Written by Steve Watkins
Great Falls addresses the relationship between a high school student and his brother who is a returning soldier who has PTSD after returning from three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. The story is well-written and allows the reader to understand the horrors of war and the intense feelings of guilt that soldiers encounter. Most of the setting takes place during a canoe trip down a huge river where the two brothers learn more about each other and themselves. Descriptions of the river dangers and the interactions of the boys are done well. Although students, especially boys, would like the book, the problem with it is the frequent swearing of the characters. The f-word is used frequently, and many words are too crude for a junior high student. Many parents would be upset if it were used in a school classroom.
Review by Sue Weierman, English Teacher, Eisenhower Junior High
Rating: ★★★✩✩ (3 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 8-10
Great Falls
Written by Steve Watkins
Candlewick Press
245 pages
Release Date: April 26, 2016
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
