2024 the best man review

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(as of Dec 07, 2024 10:09:15 UTC - Details)

Newbery Medalist Richard Peck tells a story of small-town life, gay marriage, and everyday heroes in this novel for fans of Gary Schmidt and Jack Gantos.

Archer Magill has spent a lively five years of grade school with one eye out in search of grown-up role models. Three of the best are his grandpa, the great architect; his dad, the great vintage car customizer,; and his uncle Paul, who is just plain great. These are the three he wants to be. Along the way he finds a fourth—Mr. McLeod, a teacher. In fact, the first male teacher in the history of the school.

But now here comes middle school and puberty. Change. Archer wonders how much change has to happen before his voice does. He doesn't see too far ahead, so every day or so a startling revelation breaks over him. Then a really big one when he's the best man at the wedding of two of his role models. But that gets ahead of the story.

In pages that ripple with laughter, there's a teardrop here and there. And more than a few insights about the bewildering world of adults, made by a boy on his way to being the best man he can be.

Boston Globe Horn Honor Book
Amazon Editors’ Picks for Fall (Ages 9-12)
New York Times Notable Children's Book
Horn Book Fanfare
School Library Journal Best Books of 2016
Kirkus Best Books of 2016
Chicago Public Library Best Books of 2016

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Puffin Books; Reprint edition (September 5, 2017)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0147515793
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0147515797
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 6 - 12 years, from customers
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 540L
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 4 - 7
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.1 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.13 x 0.69 x 7.75 inches
Reviewer: Richard B. Green
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: What a joy to read!
Review: Though I've been a gay, retired school teacher for eighteen years now, one of the joys of teaching was reading to the kids, be they fourth, fifth, or sixth graders. During my thirty-plus years I read several of Richard's books to my class. What a wonderful reading experience for us all! And now comes "The Best Man." It's a delight! From the perspective of a wonderful narrator, Archer Magill, we travel through his fourth, fifth and sixth grade years in school, finding him surrounded by a remarkable group of youngsters and adults, the adults in particular helping Archer along that eventual path to young adulthood. Archer's grandfather, an architect, built two houses, back to back, the grandparents living in one, Archer, his parents and sister in the other. And every Friday night his Uncle Paul visits for dinner, Paul a publicist for the Chicago Cubs. Archer's father restores vintage cars, his mother is a marriage counselor. Surrounded by these loving people, Archer's journey through life, though filled with the frustration and anxiety all kids deal with, is all the smoother. Archer is loved. He's also funny, perceptive, bright...and so as his tale unfolds to what leads to a verymoving ending, the reader, be he a youngster or an adult, is in for a most pleasant ride. Looking at growing up through Archer's eyes is a joy. I found, at age 73, that I related to any number of moments in the story, be they those involved with school and the social difficulties in particular one might deal with, or Archer's coming to terms with a much-loved uncle's gayness. I wished the book was longer...I'd have liked spending even more time with the Magill family. They aren't so much perfect as they are the family that some of us might find ourselves wishing we'd grown up in...so if that makes them perfect, then perfect they are. I used to tell the kids when I read I can't tell you how many books over many years that some of the best books written were written for them. This book ranks with the best. I'm wondering with the gay issue whether I'd have been able to read this to the kids. In an enlightened world, I would have been.

Reviewer: Debanox
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Superb.
Review: I chose to read this after learning that its publisher had been initially ordered to remove it from view at an elementary school book fair, then was subsequently told it was banned from the fair. It was banned due to the vocal objections of a parent. It should not have been banned. No parent should be given the power to decide what others can read. The book is excellent from beginning to end. Tough to put down even for the length of a meal. It is about standing up to bullies and about accepting those who are different from us. These are important concepts to share.

Reviewer: Kindle Customer
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Enjoyed it from cover to cover
Review: Written in typical Peck style that makes for another thoroughly enjoyable read. I found this story relatable and encouraging. So many sides to the cast of characters.

Reviewer: E. L. Welty
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Another excellent book from Richard Peck
Review: The best book I've read this year! Archer is in 5th grade and wants to grow up to be just like the three best men he knows - his grandpa, his dad, and his uncle Paul. Along the way, he discovers that girls can be friends, bullies can be conquered, teachers can be heroes, and families sometimes make us better. He also adds another role model - Mr. McLeod, the teacher who stands up to the 6th grade bullies. When his Uncle Paul and Mr. McLeod start dating, Archer is happy, but his dad warns him that his Uncle has a history of "cold feet". There's some heartbreak, but a whole lot of love. An excellent age-appropriate book about a subject that some find uncomfortable.

Reviewer: Britt Kay
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: A Million Feels. SO fantastic!
Review: Top three cutest books of the year and one of the cutest middle grade novels---ever.This book covers it all: growing up, bullying, friendship, loyalty, family, grief, and love.It's adorable and unpredictable and sweet and tender.I probably sighed out loud while reading it at least ten times, and I want to grab Archer and squish his freaking face because he's so adorable and amazing.This family, seriously, can we photocopy them and put them out into the universe?!I don't want to give too much away, so specifics are hard, but this is a MUST MUST read for anyone 10 and up...seriously, adults. Pick this up. You're welcome.

Reviewer: Amazon Fan
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Heartwarming and Fun
Review: Richard Peck’s unmatchable! A joy to read!

Reviewer: Kindle Customer
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Middle school brilliantly depicted
Review: The ups and downs of Archer and his coming of age are told with humor and insight. Mr. Peck uses his experience as a former teacher to bring action and hilarity to get Archer, his friends, and the reader through middle school, family relationships and two weddings. This is a must read for the "younger set".

Reviewer: stevens
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Three Stars
Review: Not quite as engaging as some novels.

Reviewer: yamini
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: My son aged 12 has enjoyed the book thoroughly . The shipment came on time and in good condition.

Reviewer: BB85
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: What a winning book! Archer's small town world encompasses a universe of considerations, issues and anticipations. I love this book.