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Totally Unrelated

Totally Unrelated

Tom Ryan (Author) See More (3)
Hi-Lo
Lo
Family | Performing Arts
General (see also headings under Social Themes) , Music
Orca Book Publishers
4 - 7
9 - 12
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AmazonIndigo
EPUB [reflow]
9781459804609
$7.99 CAD
English
10/01/2013
Paperback
9781459804586
$9.95 CAD
English
10/01/2013
PDF [Fixed Format]
9781459804593
$7.99 CAD
English
10/01/2013
View full details

Description

Neil plays guitar with his family's band, the Family McClintock, even though he can't stand the Celtic music they play.

Neil doesn't dance, he hates the outfits, and every single performance reminds him that he isn't as talented as the rest of the family. When his buddy Bert convinces him to form a rock band and enter a local talent show, Neil's playing improves and everyone notices, including a girl who shares his musical interests. He starts to think that all those years of practice might come in handy after all. But it all comes to a head when Neil has to choose between an important gig with the family band and the talent show. He's only sure of one thing: whatever he decides to do, he's going to be letting someone down.

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.

Tom Ryan

Prizes

  • Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book AwardShort-listed 2014
  • CCBC Best Books for Kids & TeensCommended 2014
  • Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard SelectionCommended 2013

Review Quotes

"Any reader who has ever taken lessons in anything—whether it be artistic or not—will appreciate Neil’s struggles and will completely understand the personal and family pressure he feels to perfect his craft. Readers will also appreciate the conflict he feels between family obligation and personal interests, and the author resolves the situation in a satisfying and realistic manner...This innovative series offers something for all kinds of readers whether they are directly involved in the performing arts or not. They are short, fast-paced and well executed—stories perfect for fans of performing arts-focused television shows such as Glee."

 — Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Canadian Children’s Book News
“Ryan writes well, and there’s a positive underlying message about following your own path while honouring other responsibilities and commitments...Given how many kids dream of stardom, the Limelights series is sure to hold wide appeal.”  — Quill & Quire
"Neil’s voice is honest, with a touch of sarcasm and lack of self-perception that is appropriate for this age. Ryan wisely uses his other characters to flesh out Neil’s blind spots for the reader...The plot moves quickly as the reader follows Neil’s rising excitement about shows...Highly Recommended."  — CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"Ryan uses simple language to create rich characters that stick with you long after you are finished reading the story. Readers can identify with Neil's struggles and his journey—the self-doubt and lack of direction. Bert, Sandy, and 'the Beast' are gorgeously drawn supporting characters who help Neil see beyond his own perceptions and reach for the dreams he didn't know he had."  — Resource Links

Biographical note

Tom Ryan was born and raised in Inverness, on Cape Breton Island. Like most transplanted Cape Bretoners, he spends a lot of time wishing he was back on the right side of the causeway. He currently lives in Ottawa, Ontario, with his partner and dog