Putting her body in motion before her brain is in gear creates a mountain of problems for 12 year-old Ginnie West. She is certain that defending her twin brother, Toran, from the biggest bully in sixth grade was the right thing to do. But Ginnie couldn’t be more wrong. She quickly figures out that Toran doesn’t appreciate being rescued by a girl any better than Pierce likes being knocked down by one. When Pierce seeks revenge on Ginnie, Toran sets aside his anger and helps her plot a playback prank at Pierce’s house. Sadly, Ginnie learns that Pierce has a reason for being a bully when she sees his dad drop him to the floor like a ragdoll with one awful blow to the chest. Realizing he’s a boy in big trouble, Ginnie decides to be his ally, even if he won’t let her be his friend.
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Sexual Content - 0/5
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Violence - 3/5
3/5
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Language - 0/5
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Drugs and Alcohol - 0/5
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Summary
From: Carol Pennington
Book Title: Trouble Blows West
Book Author: Monique Buchegar
What do you like about this book:
Gennie is a super feisty sixth grader who has a very protective nature toward her twin brother and her friends. When the school bully picks a fight with her twin, Toran, she can’t help but step in. Her bravery lands her on the wrong side of her brother, suspended from school, and grounded with a very long fence to paint.
This middle school read is packed with a punch. While light and entertaining, it contains very important lessons on family, friendship and forgiveness. Humor is heavily sprinkled throughout the story, but there are also some very serious themes. I particularly liked Gennie as I could often see myself in her when I was a young girl. I also enjoyed the character Todd, Gennie and Torah’s dad. The author portrayed the role of parent very well in him. He is doing the best he can to raise his children right, but he doesn’t always get it right. He is also willing to admit when he is wrong and ask for forgiveness.
I highly recommend this book to all middle school age readers and to anyone who enjoys a good, clean, fun read with good life lessons.