Guitar Boy
Author(s): MJ Auch
Travis Tacey doesn't have it easy: his mom's in the hospital suffering from brain trauma after a terrible car accident, and his father has lost his good sense in the aftermath and kicked him out. Homeless, penniless, and only fourteen years old, Travis tries to make money off of his singing and guitar playing skills. But when his beloved guitar—a family heirloom—is stolen, Travis grows desperate. By a stroke of luck, he gets a job helping a guitar maker. Through Travis's love of music, his devotion to his family, and the kindness of strangers, he begins to find his way in the world. But in Guitar Boy by MJ Auch, how will he keep his family together?
Review(s):
“Surviving through the kindness of strangers, especially a guitar-maker and his friends who refrain from alerting child services, Travis discovers that music is the key to healing his mother and his family.” —School Library Journal
“This effort quickly hits its stride, mostly due to well-drawn, believable characters and the strength of Travis's nearly indomitable spirit.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Guitar Boy fills a hole in boys' literature for intermediate to tween readers by telling an empowering story about a very normal boy whose life has completely unraveled. . . . This is the book I'll be recommending to every kid in my neighborhood near Travis' age.” —Rebecca Waesch, Joseph-Beth, Cincinnati, OH
Long-listed Nebraska Golden Sower Award Master List (2012)
ISBN: 9780312641245