Nothing But The Truth
Author:
Genres: Children's Books, Teen & Young Adult
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Author:
Genres: Children's Books, Teen & Young Adult
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Helpful Score: 1
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
It seems simple. Tell the truth. But what is the truth? NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH by Avi is a book that will have you questioning what is true at every turn.
Philip Malloy is a 9th-grader who learns about truth the hard way. An avid track runner, he is hoping to try out for the high school track team. He knows he has the support of his parents and is even hoping they will chip in to help him purchase some new shoes to start the season.
Unfortunately, Philip is about to receive some bad news - his English grade. It doesn't surprise him when the coach calls him into his office for a little talk. Word of his excellent performance on the middle school team must have made its way to the high school coach. What he isn't expecting is the lecture he gets about his English grade. He has a D in Miss Narwin's class, and according to the school handbook, that makes him ineligible. He can't even try out for the team.
What happens next involves Philip's misguided attempt to fix the problem. The solution is simple. Just find a way to get out of Miss Narwin's class, hopefully get a better grade with a different teacher, all before his parents and even his friends find out. Instead, Philip ends up creating a situation that involves the teacher, the administration, his parents, a neighbor, the local newspaper, and eventually people from across the country.
Written in script form, with bits and pieces from Philip's diary, as well as letters and memos written by staff members at the high school, NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH explores what happens if one person manipulates the truth. The far-reaching consequences will amaze readers and remind them that our actions impact the lives of others. What begins as a harmless attempt to withhold information ends up changing an entire community.
I use this novel in my 8th-grade classroom. Given the script format, students are able to take parts and read it aloud. It provides subject matter for some intense discussions not only about truth, but also about the ethical behavior of many of the characters. I would recommend this book for classroom use, book discussions, or general reading pleasure.
It seems simple. Tell the truth. But what is the truth? NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH by Avi is a book that will have you questioning what is true at every turn.
Philip Malloy is a 9th-grader who learns about truth the hard way. An avid track runner, he is hoping to try out for the high school track team. He knows he has the support of his parents and is even hoping they will chip in to help him purchase some new shoes to start the season.
Unfortunately, Philip is about to receive some bad news - his English grade. It doesn't surprise him when the coach calls him into his office for a little talk. Word of his excellent performance on the middle school team must have made its way to the high school coach. What he isn't expecting is the lecture he gets about his English grade. He has a D in Miss Narwin's class, and according to the school handbook, that makes him ineligible. He can't even try out for the team.
What happens next involves Philip's misguided attempt to fix the problem. The solution is simple. Just find a way to get out of Miss Narwin's class, hopefully get a better grade with a different teacher, all before his parents and even his friends find out. Instead, Philip ends up creating a situation that involves the teacher, the administration, his parents, a neighbor, the local newspaper, and eventually people from across the country.
Written in script form, with bits and pieces from Philip's diary, as well as letters and memos written by staff members at the high school, NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH explores what happens if one person manipulates the truth. The far-reaching consequences will amaze readers and remind them that our actions impact the lives of others. What begins as a harmless attempt to withhold information ends up changing an entire community.
I use this novel in my 8th-grade classroom. Given the script format, students are able to take parts and read it aloud. It provides subject matter for some intense discussions not only about truth, but also about the ethical behavior of many of the characters. I would recommend this book for classroom use, book discussions, or general reading pleasure.
