On Thin Ice

Ked's life just seems to be getting worse every day.  His mom left years ago looking for better opportunities on the other side of the country.  Ked and his dad live in a Maine town on the edge of failing.  His dad barely brings home enough from factory job to cover the rent, and there is no guarantee he won't gamble it all away. 

Ked's lost his friend's over the years, and the last one just abandoned him to eat alone in the cafeteria.  He tries to tell himself it's no big deal, he doesn't really mind, he saw this coming.  When he was diagnosed with kyphosis, he thought things would be ok.  After all, it took years before he even noticed the curving of his spine, but once it started, the damage intensified quickly.  Now the hump on his back is so bad, he can't really fit normal sized clothes.  Not only are all his friends gone, but he is also the obvious target for bullies at school.

When he finds out his dad gambled their rent money, and they are about to be homeless, Ked takes a risk of his own.  He decides to buy a pocket bike in poor condition, rebuild it, and sell it for a profit.  If he can fix it in time and make enough money, he might be able to save their home, but it's not going to be easy.

This new book by Michael Northrop is good in a lot of ways.  It has a child with a disability that is often not represented and plays to the kids who are mechanically inclined.  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.  The conclusion is wrapped up a little too neatly, as well.  I'm not sure how many 7th graders have the maturity to see beyond themselves and recognize the "person beneath the surface."  I'm also not sure how many bullies would have such a quick turn around.  I'm interested to get a student's perspective on this one.