If you are looking for a good book for yourself or a young person in your life, check out this great list at the SCBWI Book Stop. The page I created for Inside Hudson Pickle is here, if you want to take a look. Happy Reading!!
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House Arrest
Title: House Arrest
Author: K.A. Holt
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Reviewer: Yolanda Ridge
ISBN: 978-1452156484
This middle grade novel in verse is about a seventh grader who’s been put under house arrest after stealing a wallet to help pay for his brother’s care. This is just the beginning of how Timothy shows his love for his 9-month-old brother, Levi, who was born with serious health issues that require expensive medication, a trach tube to help him breathe, and full-time nursing care.
To avoid juvie, Timothy must check in with his probation officer and meet with a therapist who both read the journal he’s been assigned to write by the judge. Through Timothy’s entries, which are divided by seasons, we see the family’s financial challenges, the worsening of Levi’s condition, and how Timothy’s Dad leaving has affected them all.
It might sound heavy but the author provides moments of humour and supporting characters that give hope and support. Timothy’s unwavering love for his brother, and fierce need to protect him, lead him to make some though choices – some good and some bad – and leave the reader to decide whether the means justify the ends (in this case breaking the law to save a life).
I’m a bit late in reviewing House Arrest, which was published in 2015. But I’m hoping for a follow up book told from the perspective of Levi when he reaches 12-years-old. It’s not that Timothy and Levi’s story is incomplete. It’s just that I loved this novel so much that I want more. K.A. Holt if you’re reading – pretty, pretty please!?!
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Thanks
I’m still flying high from the success of Inside Hudson Pickle‘s book launch and want to share a summary of the event from the Rossland News.
This will be my last post about Hudson before going into hibernation with my current work-in-progress. Thank-you so much for all your support. One last request: if you (or the children in your life) liked Hudson’s story, please consider leaving a review on Goodreads and/or Chapters and/or Amazon… wherever you buy books. You don’t have to say much (or anything at all) but leaving a few stars will really help others find the book. Thank-you!!
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Hudson’s Book Launch!!
Photo Credit Lesley Chisholm
I am so grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate the launch of Inside Hudson Pickle. There was a basketball shooting competition, real firefighting gear to try on, dill pickle chips to enjoy, a short reading from the book and… cake!! Thanks for your support, Rossland!
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Cynsations Guest Post
In this guest post for Cynsations, one of my favourite blogs for writers, readers, teachers, librarians, and lovers of children’s books, I talk about the process of creating Inside Hudson Pickle and the challenges of writing from the perspective of a 12-year-old boy. If you get a chance to read it, please leave a comment to let me know what you think!
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Hudson is one week old!
It may not be a significant milestone but it’s still a good reason to eat cake! And also share some more photos sent to me by readers. Thanks for your support! I hope you are all enjoying the story!
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LAUNCH DAY!!
Welcome to the world, Hudson! Keep those photos coming – I love seeing my book in the wild! Thanks for your support, everyone!
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Nerdy Book Club
Totally awesome to see my list of books featuring characters with a genetic condition on the Nerdy Book Club! Check it out! Great for teachers creating reading lists for the upcoming school year. Hope everyone is enjoying a great summer. It is going too fast for me!
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The Knight Agency
Big news – I am now represented by Kristy Hunter of the Knight Agency! It was announced in their monthly newsletter, which also includes a great article Writing to Trend vs. Writing for the Market by Kristy’s co-agent, Nephele Tempest. I’m looking forward to working with this dynamic team!
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