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list price: $7.95
edition:Paperback
also available: eBook
category: Children's Fiction
published: Apr 2010
ISBN:9781554692033
publisher: Orca Book Publishers

The Ballad of Knuckles McGraw

by Lois Peterson

tagged: orphans & foster homes, westerns, imagination & play
Description

After eight-year-old Kevin Mason's mother abandons him, he takes refuge in his fantasy of becoming Knuckles McGraw, a tough cowboy roaming the plains on his legendary horse, Burlington Northern. But instead of riding the range, Kevin is stuck in a foster home with a pierced and tattooed teenager named Ice and a mute girl named Breezy.

While he waits to be claimed by the father he barely remembers or the mother who left him a good-bye note in his lunchbox, Kevin (aka Knuckles McGraw) tries to communicate with Breezy, learns to get along with his bunkhouse-mate Ice, and discovers that memories can be as deceptive as family secrets.

About the Author

Lois Peterson is the award-winning author of eight books of fiction for children, and numerous short stories, essays and articles for adults. She was the executive director of a homeless shelter and worked at a public library for more than 40 years. Lois lives in Nanaimo, British Columbia.

Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
Age:
9 to 12
Grade:
4 to 7
Reading age:
9 to 12
Awards
  • Short-listed, Chocolate Lily nominee
  • Commended, Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year
  • Commended, CCBC Best Books
  • Short-listed, Silver Birch Express Award nominee
  • Commended, OLA Best Bets
Editorial Reviews

"Readers will certainly be drawn to the plucky, appealing grade-schooler and the terrible plight he so bravely faces."

— Booklist

"The author understands how kids think, a fact that will allow the kids in your library to thoroughly enjoy this book...Recommended."

— Library Media Connection

"Peterson...has written another great story for young readers. While the story is simply crafted, her language is a delight and readers will be kept engaged...The book exceeds tremendously in inspiring hope."

— Resource Links

"A humorous yet sensitive story…[Peterson] fills the story with a host of characters who are unusual yet kind and as we hear their stories we develop empathy for each of them."

— Canadian Children's Book News

"Peterson's fiction is a welcomed addition to an elementary school library…She incorporates interesting characters, well-developed plots, and sensitive handling of realistic issues written at an appropriate age level. I tip my cowboy hat to Peterson and the 'Orca Young Readers' series and hope I will be reading more of her work in the future. Highly Recommended."

— CM Magazine

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