Reckless

Reckless

  • By: Lesley Choyce
  • Pages:128
  • Publisher:Orca Book Publishers
  • Series: Orca Currents
  • Themes:dirt bikes, wilderness, Vietnam War, friendship, action
  •  
  • Available:03/01/2010
  • Age Groups:Fiction Ages 9-12
  • Reading Level:2.9
  • Lexile:HL540L
  • ATOS:3.7
  • Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient:Y
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Josh knows he's riding recklessly when he knocks down the old man he suspects is the hermit of Loggerman Creek.

Josh is shocked when the hermit walks into the forest with his bike after the accident. Being without his beloved bike for a week motivates him to hike into the woods and confront the crazy old man. The hermit, Jonathan, has fixed Josh's bike, and Josh learns that he has more in common with the old man than he ever imagined. When Jonathan needs help, Josh has to respect the old man's choices in order to save his life.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!

"Reckless offers its audience a world perfectly suited for a dirt bike and a haunted mind. Its fast pace and suspenseful chapters make it a must read for adolescents and teens interested in extreme sports...Teen readers will appreciate that his embodiment of the rebelliousness his age group is renowned for is complemented by his resourcefulness...Recommended."

– CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"I absolutely loved this book…It is appropriate for the very topics we have been covering in my reading class about survival. This is definitely an author I will look for in the future. A nice, clean simple read that lifted my spirits."
– The Musings of a Book Addict
"Choyce crafts an unvarnished tale around two loners of different generations, featuring the requisite bully, plenty of dirt-bike action, a suspenseful climax, and a happy ending. The lack of complications will make this particularly appealing fare to offer younger or reluctant readers."
– Booklist
"A fast-paced read…The book twists and turns like a tricky dirt-bike track and flows just as quickly. One doesn't need a special interest in the vehicles to get pulled in, but a passion for them will enhance the story."
– School Library Journal (SLJ)
"Josh's need to be his own person and the familiar difficulties will resonate with the audience...[Choyce] is convincing in his portrayal of the versatility of teenagers and their ability to succeed in stressful situations."
– Resource Links
Resource Links, The Year's Best Books   | 2010  |  Commended
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens   | 2011  |  Commended

Download the Reckless Teacher Guide.