Crash by Jerry Spinelli Date of Publication: 1996 ISBN: 0440238579 Number of Pages: 162

REQUIRED READING ABILITY: Junior: Average Intermediate: Low/Average
GENRES: Realism
THEMES : Family - Prejudice - Loyalty - Coming of Age - Survival - Isolation

SUMMARY:
Crash Coogan is destined to be a football star. He got his nickname by knocking over everything in his path when he was a toddler, and it's stuck. He loves to run, and he's a true jock's jock.

One day, a weird little kid named Penn moves onto Crash's street, and he quickly becomes Crash's nemesis. Nothing Crash does seems to deter Penn from wanting to be Crash's buddy, and this continues throughout the years. Even when Mike and the rest of Crash's gang torment Penn in a constant attack of bullying, Penn just smiles and perseveres with being nice.

When Crash's beloved grandfather "Scooter" moves in with them, Crash is thrilled. Scooter cheers him on at games and makes the busy house feel like a home. When the girl he likes picks Penn over him, however, Crash's world is rocked, and when Scooter suffers a stroke, he is further shaken. When Penn gives up his most valuable possession in the hope it can make Scooter well, Crash really starts to think about what he's become and what's really important to him. When Mike plans the ultimate trick on Penn, Crash is forced to decide where he stands...and learns that sometimes the best lessons in life come from losing...

WHO WOULD LOVE THIS BOOK? A kid who...
-likes Jerry Spinelli
- enjoys books with shorter chapters and first person narrative
- enjoys underdog tales
- has been bullied
- is obsessed with football
- has a close relationship with a grandparent

WHAT ELSE?
This book won numerous awards and blends humour with realistic characters, poignant moments, and a powerful message.

RELATED LINK:
The author’s website is www.jerryspinelli.com