Coaster [Paperback]

Betsy Duffey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1996

While secretly building a roller coaster in the woods, twelve-year-old Hart tries to come to terms with his parents' divorce and his mother's new relationship with a television weatherman.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-The last thing that Hart, 12, wants to do is get to know his mother's new boyfriend, Dub Dugan. Compared to his father, Dub is a dud-even if he is a well-known weatherman with a Willard Scott personality. Hart and his father used to be a fearless duo and rode all kinds of roller coasters together. Unfortunately, that is about the only memory he has of the man since his parents' divorce two years ago. To keep that memory alive, he and his best friend secretly build a small coaster in the ravine behind their houses. When Hart decides to test it, he breaks his arm and learns that bravery comes in many forms. Dub is there for him and his mother, and he finally finds the courage to accept the changes in his life. The story's strength lies in the depiction of the main character's struggle with his idealization of his unreliable, absentee father. The ever-present image of roller coasters effectively twists its way throughout the novel, and Hart's fascination with them is believable.
Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-8. Twelve-year-old Hart's father hasn't been around much since the divorce, and now his mother is dating the TV weatherman, whose style is a little too Willard Scott for the boy. Hart and his father do share a common interest in roller coasters, and Hart is anxiously waiting to see if his father turns up for their annual roller-coaster-riding trip. At the same time, Hart and his buddy, Frankie, are clandestinely building a coaster of their own, and their catastrophic inaugural ride helps Hart to see what's valuable about a life with ups and downs. This nuanced portrait of the changed mother-son interaction after a divorce also captures a child's feelings about a parent who flits in and out of his life. Secret roller coasters and summer plans add zip to the story. Mary Harris Veeder --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (October 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140369562
• ISBN-13: 978-0140369564
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,993,446 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Betsy Duffey began writing in 1990 and has published over twenty children's books, including a number of popular series. Her books have been Junior Library Guild selections, Crown Award nominees, and have been nominated for state awards in over twenty states including the California Young Reader Medal, the Texas Bluebonnet Award and the Florida Sunshine State Young Reader Award. Her books have been Parent's Choice and Children's Choice selections. Betsy's books have been translated into Japanese, Korean, Dutch and Danish, and included in numerous book clubs.

Betsy lives with her husband, Bill, and puppy, Arlo, in Atlanta. She currently writes with her sister, Laurie Myers. You can visit them at their facebook page: Writing Sisters or at writingsisters.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Coaster is a wonderful book for children of all ages, April 30, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Coaster (Paperback)

Coaster is the dramitac story of a child who suffers through the divorce of his parents. As his mother begins to date again, she falls in love with the wacky weather man. George will do anything to get rid of him, even take him on the spinning tea cups or "barf buckets." A wonderful story for any child

4.0 out of 5 stars The Rolling Coaster, March 22, 2004

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Coaster (Library Binding)

Coaster was a good book. It was adventerous, Funny and lots of other genre's. It is one of the best books i've ever read. Kudo's for Betsey Duffey, for writing this great book. Some parts were boring, but others were sad, funny and suspenseful. Do me a favor and read this good book!
Hart was a great character. I'm glad him and Dub met, without that the book would be terrible. Harts dad must be the coolest dad any kid could ever have! Hart is very lucky to have a father like him. Ahter Hart's mom and dad broke up Hart's mom has been worrying about his safety. Read this book!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book, a must read book,, February 28, 2001

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Coaster (Paperback)

I have read a lot of books in my life but Coaster is by far the best.Let me tell you a little about this book.A boy named Hart has a great life with his wonderful family until his parents get divorced.The divorce doesn't keep Hart away from his Dad. I am sure there are many kids out there in the same situation that can realate to this story. Hart and his Dad spend a lot of their time together on trips to adventure parks.The main attractions to these amusement parks are the great roller coasters. They always write to each other and send each other pictures of coasters. Then one day something horrible happens. Hart's Mom meets a news channel wheatherman named Dub Dugan. Hart does not Know what to do. All he thinks about is his Dad and what he would do if his mom got married.Hart doesent really like Dub because he is not brave and isn't good at riding coasters.If you want to find out more about this book like if Hart's mom gets married or other interesting parts then I think you should definitely read this book.I would recommend this book for kids ages 8 to 12.