Slacker

Reviewed by: Laurel T Parker - Windham Public Library, Windham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

Video gamer Cameron Boxer seeks to make amends with his parents after a household disaster. In short chapters of alternating voices (his, his best friends, the school guidance counselor, other students) the story of a club that doesn't exist is revealed and takes on a power of its own. The fight to help save their town brings factions together as no one had dreamed possible. With lots of middle school drama and the jealousy of a few high schoolers, this rollicking good read develops characters that are fully realized, explores how friendships wax and wane, and how things can take on a life of their own, totally unexpected by those who create them. The gamer aspect is well drawn and realistic.

Overall Book Score: very good