AVALANCHE FREESTYLE

Author (last name first):
Ciencin, Scott
Publisher, Date of Publication: 
Stone Arch Books /2011
Grade Level/ or Age Level: 
4th-8th
Classification: 
Fiction  

"Avalanche Freestyle"  is a graphic novel about a 15 year-old boy, Tony Jay, whose father owns a ski resort and is hosting a ski boarding tournament for the prize "Troublemaker" the ultimate ski board. Tony (aka the rich kid) thinks he has the competition in the bag until his dad's maintenance man's son Jack Hewlitt shows him he's just as good as him. 
Tony struggles with knowing his friends only like him for his dad's money and can get from him. His thoughts are confirmed when he and his friends go to a remote spot that no knows about to practice for the tournament. Jack and Tony face off in a battle of show boarding to see once and for all who is best. When an avalanche. nearly kills the boys, Tony's friends take off with all the aid supplies, leaving him to the deep snow. Jack turned back to help Tony and another avalanche threatens to take their lives again. The boy's realize they both have been acting foolish by stereotyping each other. Will the boy's make it home alive? And who will win the ultimate ski board?
This book is very entertaining for children who like graphic novels and sports. The back of the book tells about the author, illustrator, has a glossary, and a web site to find more books like this one. There is an AR test available for this book too.

Reviewed By: Lila Davis (Night Circulation Manager at Midwestern State University's Moffett Library)