Customer Reviews

Matchstick

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

An uplifting tale of one young boy's struggle to fit in at a new school and in a new neighborhood, all the while trying to cope with domestic problems. Larry Taylor must choose whether or not he will do the right thing in the face of opposition. Matchstick sends a message of standing up for what you believe is right that applies to readers of all ages. This inspiring novel reminds the reader of the moral values that this country was founded on. A quick, enjoyable read for kids, parents and teachers.

Matchstick is a cleverly crafted story that brings a major societal issue to the hands of the young reader, while the main character Matchstick faces many familiar trials of the sixth grade that anyone who has been to elementary school can relate to. The message of this story is relevant now more than ever as our society seeks to redefine freedom of expression. "Matchstick" will challenge the faith of young and adult readers alike.

I highly recommend this book for reading! It is geered toward a younger reader yet an adult reader can receive just as much enjoyment. It deals with peer pressure of a young man in a new school. It is a book I suggest to parents or teachers in allowing the younger generation to learn more about peer pressure. This book allows the reader to see what it is like for the individual dealing with peer pressure on a daily basis. Job well done Andy Cocco! I look forward to any future readings you may publish.

This is an absolutely wonderful book that will be enjoyed by people of every age group! The cast of characters come to life in this well written novel, and every reader will be rooting for Larry Taylor as he goes through his bout of stage fright. By the end of the book, it is easy to feel as if you are in the audience of the Christmas Chorus.

Although fiction, this book reads like a true story, and it fills a gap that has long been missing from the realm of children's books. It is especially relevant in today's world, as we deal with issues such as allowing the Ten Commandments to remain in our courtrooms. One can easily imagine their own school district having to deal with a Constitutional challenge to the yearly Christmas festivities in our increasingly secular world. Despite the religious content of the book, Mr. Cocco does not come across as overly preachy, and the perfect amount of humor balances out the religious undertones so that the book's target audience will absorb the moral teachings without feeling like they are being preached at. Although school age children stand to gain the most from this book, since it deals with issues such as being the new kid in school and trying to make new friends, people of all age groups will enjoy it, and it will reaffirm your faith in God.

Matchstick is a truly enriching story about a young boy who overcomes a difficult challenge that children often face while growing up, relocating to an entirely new area and entering a new school full of new faces. Though this sudden occurence disheartens him and the pressure to become somebody he is not seems to crash down on him, he manages to brave the weather and obtain the freedom to express himself in ways he never imagined. I recommend that anyone read this book, especially those in middle school about to enter high school, as it is the most infamous period of one's life where individuals struggle the hardest to discover themselves. It is absolutely astounding that Andrew Cocco was able to touch the heart in a such a brief, yet satisfying read. Well written I must say!

This book shows how difficult life can be when you are 12. Matchstick displays the trials and tribulations of change and acceptance. It shows how a bad situation can be overcome, and I would recommend that middle school aged students read this book to learn life lessons. I also liked that the author wasn't afraid to bring faith into the story.

This book is a good read for any kid 10 and over. There are positive messages for kids who go through moving from a different school and try to fit in.

Matchstick is a wonderful book for teens and older. Children, in particular need more books like this one that show people their age standing up for their beliefs. The main character in the book was a fine example for people of all ages. Congratulations to the author on a job well done!

With all the negative books that are written today,I feel comfortable with my children reading this book.I read it myself and enjoyed it very much. Lisa Lee

This is a brillantly written book for young and old. Sutltly teaches courage,and to stick to your guns. It is also a story of heart and soul,in more ways than one. The young man in the story shows this buy volenteering to do something nobody else willl. then again he shows it with his performance. I believe there is also a real life man like this, but he is now in his forties. He is the lead singer for a little known band called -U2. "Bono" always says he not a singer,and by some peoples standers he isn't. But he sings with his entire heart and soul! In the book the young man sings thou he is not a "singer";he stands up to all the peer pressure,and gives a moving performance that moves the entire crowd and himself. I can only assume that if this were a real life insident how that will change the boy in possible many ways. Only he would know. But We can definetly feel the crowds overwhelment as we too feel just by reading. So, this very "simple" book is really just brillantly subtle. And for the reader who said to "look else where"...i think maybe a reread of Matchstick is where they should be looking. They obviously missed everything in the book. Maybe they didn't get the depth because like i said it is "brillantly subltle". I recommend it for young and old. It be a great book for an adult to share with a youth