Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Sixth grader Jay Weaver is shocked when his family moves to Boston, uprooting him, once again, when all he wants to do is settle in with friends and navigate middle school. As he adjusts to his new environment and changing family dynamics, he also undergoes the conventional trials of adolescence. The story reflects universal coming-of-age themes that will resonate with readers from all walks of life.
Prose: Wesslen skillfully transports readers into a teenager's mind, exploring the angst, elation, and drudgery that often accompany adolescence. The prose convinces, painting a stirring portrayal of growing up—and the challenges that go with it.
Originality: Jay's efforts at building trust within an unfamiliar community, in the middle of a school year, will resonate with readers, as will the rites of passage he experiences in the context of the narrative.
Character/Execution: Readers will easily connect with Jay and recognize his growth as the story develops. Wesslen depicts his challenges and triumphs with authenticity, and the supporting cast advances Jay's maturation as well.
Date Submitted: August 15, 2024
