Breaking Boxes

Rating:
Summary: One of the best young adult books out there!
Review: Breaking Boxes is a very touching story that I think many teens can relate to. In this book you get introduced to Charlie Calmont, and his older brother Trent. They live in a poor section of town, but that's alright with Charlie because he's never really had many friends. Then, at school the rich kids start picking on him, he ends up getting into a fight and is sent to the office. He and Brandon, who was also in the fight, get in school suspension. Before either one realizes what is happening they become friends. Charlie gets a little experience about the world Brandon has to live in and vice versa. Brandon starts to give him rides in his silver Corvette and never stops to ask questions when Charlie waves at this little blonde kid on the corner of his block. He and Brandon become close enough that Charlie reveals his deepest secret about Trent to him, and Brandon turns away. One last fight at school brings them back together again, and makes Charlie realize that he does actually care about things.

Rating:
Summary: A powerful, unflinching look at some tough teen issues
Review: Charlie is such a wonderful character -- he reminds me so much of what it was like to be a teenage boy, while at the same time he is so complex and interesting...a study in contrasts at times, which makes him so more real for the reader. I like the way he gathers his inner resources to cope with challenges on his own....I know YA books these days are supposed to provide the reader with everything right down to 1-800 helplines -- but this book is much more realistic than that, which is one reason it is so good. Because so often in life there IS no help that is readily available or even apparent, and it is through dealing with these challenges that a person's inner strength is grown and matured.

I am astonished at A.M. Jenkins's ability -- especially as a first-time author -- to get into this character's head so perfectly. I also love the interplay between Charlie, his brother Trent, and Charlie's new friend, Chase. An emotional, satisfying read!

Rating:
Summary: It was something...
Review: I thought it was nice, and only nice, mind you. It wasn't that the writing was bad. Heaven's no- the writing was brilliant, for god's sake, that was the best part! However, the book beside the writing- meaning the plot, the charactors, the setting- was a little on the boring side for my taste and I'm only saying that because the book is somewhat long and yet nothing really interesting happens, but don't let something silly like that stop you from reading it.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: This book is just amazing! Its a book anyone can releated to. The charaters are very real and intresting.This book will put a smile on your face after reading and you will never get bored of reading it.The content is very well written. A job well done by A. M. Jenkins.This book is a must for every teen out there.