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Losers Bracket by Chris Crutcher

 Losers Bracket 

by Chris Crutcher 


About the Author:

"Chris Crutcher grew up in Cascade, Idaho, and now lives in Spokane, Washington. He is the critically acclaimed author of six novels and a collection of short stories for teenagers, all chosen as ALA Best Books. In 2000, he was awarded the American Library Association's Margaret A. Edwards Award, honoring his lifetime contribution in writing for teens. Drawing on his experience as an athlete, teacher, family therapist, and child protection specialist, he unflinchingly writes about real and often-ignored issues that face teenagers today."




Book Summary:
"When a family argument turns into an urgent hunt for a missing child, seventeen-year-old Annie Boots must do everything in her power to bring her nephew home safely. Chris Crutcher, the acclaimed and bestselling author of Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, shares a provocative story about family, loss, and loyalty that is perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Laurie Halse Anderson. The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books called Losers Bracket “Genuine and affecting.” 

When it comes to family, Annie is in the losers bracket. While her foster parents are great (mostly), her birth family would not have been her first pick. And no matter how many times Annie tries to write them out of her life, she always gets sucked back into their drama. Love is like that.

But when a family argument breaks out at Annie’s swim meet and her nephew goes missing, Annie might be the only one who can get him back. With help from her friends, her foster brother, and her social service worker, Annie puts the pieces of the puzzle together, determined to find her nephew and finally get him into a safe home.

Award-winning author Chris Crutcher’s books are strikingly authentic and unflinchingly honest. Losers Bracket is by turns gripping, heartbreaking, hopeful, and devastating, and hits the sweet spot for fans of Andrew Smith and Marieke Nijkamp."


Reviews:

“Crutcher’s...expertise gives the narrative, about the harsh realities of what happens when kids are failed by both their parents and the state, its authenticity.” -- Publishers Weekly

“Annie’s voice is strong and often bracing...An appealing narrative voice and fast-moving plot that will engage readers from the first page.” -- School Library Journal

“Crutcher tells a story that is genuine and affecting in its engagement with complications within the foster care system. ...a critique of the status quo of social services, but this novel is also effective in portraying how truly messy it all can be.” -- Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“This novel is as engaging as it is heartbreaking. Annie’s story is poignant and hopeful, with dashes of sass, humor, and devastation. ...This is a recommendation read for fans of Andrew Smith, Marieke Nijkamp...[and] those who enjoy riveting realistic fiction.” -- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

*Personal Reflection: 
The author writes this novel beautifully based in his past experiences as an athlete, teacher, family therapist, and child protection specialist. This book brings about the awareness and harsh realities of the foster care system. 

Sources:

https://www.amazon.com/Losers-Bracket-Chris-Crutcher/dp/006222008X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Chris+Crutcher&qid=1616886870&sr=8-1


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