Your Move [Hardcover]

Eve Bunting (Author), James Ransome (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 1998 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

One night while their mom’s at work, ten-year-old James and his six-year-old brother, Isaac, leave their house to meet the K-Bones, a group of guys who hang out and do cool stuff. James is ready to prove he’s cool enough to be in with them, but he soon learns that the K-Bones are not just an innocent club--they’re a gang that steals, tags freeway signs, and even plans to buy a gun. After a dangerous confrontation with a crew of older boys, James realizes that he’s put Isaac in danger, and knows that if he finds the courage to walk away, Isaac will follow.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Bunting, in a markedly different approach from her The Day the Whale Came (reviewed above), collaborates with Ransome (The Creation) on a gripping picture book told through the first-person narrative of a boy who nearly joins a gang. One evening, while their mother works at her waitressing job, 10-year-old James takes his six-year-old brother, Isaac, along to meet up with the K-Bones, a gang to which James yearns to belong. As his initiation rite, James must spray-paint the K-Bones name over that of a rival gang, the Snakes, on a freeway sign (" 'Cool,' I say, but I'm more nervous than ever"). James does the deed, but learns that the gang also steals for fun, and begins to have doubts about joining. Then, on their way back, they run into the Snakes, who fire a gun. No one gets hurt, but the next night, when James and Isaac are offered membership to the K-Bones, they refuse. Though the ending is a bit facile, Bunting skillfully contrasts James's cool veneer with his inner turmoil, creating a story that will likely resonate with children who have felt pulled against their own conscience. Ransome's full-bleed oil paintings convey the tension and looming danger of the boys' misadventure. His illustrations effectively put readers in James's shoes: in the most dramatic, the K-Bones gang stares out from the page against a swirling gold background as the leader extends the can of spray paint to readers themselves. Ages 6-10.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-5AA somewhat idealized, but powerful picture book about how a good kid avoids gang involvement. James, 10, and his 6-year-old brother Isaac are alone at night while their single mother works. A neighbor keeps an ear out for James's hourly thumps on her wall assuring her that they are okay. One night James leaves their apartment with Isaac to meet up with the K-Bones crew. To prove himself, he must spray paint a freeway sign with the club's name, thus covering a rival gang's tag. He is frightened but climbs the pole to the sign, high over traffic. Successful, the boys leave the scene, but their elation quickly evaporates when the rival gang challenges themAwith a gun. Running away, Isaac falls and is hurt. When they get home their mother is there, called by the worried neighbor. The next night the K-Bones leader comes by to tell James he's in, and Isaac is, too. They both decline the invitation. Bunting's vignette is lent power by Ransome's strong, realistic oil paintings. The text, simple and direct, lets the message come through without preachiness. However, is it realistic for the gang leader to give up on his recruits and for the kids to be able to resist the temptations offered by gang membership? Perhaps the problem isn't this easily solved in real life, but it is good to see a positive view of boys who take control of their lives when danger appears.AAnne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books; 1st edition (March 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152001816
• ISBN-13: 978-0152001810
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 9.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #57,462 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Eve Bunting has written more than 200 books for children, many of which can be found in libraries around the world. Her other Clarion titles for very young readers include My Big Boy Bed, which was also illustrated by Maggie Smith, and Little Bear's Little Boat, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. She lives in Pasadena, California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Story, July 10, 2006

By 

C. H. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Your Move (Hardcover)

This is a great story for children ages 8 - 15. The author speaks to us on the importance of family and the consequences of going against the grain. I loved the relatioship between the brothers. Those who live in a single-parent family will relate to this story. Enjoy!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What is right and wrong?, November 5, 2006

By 

A. Diamond (Balto, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Your Move (Hardcover)

This is great for children ages 8-10. This story teaches right vs. wrong behavior and the consequences. Your audience will be mesmerized.