An exquisite middle-grade novel by the award-winning Jill MacLean
Fifteen-year-old Nix Humbolt doesn't talk much. He's barely outgrown his "Fatty Humbolt" days, and although he is taller and leaner now, he has learned it is best to keep a low profile. He dreams about his only friend's girl, but of course she is hopelessly out of his league. Lonely and introverted, he is happiest in his father's woodworking shop, where he builds exquisite boxes and tables. The only battles Nix fights are on his Xbox - until the day he finds the guts to fight for Swiff Dunphy's neglected dog. Then there is Roxy, Nix's spirited older sister who always knows just how to get what she wants. But the guy she wants is seriously toxic, and even Nix can see that she is headed for disaster. All Nix can do is cover for her when she breaks curfew or comes home drunk. But this time Roxy is about to spiral out of control and change all their lives forever. And there is nothing he can do to stop it.
"Well-crafted and intense, an engrossing family drama in which both young and old learn what it means to grow up."-Kirkus Reviews
Rezensionen / Stimmen
Well-crafted and intense, an engrossing family drama in which both young and old learn what it means to grow up. * Kirkus * Writing with careful, evocative language, MacLean explores love in myriad forms. * Publishers Weekly * Readers used to a diet of cliche-ridden YA fiction will enjoy this refreshing take on the teenage plight . . . [T]he hard-won hopefulness of Nix's growth will linger with them long after the poetry ends. * School Library Journal * MacLean has produced another wonderful novel. She is to be applauded for respecting her readership and refusing to shy away from difficult topics . . . **Highly Recommended.** * CM Magazine * The novel's strength comes from the authenticity of Nix's emotional evolution . . . This is an absorbing, emotionally resonant book. * Quill & Quire * YAs who are drawn to contemporary fiction and verse novels won't want to miss this . . . * Booklist * This meticulously-crafted novel-in-verse is as finely-honed as one of Nix's own woodworking projects . . . While Nix struggles to find his voice, MacLean's impeccable poetry - spare, evocative, and affecting - enables readers to enter into his mind and heart. And they will be amply rewarded by the experience. * Atlantic Books Today * The story is complex and engaging, and the deep themes make this an excellent novel for study and discussion * Canadian Children's Book News * . . . an exceptional novel that is not to be missed. * Winnipeg Free Press * [A] sensitive story . . . Beautifully descriptive . . . * The Calgary Herald * . . . a story about a young man finding out who he really is. A strong book. * CBC summer Book Panel * . . . a well-paced story that will leave readers thoroughly engaged with the characters. * The Montreal Gazette * As Nix struggles to find his voice, MacLean soothes us with the gorgeousness of her writing, the spare but perfect free verse of this unforgettable gem. * Open Book Toronto * [MacLean's] writing is strong and fluid but laced with vulnerability. * CanLit for LittleCanadians *
Sprache
Verlagsort
Zielgruppe
Für Jugendliche
US School Grade: From Seventh Grade to Eleventh Grade, Interest Age: From 12 to 15 years
Produkt-Hinweis
mit Schutzumschlag (bedruckt)
Maße
Höhe: 198 mm
Breite: 147 mm
Dicke: 22 mm
Gewicht
ISBN-13
978-1-927485-24-8 (9781927485248)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Klassifikation
Lifelong poet and writer Jill MacLean took the literary world by storm when she began writing for children in 2008. Her honors include the Ann Connor Brimer and Red Cedar book awards, the IBBY Honor List, the USBBY Outstanding International Books Honor list, and the VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers list. Nix Minus One was a White Ravens Choice, a PW "Best New Books" pick; it won the Ann Connor Brimer Award and was nominated for the CLA Young Adult Book Award.
