Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published A hard but compelling read, the protagonist is going though a tough time and the author does not white wash the situation: bullying, gambling, separated parents, and a rare disorder that would be embarrassing for anyone let alone someone in middle school. Today they number just 22,000. In addition, Ked has been living with a rare spinal deformation that he feels is making him social repellent in addition to the school bully's favorite target. As his father places all his bets on predicting when the ice will break, Ked comes up with his own money-making scheme. Her mother is a shell of the person she used to be and Brooke feels totally on her own in this hockey-obsessed town. Summary: Because 300 years of issues don't just disappear, no matter how much magic you have. Solid teen voice, and plenty of details about rebuilding an engine and using a makerspace. Ked Eakin is coping with more than his share of misfortune - a father with a gambling problem, an absent mother, a progressive spinal condition that causes him to have a large "hump" on his back, fading friendships and 7th grade bullies, for starters - but more urgent than all of that is making rent. It discusses loss and the struggle of mental health, the power of finding your voice and speaking up. Brooke and Jake share a terrible secret: Jake takes the fall for a near fatal drowning during a hazing incident for the freshman hockey players on their high school team. He knows it's because of his spinal deformity, which is getting worse. But when things don't work out, he comes up with a foolhardy plan and almost loses his life. Did not finish - made it about halfway. I was extremely proud of the way the young people in this story banded together to try to fight the corruption and unethical behavior of their coaching staff. In spite of its name, no one in the tiny troubled hamlet of Nanurtalik "the place with polar b This was a slow start for me, but once I hit the halfway point, it was hard to put down. I'm also not. I really loved and appreciated this book and am glad to feature it on our upcoming podcast. Middle Grade Retellings of Classic Novels, New African American Histories and Biographies to Read Now. His father only works part time, and his mother has left the family because of the father's gambling. He decides to make his own gamble to try to improve his situation, but the odds are against him all on his own with a bully constantly dogging him. Not only has he watched his friends leave him, one by one, due to their awareness of his physical differences, caused by kyphosis, a spinal abnormality that leaves him almost with a hunched back, but his mother has abandoned the family to move to Portland, Oregon, for a new life. (Or how a near death experience that isn't his breaks Jack, and Aster can't help but try to fix him.) Great book with a great message about perseverance. The other couples in the other books do show up in this one, and I liked them so much I will probably go back and read the other ones. After being held in a van for three days by her kidnapper, Levi Brooks, Beth managed to escape, and until he is captured, she's got to get away. “ [E]verything you subtract adds up,” 12-year-old Ked Eakins—aka “Freakins”—remarks, summarizing his life till seventh grade. We’d love your help. Instead of a hockey romance this is about bullying, harrassment, and standing up for what is right. I think of a cold uncomfortable rough situation. Joining the new girl’s hockey team means she’s seeing a lot more of Jake and her determination to keep her head down and just get by doesn’t seem to be working. Thin Ice A Mystery (Book) : Shelton, Paige : First in a new series set in Alaska from beloved cozy author Paige Shelton, Thin Ice will chill your bones. Can he find a way to raise the rent money? The progress made by the characters over the arc of the novel is hopeful but not unbelievable – Ked eventually makes headway with some friends, even changing the dynamic with his bully, but it’s not entirely a fairy tale ending. Now Ked learns that his father has gambled most of their rent money and they might be homeless soon. More than just a heart-stopping adventure narrative, however, On Thin Ice offers an intimate and haunting look at the rapidly changing face of the Arctic due to global climate change. I was completely obsessed with this book from page one. With her mother’s downward spiral into depression Brooke turns to hockey to take her mind of her troubles and joins the brand new girls hockey team. Being poor is like always being in math class.”. Some themes, like the bully and dysfunctional family, have become commonplace in middle grade books, but he throws in some new and interesting twists. In recent years climate science has come under increasing attack, so concerned geologist Simon Lamb grabbed his camera and set out to explore the inside story of climate research. On Thin Ice An Epic Final Quest Into the Melting Arctic (Book) : Larsen, Eric : In March 2014, Eric Larsen and Ryan Waters set out to traverse nearly 500 miles across the melting Arctic Ocean, unsupported, from Northern Ellesmere Island to the geographic North Pole. Kristi Housman Confessions of a YA Reader, Beverly Jenkins Is Romance's Tough Pioneer—and Its Queen. This story is suitable for young adults. I kind of devoured it. My issue was that I felt like I was missing some info. We are made by history.” So, this January, as we celebrate Martin Luther King... To see what your friends thought of this book, Ked’s story, though very specific in its use of the rare medical condition kyphosis and a host of family issues, will speak to many readers through its themes of family, friendship, and struggling to fit in. :) I read it in a couple of segments between visiting classes at the local middle school (where I was giving booktalks). Each book in the series features a different McGregor brother. The characters are nuanced and relatable, and the various crises they are dealing with sucked me right in. Ashley Anowiak is in search of a murderous polar bear that may be real or mythical. Known to the world as thriller author Elizabeth Fairchild, she had become the subject of a fanatic's obsession. This book also shows how little things can have big impacts like the hump that grew on his back which led to him becoming self-conscious and also led him to stop hanging out with his friends. Told with sensitivity, this well written novel will not disappoint readers who like books by this author as well as those tackling difficult issues. Police Chief Jesse Stone finds himself in trouble with the Town Council when he inadvertently becomes involved in a shoot-out on a Boston street. The conclusion is wrapped up a little too neatly, as well. Julie Cross is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author of New Adult and Young Adult fiction, including the Tempest series, a young adult science fiction trilogy which includes Tempest, Vortex, Timestorm (St. Martin's Press). This is my first Michael Northrop book. Ice hockey, scintillating romance, heartbreaking family troubles, strong friendship and a soul searching story about standing up for what’s right, On Thin Ice has all the pieces to create a captivating story which I devoured. When you think of “thin ice”, what thoughts come to mind? In the city of Juniper Falls hockey reigns supreme. Not only has he watched his friends leave him, one by one, due to their awareness of his physical differences, caused by kyphosis, a spinal abnormality that leaves him almost with a hunched back, but his mother has abandoned the family to move to Portland, Oregon, for a new life. Directed by Jason Christ, Todd Tevlin. I read book one in this series and felt that the middle dragged out a bit, that was 100% not the case with this book. I'll admit I'm definitely not the audience for this book, but it was still well written and would resonate with a lot of middle schoolers. Known to the world as thriller author Elizabeth Fairchild, she had become the subject of a fanatic's obsession. The conclusion is wrapped up a little too neatly, as well. The only thing for certain is that what she discovers will change her life - and her community's - forever. After being held in a van for three days by her kidnapper, Levi Brooks, Beth managed to escape, and until he is captured, she's got to get away. This story is a great example of this. It's not just that his home life has changed dramatically, either. When you think of “thin ice”, what thoughts come to mind? by Scholastic. I have read book one, Buried Secrets, and have really enjoyed both books in the series. A middle grade book about a boy trying to help his father make ends meet. I think people who like heart-warming feel-good books will like this book because it shows how even though Ked isn't in a good place in his life he still moves on and persevere. Although the hazing incident was successfully covered up and scandal was averted, Jake decides that he cannot remain silent any longer and his teammates rally behind him. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. The school bully is after him, a lump on his back has made him a social outcast, and his last remaining friend recently abando... see all LIST PRICE $7.95 I just found it a difficult to swallow that a kid with no experience rebuilding an engine could get it right on the first try. Now, I'm not complaining about spending all day reading, I'm just saying I wasn't expecting it. Jake Hammond, captain of the Varsity boys hockey team, finds himself on the wrong side of the law when a 100 year old hockey tradition goes wrong. Brooke was such a strong character. Not a quick YA read, despite the quick nature of the plot. The author makes it clear just how desperate certain circumstances can make individuals, prompting them to behave in ways they never would have otherwise. I would recommend this to most middle school kids. Refresh and try again. Even Ked, maybe especially Ked, realizes that his assumptions about his friends just might not be true, after all. ON THIN ICE's original cover. Ked Eakins aka Freakins just lost his last lunch buddy. All Hollywood movies (and even most so-called "independent" films) that reach the public have budgets in the millions of dollars. Brooke’s life has fallen apart and she’s been uprooted from Texas to her grandmother’s home in Juniper Falls. I believe the author chose “Thin Ice” as the title of this story because it represents the struggles of the main character Ked. We’d love your help. So, if you, like me, are on the fence about it being the third book in a series you haven't read yet? His father has a gambling addiction and his job has been reduced to part-time. They were, however, effective at pushing the plot toward a highly satisfying exposure of the town's toxic hockey culture. “On Thin Ice,” like a number of his books, includes excerpt-stuffed sections that ride the line between history and anthology. On Thin Ice (Book) : Krulik, Nancy E. : In two stories, a magic wind changes Katie Carew into Olympic skating star Kerry Gaffigan, and then into Kerry's boyfriend, a famous snowboarder who … He is bullied at school and his mother has left him and his father. Ice hockey, scintillating romance, heartbreaking family troubles, strong friendship and a soul searching story about standing up for what’s right, On Thin Ice has all the pieces to create a captivating story which I devoured. She's also the author of Letters to Nowhere series, Whatever Life Throws at You, Third Degree, Halfway Perfect, and many more to come! What made this one even better was the depth of the story and the topics is touched on that I wasnt expecting. Welcome back. Known to the world as thriller author Elizabeth Fairchild, she had become the subject of a fanatic's obsession. On Thin Ice Book Summary and Study Guide. Known to the world as thriller author Elizabeth Fairchild, she had become the subject of a fanatic's obsession. On Thin Ice is a relatable read for many middle-grade kids in different ways. What would he be willing t. Ked used to have friends, but then he discovered that he had a progressive spinal disorder and as his body began to bend his friends slowly backed away (or did he?). and lower middle school children that highlights differences. Pretty good YA book. What can Ked do? It’s no secret, I’m totally in love with Julie Cross’s books. I've seen some complaints about it being too mechanical in regards to the tinkering with the motorbike, but I don't think those chapters detracted from the overall story at all. I'm interested to get a student's perspective on this one. Beth Rivers is on the run - she's doing the only thing she could think of to keep herself safe. I didn't read the previous 2 books, but I feel like this book should have stood on its own. Well done Julie Cross, this was a great read. It's not just that his home life has changed dramatically, either. I loved the ending and the imperfections of all the characters. But the path to success is thwarted by his nemesis, Landrover Jones, who picks on him because of his back and just because he can. It has Ellis' trademarks of thorough research (there is a typical Ellis bibliography, running 26 pages) and good writing. Thin Ice is a great addition to the Men of Valor series, but can be read as a stand alone novel, as well. I thought I was getting into a sweet, YA romance that would deal with some harder things (the blurb does mention a hazing thing gone wrong), but mostly skirt over the real issue and ultimately end up being a quick read. Julie Cross scores a hat trick with the third book in the Juniper Falls series, ON THIN ICE. Imogen St Pierre is a musical prodigy, a classical pianist touring the international concert halls in a trio with her father and grandfather. They don't have our best interests in mind when they make decisions......" So very, very true when the future of our young athletes can be ruined on the whim of the coaching staff. Known to the world as thriller author Elizabeth Fairchild, she had become the subject of a fanatic's obsession. Joining the new girl’s hockey team means she’s seeing a lot more of Jake and her determination to keep her head down and just get by doesn’t. And the note inside claims she is still alive. Ked Eakins is dreading middle school. This wasnt just another YA romance where new girl meets handsome popular boy and they live happily ever after. I was extremely proud of the way the young people in this story banded together to try to fight the corruption and unethical behavior of their coaching staff. Start by marking “On Thin Ice (Juniper Falls #3)” as Want to Read: Error rating book. Julie Cross continues her Juniper Falls series with On Thin Ice, a young adult, sports romance that perfectly blends first love angst, a dash suspense and a sprinkle of exciting hockey. School is suddenly no longer a safe haven, his former best friends have abandoned him, and his dad has gambled away their rent. Beth Rivers is on the run - she's doing the only thing she could think of to keep herself safe. “I'm always really interested in what books people are reading here. This story involves pain and regret. Sometimes our challenges are visible, and sometimes they aren't. What made this one even better was the depth of the story and the topics is touched on that I wasnt expecting. He knows it's because of his spinal deformity, which is getting worse. Some readers may not know much about engines, but Northrup maintains a careful balance between educating readers on the main components, to illustrate the hard work that Ked does in rebuilding it, without becoming boring or too technical. On Thin Ice is the romantic and sensational third book in the Juniper Falls series. Based on a true story. I had read and enjoyed the other books in this series, so I was pretty much in from the beginning. It finds a way to move the romance along but in a way that the other morals and lessons go by the wayside. So I decided to give it a go. I would hand this one to 5th-7th graders for sure. Of course, she also never expected to lose her dad. In fact, it wasn't until the very end when I put together which couples the previous books revolved around. So just know that there is some darkness in here that isn't shown in the blurb. The conversational text employs authentic dialog and pop culture references, such as Star Wars and superheroes, that will appeal to middle grade readers; using a first-person narrative structure gives kids a window into what it’s like to be shunned by the majority of your classmates for a ph. It’s also a novel that I’ve been highly anticipating ever since finishing Breaking the Ice last year. The protagonist is bright but vulnerable, and is able to examine the greater implications of his actions. This is an engaging, moving, and sympathetic story. Patsy McCartle is a widow with two sons trying to gather all the money she has to pay for her car, bills, and her son's medication, all of which she can barely afford. The polar bear is the largest modern land predator, albeit one that spends significant time in the water and depends on the marine food web. Thin Ice A Mystery (Book) : Shelton, Paige : Beth Rivers is on the run - she's doing the only thing she could think of to keep herself safe. When he finds out that his dad is months behind on rent and counting on a bet to be able to pay up, Ked takes matters into his own hands and steals money from his dad to buy a Road Rokkit minibike that he plans to fix up and sell. When his family is in danger of being evicted from their home, Ked takes matters into his own hands by stealing money, making some deals, and utilizing his library and school makerspace. Urgent and stirring, On Thin Ice is both a celebration and a rallying cry on behalf of one of earth’s greatest natural treasures. This book also shows how little things can have big impacts like the hump that grew. [They do have sex, but it is not described past the point that the author states that they are having sex, and the male is putting on a condom. I haven’t read the other books in the series, but I still think this is a standalone. Northrop, Michael. Michael Northrop is the New York Times bestselling author of 13 books for kids and teens, including the middle-grade adventure series TombQuest and the hit graphic novel, “I run through the figures one more time in my head. Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought Thin Ice Irene Hannon Book Summary: After losing her parents in a car accident and her sister to a house fire, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. After being held in a van for three days by her kidnapper, Levi Brooks, Beth managed to escape, and until he is captured, she's got to get away. For a small investment and much labor, he buys a minibike that needs to be reconstructed, and plans to sell it. I had no problem connecting with Brooke and Jake's story, and didn't feel like I was missing any puzzle pieces. The whole story was interesting and move along nicely. The short chapters move the book along quickly and keep the reader engaged. It has a child with a disability that is often not represented and plays to the kids who are mechanically inclined. The Amazon Book Review Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. This was an interesting read. Detailed plot synopsis reviews of On Thin Ice; Berkley, Oct 2004, 5.99, 256 pp. Her only way of recovery rests in the hands of her children. All of these are interwoven with hockey and a town where boys hockey takes center stage. What can Ked do? In this book, the main character has a hump on his back and is just trying to belong. Ked’s story, though very specific in its use of the rare medical condition kyphosis and a host of family issues, will speak to many readers through its themes of family, friendship, and struggling to fit in. 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