Maxed Out

by Daphne Greer

Overview

Twelve-year-old Max just wants to play hockey.

But ever since his dad died, Max's mom has been struggling. Now Max has to take his brother, Duncan, who is autistic, with him wherever he goes. Max's team is counting on him to help them win the upcoming playoff game against the Red Eagles, but one practice makes it clear that it's not safe to leave his brother unattended on the sidelines. With only a week to figure out how he can play in the big game, Max is feeling the pressure. Will he find a way to be a good teammate, a good brother and a good son, or is it all too much for one kid?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781554699841
Publisher:	Orca Book Publishers
Publication date:	03/01/2012
Series:	Orca Currents Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
File size:	915 KB
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

Daphne Greer is the award-winning author of several books for young readers including Finding Grace (Ann Connor Brimer finalist), Camped Out (Hackmatack winner) and Jacob’s Landing (Silver Birch and Hackmatack finalist). Daphne graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with a bachelor of arts in child study. She lives in Newport Landing, Nova Scotia.

Read an Excerpt

I can hear them. It's like I'm right there. I probably know who just scored.

Editorial Reviews

"A touching, well-told story of adolescence being usurped by caring for a special needs brother and a grieving mom...A well written, sensitive book that not only offers resolution to the storyline, but supporting information in the author’s notes (back of the book) to access organizations that offer assistance."

Tacoma Public School District

"This short novel delivers with a story that is both interesting and realistic."

Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group (SOYAMRG)

"Greer tells this story with genuine empathy as Max copes with his mom and brother, protects Duncan from a local bully, and sneaks in some fun with Ian. The resolution may be quick but is not too pat for credibility. Another fine entry in the Orca Currents line that will engage reluctant readers without talking down to them or sounding stilted."

Booklist

"A realistic portrayal of a family rocked by the sudden death of their husband and father. Targeted at 10- to 13-year olds, this novel does an excellent job of layering the stresses and tensions of Max's world...Greer delivers a well-written, engaging novel for preteens who will be drawn in by the apparent sports focused cover and the sports related theme but who will ultimately be exposed to a book that digs a little deeper and that turns out to tell a much more important story...Highly Recommended."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"Greer has some nice turns of phrase...[and] the closing scene in the novel is heart-warming and well written."

Resource Links

"This short novel delivers with a story that is both interesting and realistic."

Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group

"A realistic portrayal of a family rocked by the sudden death of their husband and father. Targeted at 10- to 13-year olds, this novel does an excellent job of layering the stresses and tensions of Max's world...Greer delivers a well-written, engaging novel for preteens who will be drawn in by the apparent sports focused cover and the sports related theme but who will ultimately be exposed to a book that digs a little deeper and that turns out to tell a much more important story...Highly Recommended."

CM Magazine

"Greer tells this story with genuine empathy as Max copes with his mom and brother, protects Duncan from a local bully, and sneaks in some fun with Ian. The resolution may be quick but is not too pat for credibility. Another fine entry in the Orca Currents line that will engage reluctant readers without talking down to them or sounding stilted."

Booklist

Gr 5–10—In the first hi/lo book, Don Hogg's uncle offers $10 an hour to help hand out samples of his new fiber-rich hot dogs at a food fair, and the 15-year-old can't wait to sign up. His dream of popularity becomes endangered, however, when he realizes that he must wear an ugly hot-dog costume. When a beautiful girl named Brooke comes to him for help in getting away from a stalker, Don can't wait to jump in and save the day. Then a ring of pickpockets starts targeting people, and he can't help but wonder if Brooke's problem and the pickpockets are somehow connected. The characters are well developed, and the interesting plot has a lot of twists and turns that are easy to follow. This short, funny story will appeal to reluctant readers. The second book focuses on Max, who loves to play hockey, particularly with his dad. It was their passion, their bonding time, and their stress reliever. Now his dad is dead, and his distant mother won't even talk about his father. Every time he mentions playing with his team again, she makes some vague excuse about why it won't work. Forced to look after his special-needs brother after school, Max wonders if he'll ever be able to play hockey again. Although Max's character is a little one-dimensional, and the singular plot is a little drawn out in places, the boy's relationship with his family will hold readers' attention. This book would make a good purchase for large libraries or those that have heavily used reluctant-reader collections.—Kira Moody, Whitmore Public Library, Salt Lake City, UT

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