done so.
The story soon jumps forward to the last weeks of those two years. Now Trevor is twelve and he’s shot up to nearly six feet. What will happen when his stepfather is released?
Trevor had once been a little kid who used his hands to draw his beloved superheroes. Back then, the adults around him had agreed that he had talent. Promise. But in the wake of his mother’s assault, Trevor seeks out the skills to fight, in order to physically protect his mom and sisters. The power to take matters into his own hands and deck his stepfather, if need be.
As the clock ticks down to his stepfather’s release, we wonder whether Trevor will keep up his grades and return to what, all agree, is his talent for drawing. Or will he find himself falling through the cracks into the unwelcome focus of law enforcement?
Given the many caring adult characters who urge him to walk the high road, particularly his so-called “uncles” in the neighborhood, the author demonstrates the mantra about it taking a village to raise a child.
Full of heart and wisdom, HANDS is a superb coming-of-age tale for tween and teens. Told from Trevor’s perspective in crisp one-to-two-page chapters, it’s a perfect fit for reluctant readers and a must-have for middle school libraries.
Recommended by: Richie Partington, MLIS
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