What Daddy Did (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) [School & Library Binding]

Neal Shusterman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1993

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The author of Speeding Bullet and The Eyes of Kid Midas presents a fictionalized account of a gripping true story--a teenaged boy's prototypical happy family life comes crashing down when his father shoots his mother. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From School Library Journal

Grade 8-12-- A disturbing story based on true events. Fourteen-year-old Preston Scott was 12 when his father killed his mother. He narrates the events surrounding the tragedy, struggling to reconcile the hate and love he feels for his father, and attempts to put the experience in perspective. The account is an unbelievable testimony of love and forgiveness by family (except Uncle Steve) and courts (Danny Scott serves two years for his wife's murder). Preston's grandparents readily forgive and accept their son-in-law; they "adopt" Preston and his younger brother, Tyler, and move to a new neighborhood to protect the boys from the publicity of the past. When his father is released from prison, Preston must confront his ambivalent feelings of loneliness, fear, relief, and insecurity and, ultimately, ask his father why. Shusterman attempts to characterize Danny as a troubled but loving father, haunted by his wife's rejection and his depression over a tragic childhood happening. In contrast, Preston's mother is less clear and less appealing. Shusterman glosses over the inevitable lifelong strain in family relationships after such a traumatic event; at story's end, Preston has come to terms with his emotions, forgiven his father, and achieved success in high school football and track. He goes on to be his father's best man in a new marriage. Too many issues are not sufficiently resolved here, and readers are not given enough information about these people to understand their motivations or to be convinced of their psychological healing. --Gerry Larson, Chewning Junior High School, Durham, NC
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• School & Library Binding: 230 pages
• Publisher: Turtleback (March 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785705546
• ISBN-13: 978-0785705543
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,522,664 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Neal Shusterman is the author of many novels for young adults, including Unwind, which was an ALA Best Book for Young Adults and a Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Readers, Everlost, and Downsiders, which was nominated for twelve state reading awards. He also writes screenplays for motion pictures and television shows such as Animorphs and Goosebumps. The father of four children, Neal lives in southern California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you like suspence read this now!, March 29, 2004

By 

a student (Versailles, OH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What Daddy Did (Paperback)

The book what daddy did was a true story about a boy named Preston who had the perfect life and family, but then his parents began having arguments and fought all the time until one day his father mother moved out. Preston went to live with his dad and with in a few month time period his dad could no longer handle the pressure and had a nervous break down ... he shot his wife and left Preston not knowing whether to forgive and forget or not. His father has just been released from prison after three years after the murder and Preston begins his battle of forgiveness.
I like this book because it was suspenseful, the book was very emotional, and you felt as though you were right there along with Preston and his family as they got the terrifying news. This is a catchy book and I know you will not want to put it down.
People who like suspense and thrill would be the people who would enjoy reading this book, and it has that love of a family feel to it, for those readers who do not appreciate the death as much, so it is a great book for anyone.
This book includes everything anyone would want to read!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A book You won't put Down, September 30, 2005

By 

vtown (Versailles, Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What Daddy Did (Paperback)

Preston's parents had a perfect marriage. They were always happy, until they started to fight. The fights were hurtful, mean, and vicious. Mrs. Scott Preston's mom moves out and goes live with her sister Jackie. Preston starts to have nightmares about his mom.
Three years later Preston's dad is getting out of prison and Preston is in dolt. How can he forgive the man who killed his mom? Travel with Preston has he struggles through faith, fears, and love as he struggles to forgive or forget about what his dad did. How can his grandparents be so forgiving towards the man that killed their daughter and Preston's mom?

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great! You have to read!, March 20, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: What Daddy Did (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (School & Library Binding)

This book shows you how you really can forgive and why you should. Prestons dad killed his mother and had to go to prison for 3 years, now he is out! Will Preston forgive his dad? What about his mothers family will they ever forgive him? This book has many twists and turns that will keep you reading! Buy it, NOW!!