Smiles to Go by Jerry Spinelli

Review

You know when you get into a reading phase and you read non-stop for weeks? And you know when it ends and then you don’t have time to read for awhile? That is currently my life and I have been busy with everything but reading sadly. But I just finished this book and now I want to read more!!!

This book is about a boy who knows exactly what he wants. From his career, to his crush to basically his life. But everything changes when he hears that there has been a discovery! A proton has died. The tiny particles of life that seemed like they could live forever can die… Now Will’s life is turned upside down. He doesn’t know what to do with his crush, his chess, his schooling or his little annoying sister… Life suddenly doesn’t look so certain…

This book was amazing! I was not expecting the ending and it did not go as I thought it would. I thought this story was about a boy trying to win his crush and become the popular kid. I was wrong. This book is about family, it’s about hope and joy, love and always being there for each other. This book really doesn’t seem to have one overall theme. It’s more like a everyday life written down for kids to learn from. And I love it!

There is some violence in the book, but it is just one accident. A kid gets hurt and goes to the hospital. Not too much mention of blood, just swelling and such. There are also some minor cuss words. Only mentioned a few times, but they are in there.

Overall, this book was amazing! I really enjoyed it and I think kids would love to read it. Though it isn’t your everyday adventure novel, this book is an inspiring read that will open your eyes to the world around you by looking at the family and friends you love. I totally suggest this book to girls and boys 8 and up! -The Young Llama Reader.