Hands
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(as of Dec 20, 2024 21:30:20 UTC – Details)
“Gorgeous and gripping, Hands is a poetic page-turner. You might just finish it in one sitting. Torrey Maldonado understands the kids he writes for at the deepest level.” —Adam Gidwitz, Newbery Honor–winning author of The Inquisitor’s Tale
The author of What Lane? and Tight delivers a fast-paced read that packs a punch about a boy figuring out how to best use his hands—to build or to knock down.
Trev would do anything to protect his mom and sisters, especially from his stepdad. But his stepdad’s return stresses Trev—because when he left, he threatened Trev’s mom. Rather than live scared, Trev takes matters into his own hands, literally. He starts learning to box to handle his stepdad. But not everyone is a fan of his plan, because Trev’s a talented artist, and his hands could actually help him build a better future. And they’re letting him know—but their advice for some distant future feels useless in his reality right now. Ultimately, Trev knows his future is in his hands, and his hands are his own, and he has to choose how to use them.
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Read more by Torrey Maldonado:
A poignant look into one fatherless twelve-year-old’s struggles with friendship and trust. Tight: Lately Bryan’s been feeling it in all kinds of ways. “STAY IN YOUR LANE.” Stephen doesn’t want to hear that–he wants to have no lane. The author of What Lane? and Tight delivers a fast-paced read that packs a punch about a boy figuring out how to best use his hands—to build or to knock down.
Publisher : Nancy Paulsen Books (May 14, 2024)
Language : English
Paperback : 160 pages
ISBN-10 : 0593323815
ISBN-13 : 978-0593323816
Reading age : 10 – 12 years, from customers
Lexile measure : HL430L
Grade level : 5 – 6
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 5.06 x 0.41 x 7.75 inches
Jennifer Young –
Great book
My kids love this book
P. Ripp –
Don’t miss this book
I have loved the work of Torrey Maldonado since I was first given Tight several years ago.It is hard not to – his voice jumps off every page inviting you in – compelling you to think of the span of identity that young boys reside in.How much space do we allow them to take up?And what kind of space do they get?Hands, Torrey’s latest middle grade book coming out in January, is his best one yet. It is one of the best books I have read in 2022, and I don’t say that lightly, I read a lot of books.Hands asks us to consider the choices we make with our hands, when we think that there is only one best answer, and provides us with a beautifully nuanced portrayal of toxic masculinity, while also snatching the attention of kids from the very first page.It is about community, about choices, about finding your path, about discovering what your own super power is.It is about being a role model and deciding on your own who holds the power.The characters are complex, the topic is as well, and the freshness of the story jumps off the page.It is a book that will enthrall while also leave you thinking.What are the choices we make with our hands every day?How do we affect the world?It is an art form to take a complex story and make it come alive in fewer than 150 pages.To write books where kids feel seen, validated, and helped to find their own power. You may even call it a bit of a super power.This needs to be translated into Danish for all the kids that need it here too.
Melissa Thom –
A Powerful Book That Packs a Punch
This book may be on the shorter side (only 144 pages), but it definitely packs a PUNCH! AS I was reading, I felt like the character was actually talking to me–like I was in Trev’s head (or maybe he was in mine!). He is dealing with the reality that his stepdad put his hands on Trev’s mom and has threatened to retaliate when he gets out of jail because she called the cops. But as he attempts to learn how to box at a neighborhood gym, he begins to question if that is the best solution. Readers will identify with some of the tough decisions Trev needs to make as he realizes things are not only NOT how he thought they were–or should be– but also that sometimes people you trust can and will let you down. BUT–he does have a support network to count on if only he will open himself up and be honest with both himself and everyone around him!!I pre-ordered this latest book from Torrey Maldonado and I can’t wait to book talk it to my middle schoolers! This book has reader’s appeal for many reasons–including the fact that it is what many middle schoolers would consider a ‘skinny’ book. ‘Skinny’ books include fewer pages and will often be less intimidating for readers. We need more books in MG exactly like this!!Thank you Torrey for sharing your book with #BookPosse!
Stacy Renee –
A must-read MG novel!
Trev takes matters into his own hands when he learns his stepfather will be getting out of jail soon. Faced with tough decisions and seemingly impossible situations. Trev takes it upon himself to step up and protect those he loves and cares for and learns what his hands are capable of.This is a fantastic realistic fiction for middle-grade readers about a young man determined to protect his family and friends, even if it means ‘throwing hands’.Trev is a flawed but loveable MC that is growing up with both good and bad mentors in his life as well as rough situations that require a lot of bravery and character growth.There are a lot of inspirational and uplifting messages in this story that make it an absolutely amazing read and one I would recommend to all!
Amazon Customer –
Get it into readersâ hands now
This is one of Torrey Maldonadoâs best novels yet. I appreciated the artistry in details, the way in which the author could thread together aspects of pop culture and Black history seamlessly into the narrative. Trevorâs internal monologue carries the emotional impact of the novel, as do a series of dialogues with a variety of uncles, whose successes Trevor admires for a range of reasons. There are also discussions with a teacher who challenges Trevor to discover and grow his capacity as a student. For many readers, this novel will be a mirror; for those to whom it serves as a window, or even better, a sliding glass door (credit to Rudine Sims Bishop), there are many insights to be gained about how young Black men perceive and interact in the broader justice system, and the supports they need to develop a strong sense of self efficacy. Note for educators: If you use the Notice and Note signposts in your classroom, this short novel is a goldmine for student led discussions using that framework. Some writing extensions might include point of view pieces by Trevorâs mother, stepdad, siblings, etc. A prequel or a sequel could also be written given the cast of characters and complexity of the conflicts.
Heather –
This book needs to be in HANDS!
âHandsâ by Torrey Maldonado released on- January 24, 2023.I read âHandsâ in one sitting. Honestly, Iâm speechless. I donât think there is a book that Iâve read that can compare. I thought I knew how I wanted this book to end as I was reading it- and by the end- I realized I could not have been more wrong. Andâ¦Iâm so glad I was wrong. I want to go back and read it all over again.This book will help so many kids. I think it can change the trajectory of their lives. Teachers, librarians, parents- put this book in their HANDS.I HIGHLY recommend this book starting with upper elementary readers and up.
Amanda Reiff –
A Must Read for Middle Schoolers
Torrey Maldonado has done it again! This fast paced novel will keep readers on the edge of their seats wondering how Trev will handle the many pressures he faces. As a teacher, I think this is a must read for all kids to help them understand no matter who they are, no matter where they are from, they have a village of people who love them and who can help them choose the right path. So many kids will see themselves in Trev.
Dr. Todd J. Feltman –
Engaging, Entertaining, Real-Life, and Empowering!
Hands is an incredible young adult novel that immediately hooks the reader. The chapters are short, however very captivating. A moral is embedded! I absolutely loved the various characters.
Peter –
Great book