Book details
No Castles Here
Description
AUGIE BORETSKI KNOWS how to get by. If you're a scrawny loser in the destitute city of Camden, New Jersey, you keep your head down, avoid the drug dealers and thugs, and try your best to be invisible. Augie used to be good at that, but suddenly his life is changing. . . . First, Augie accidentally steals a strange book of fairy tales. Then his mom makes him join the Big Brothers program and the chorus. And two bullies try to beat him up every day because of it. Just when it seems like things can't get any worse, an ice storm wrecks Augie's school. The city plans to close the school, abandoning one more building to the drug addicts. But Augie has a plan. For the first time in his life, Augie Boretski is not going down without a fight.From the Hardcover edition.
Age
9-13
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
290 pages
Why to read
- Explores Important Themes: 'No Castles Here' delves into significant themes such as poverty, bullying, and the power of storytelling, providing readers with a rich narrative that encourages empathy and understanding.
- Character Development: The protagonist, Augie Boretski, is a relatable and well-developed character whose journey of personal growth and self-discovery can inspire readers, particularly middle graders, to face their own challenges with courage.
- Magical Realism: A.C.E. Bauer skillfully weaves elements of magical realism into the story, offering a captivating reading experience that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, and keeps readers engaged until the very end.
- Educational Value: The book not only entertains but also educates, as it touches on various social issues and historical elements. It can serve as a conversation starter for parents and educators to discuss complex topics with young readers.