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Living Rough

Living Rough

Cristy Watson (Author) See More (3)
Hi-Lo
CELA Library
Lo
Social Themes
Poverty & Homelessness , Friendship
Orca Book Publishers
4 - 7
9 - 12
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EPUB [reflow]
9781554698905
$7.99 CAD
English
10/01/2011

Paperback
9781554694341
$9.95 CAD
English
10/01/2011

PDF [Fixed Format]
9781554698899
$7.99 CAD
English
10/01/2011

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Description


In most ways, Poe is like the other kids in his school.

He thinks about girls and tries to avoid too much contact with teachers. He has a loving father who helps him with his homework. But Poe has a secret, and almost every day some small act threatens to expose him. He doesn't have a phone number to give to friends. He doesn't have an address. Poe and his father are living in a tent on city land. When the city clears the land to build housing, Poe worries that they might not be able to find another site near his school. Will Poe have to expose his secret to get help for himself and his father?

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Cristy Watson

Author Bio


Cristy Watson is an award-winning writer and retired elementary-middle school teacher. She is the author of several books for young readers including On Cue, Room 555, Living Rough and Benched in the Orca Currents line. Cristy’s poetry has appeared in CV2 Magazine, The Poetry Marathon Anthology and the Worth More Standing Anthology. She loves volunteering at the Surrey International Writer’s Conference and the Beach House Theatre, as well as offering her time judging Creative Writing Contests for writers of all ages.

Prizes


  • CCBC Best Books for Kids & TeensCommended 2012
  • Resource Links, The Year's Best BooksCommended 2011

Review Quotes


"A fast read that delivers an important message about the complexities of homelessness."  — School Library Journal (SLJ)
"The currency of the topic will resonant with teens of any reading ability, all of whom will be rooting for a happy ending. An excellent addition to the Orca Currents series."  — Booklist
"With its compassionate take on a contemporary issue and short chapters, the book will appeal to reluctant readers; it can also be used for supplemental reading in social studies classes."  — Library Media Connection
"A short but nevertheless poignant novel...Watson's book is incredibly relevant to the plight of unemployed and homeless youth and families, and is also a testament to the human will to survive and protect. Poe learns about the value of friendship and the willingness of individuals to show compassion. This book is a valuable addition to the Orca Currents series of books...Watson has formulated some memorable and complex characters...[and] the novel is well-rounded and important. Young readers should find the story compelling, the plot fast-paced and the experience enlightening."  — KeenReaders.org
"The story's themes are thought-provoking."  — The Horn Book Guide

"Living Rough, which offers a real-life example of a student living a tough teenage life, was written for reluctant readers, and so it is both an easy read and a short book. The plot is well planned out, including the suspense of Poe's secret...A realistic novel that involves teen issues to which its intended audience can relate...The plot, dialogue, and characters make this book interesting and well worth the read for a broader audience than just reluctant readers."

 — CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"Tackling the sensitive subject of poverty and homelessness, this book in the series is a gripping read and recommended for reluctant readers."  — Tacoma Public School District
"Once again, the Orca Currents series hits a topical and important issue. Too many teens are dealing with pressures unthinkable for an earlier generation, and these novels present sensitive issues deftly, without the taint of sentimentality."  — Resource Links

Biographical note


Cristy Watson is a teacher who loves reading and writing poetry and YA novels. Living Rough is her second entry in the Orca Currents series. Cristy lives in White Rock, British Columbia.