katyjean81's reviews
1318 reviews

This book was an amazing insight into the lives of students at International schools. It was occasionally a touch sensationalist, but I hesitate to say that because anyone who hasn't worked or learned in this environment might think that the drugs, murders, and nightlife described are unrealistic. They are very realistic. I would be interested to hear some reflections on this book from someone who has lived in Mexico City, to see if it is culturally relevant. My guess is, yes. Speaking from the point of view of someone who lived in Sao Paulo for three years teaching these kids, I think the cultural schizophrenia students go through as they shift from country to country is exceptionally well portrayed. And the parent child relationships are spot on. Maids, Nannies and drivers often do most of the work and will do what you want for money. I really enjoyed this book and it made me sentimental for Sao Paulo, particularly that strange feeling you get as you are transitioning between cultures. Of course, the author attended an International School in Mexico for two years, so it should eb this well done.

Well, this book came highly recommended, but it was just all right. There were funny bits, but unlike Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, I had a hard time visualizing these characters and really getting engaged. Funny, and pretty silly.

This book ended up on my reading list when I told my field experience supervisor that I needed a little more knowledge about middle gardes literature. My children's lit course felt like it focused on the younger end and the majority of my YA lit course was on books which wouldn't serve a seventh grader too well, particularly one which might not be too interested in reading.

Other than the absolutely terrible cover art (and I don't know how this happens, as Dan Gutman is a popular author) the book itself is pretty good. Number one, the true focus on sports is excellent. There is a detailed discussion of how to be truly successful at shooting a free throw, which I think would be really interesting to a middle school pre-teen more interested in sports than reading. Two, the author deals nicely with the idea of romance in middle school. It's floating there on the periphery, but it's not actually happening. They're just worrying about it. The two featured families are single parent families and they live in a trailer park. I think the book deals realistically with the idea of big corporations keeping down the small towns which they often completely employ. And the main character is easy to like, funny and feels like a kid you might know in your middle school.

I vote yes for The Million Dollar Shot. My field experience supervisor says that this book is a guaranteed thumbs up for any kid who likes sports. I am inclined to agree and am glad I've read it so I can hand it to someone on Monday!