Defiance
Author(s): Valerie Hobbs
Eleven-year-old Toby Steiner wants to do normal things on his vacation. He wants to hike and race his bike down the hill. He wants to learn to fish out on the lake. He doesn't want to return to the children's hospital where his painful cancer treatment finally ended. When Toby starts spending time with Pearl, a spunky old woman who lives on a nearby farm, and Blossom, her broken-down cow, he sees all the more reason to keep the new lump on his side a secret from his parents. From Pearl he discovers the beauty of poetry, and from Blossom he just might uncover the meaning of life.
Review(s):
“Real and poignant.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
“Beautiful and gripping . . . The victory of the human spirit shines through Defiance like the sun.” —Suzanne Fisher Staples, Newbery Honor–winning author of Shabanu
“Emotionally satisfying. Hobbs, a gifted writer, does a quietly effective job of dramatizing the life-affirming power of both poetry and a cross-generational friendship.” —Booklist
“The wit and wisdom of poetry give this potentially sentimental plot depth and a welcome acidity. Hobb's dry humor is deliciously evident in Pearl's ironic take on things.” —The Horn Book
“A poetic tale of empowerment with gentle touches of humor.” —School Library Journal
“This simple, touching story offers great characterization.” —Voice of Youth Advocates
“This gripping story will send fans searching for this author's previous books.” —SIGNAL Journal
“A heartwarming story of self-discovery.” —A YALSA Teen YA Galley Reader
Long-listed Illinois Rebecca Caudill YR Choice Award ML, School Library Journal Best Books of the Year, Georgia Children's Book Award Master List (University of GA) (2008), School Library Journal Best Books of the Year (2005), Kirkus Reviews Editor's Choice, Long-listed School Library Best Books of the Year (2005), Long-listed Kentucky Blue Grass Award Master List (2007), Tennessee Intermediate Volunteer State Book Award Master List, Long-listed TN Intermed Volunt State Book Award ML, Illinois Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Choice Award Master List, Maine Student Book Award Master List, Long-listed Florida Sunshine State YR Award ML, Long-listed Missouri Mark Twain Award Master List, Long-listed Kansas William Allen White Award Master List, GA Picture Storybook Award ML (2008), Florida Sunshine State Young Readers Award Master List, Long-listed Indiana Young Hoosier Award Master List (2008), Long-listed Kirkus Reviews Editor's Choice (2005), Kentucky Blue Grass Award Master List, Winner ASPCA Henry Bergh Award, Long-listed Maine Student Book Award Master List (2007), Long-listed Iowa Children's Choice Award Master List, Long-listed Oklahoma Book Award Master List
ISBN: 9780312535810