Description
Bring the roof down. Rock the boat.
Webb believes that if you want to reach your dreams, you have to live life loud. Make sure that when you look back, you have no regrets. But when a shady music producer steals one of Webb’s songs, Webb finds out how hard it is for a kid on his own in Nashville to get justice. With the help of an unlikely ally, Webb discovers that he has what it takes to succeed: talent, determination and some good friends.
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!
Contributor Notes
Sigmund Brouwer is the bestselling author of numerous books for children and adults, including Rock & Roll Literacy and titles in the Orca Echoes, Orca Currents and Orca Sports series. Sigmund is the author of two previous books about Jim Webb: Devil’s Pass, part of Seven (the series), and Tin Soldier (The Seven Sequels). Sigmund and his family divide their time between his hometown of Red Deer, Alberta, and Nashville, Tennessee.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Editorial Reviews
"A fast-moving, easy and enjoyable reading experience that will appeal to many readers. The vocabulary is at-level, but the quick pace and shorter chapters will appeal to reluctant readers who will have a sense of accomplishment when they finish this book...Readers will be cheering for Dean's demise, and they won't be left disappointed in the end."
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"Will hook readers from the first chapter...True to life and easy to grasp...A suspenseful plot, fascinating details, and a likable protagonist make this title a wonderful addition to hi-lo collections."
— School Library Journal (SLJ)
"A quick, easy and compelling narrative appealing to both genders. Although it is aimed at eleven to fourteen-year-olds, the simple vocabulary, short sentences and brief chapters make it accessible to much younger readers."
— Resource Links
"Webb is a likeable character and readers will be rooting for him to find justice. There is much to appeal to young singers and songwriters in this book, particularly those who play guitar. There is a web page about Jim Webb and his music, as well as a YouTube video of the title song. These features are solid tools for pulling in reluctant readers. Webb is also a character in two previous novels by Brouwer; many readers will like him enough to want to read more about his backstory."
— School Library Connection
"Brouwer keeps both chapters and book as short as possible; despite this, his characters shine as individuals, and clearly he has done his research on the dangers the music world poses for new talent...A quick read for music lovers."
— Kirkus Reviews
