The Ride Justin Reichman 126 pages October 20 October 30

Rating I would give this book a letter grade of A because it is well written and contains a powerful message. I would recommend this book to people who surf because it is all about surfing. If I could ask the author one question, I’d ask him: have you ever surfed?

Word Splash

The words in the word splash mean a lot to the story. For example, the word snowboarding is there because the beginning of the book is based around Cece snowboarding. Another would be surfing. Cece learns to surf in the story and learns to love it. LA is where Cece lives during the middle and end of the story. Wyoming is where she first lives. I put snow in because Cece misses the snow in Wyoming when she is in LA. Trophy is a word Cece loves to hear because she has a lot of trophies. Last, poodle is in there because Cece has a standard poodle named Oscar.

Conflict Cece is having trouble with the water because it is too tough for her. Cece and the ocean. Man against nature.

Setting Summer LA you can’t surf in any other season but summer in LA

Characters Cece, Marty, Portia, Mom, Hershel, Sally, Mrs. Blossom, Jake, Oscar. Cece is a misunderstood girl. She is bullied by the evil Portia. She meets Portia at a school in LA. Marty is Cece’s crazy dad. He has his own radio talk show. This can sometimes get in the way. Cece’s mom is a quiet woman until Marty gets home and they argue. They are thinking of getting a divorce.

characters Hershel is a nerdy kid who teaches Cece to never give up. Sally is Cece’s best friend from Wyoming that comes to Cece’s surfing contest. Mrs. Blossom is the teacher at Cece’s school who is also the surf club instructor. Jake is a boy Cece likes. It turns out Jake is Portia’s best friend. Oscar is Cece’s standard poodle who plays a minor role in the story.

Mood This book is a fun book. It is entertaining.

Theme Never give up and believe in yourself.

Plot Teaser/Testimonial The Ride by Justin Reichman can help anyone who does not believe in themselves.