Dustin's Debut

Rating:
Summary: Dustin feels compelled to plan his future
Review: An 8th grader, Dustin Davis is growing up fast in an uncertain world. His father is an accomplished surgeon and Dustin feels the pressure to live up to his father's expectations. Dustin feels compelled to plan his future and excel at everything his father does so well -- including flying. Just when Dustin is certain that his life is finally on tack with great friends, a cute girlfriend, and a possible career track, his personal world comes crashing down around in him in an unexpected instant and the future of several people's lives are in his hands. Charley Scholl's Dustin's Debut is a superbly written, contemporary, and highly recommend young adult novel that is totally engaging from first page to last!

Rating:
Summary: A terrific read -- Highly recommended
Review: Only in the eighth grade, Dustin Davis has the kind of life most kids only dream about. He has a beautiful girl friend, terrific parents, and a tolerable sister. He knows he wants to be a doctor when he grows up, although he hasn't a clue what area he'll specialize in. Dustin even knows how to fly because for two years his father has been teaching him. Resourceful, intelligent, he's got it all'and it's a good thing, because all of his gifts will unexpectedly be put to a challenge of a lifetime when he and his family go on a skiing vacation in the Colorado mountains.

From raising two teens of my own, I can't help be astounded at how carefully one might plan his life to how another might not have a plan in the world. Dustin, however, has the most single-minded plan for his life that I've yet to encounter. He knows he is, where he's going and what he wants to do when he gets there. He also has the skills and talents to accomplish his desires. Yet Dustin proves that even the best laid plans can unexpectedly go by the wayside. As he rises to the challenge, he also proves that a well-prepared teen can accomplish almost anything. A delightful read, DUSTIN'S DEBUT comes highly recommended.