Christy Hoss

Having read the other books in The Rubber Band series created for middle schoolers, I looked forward to reading The Rubber-Band: Slingshot Summer. This book chronicles Eddie, Becca, and the rest of the band’s adventures at two summer camps. Eddie attends a summer camp for diabetics. Becca, Ollie, Rocky, and Manny attend a posh summer camp labeled as an outdoor adventure camp.

With new characters like T-Squared, Doren, Janelle, Pam (Becca’s rival) and her crew, and more, this book comes to life. The author weaves together a wonderful book covering two different summer camps along with illustrating how bullies can affect us. But the author illustrates the power of God, forgiveness, and friendship.

I loved reading about the experiences the group had throughout camp. I hope more books are to come and that some of the new characters make a repeat performance. So if you have middle schoolers in your life, or just want to relive your middle school days, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (más)

I have read the previous books from Christy Hoss’ The Rubber Band series and have enjoyed every one. I was excited to read the newest book from the series, The Rubber Band: Slingshot Summer. The book can be read as a stand alone, but I believe it would be best to read the others first. I enjoyed getting to know Eddie more in this one, learning about his diabetes and how he deals with it. I loved how he was able to teach others about himself and making new friends.

I am giving The Rubber Band: Slingshot Summer five stars. Readers between the ages of nine and thirteen. I am hoping there will be more releasing from The Rubber Band series in the future, so I can catch up with the characters.

I received a digital copy of The Rubber Band: Slingshot Summer from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.… (más)

If you have not read the first two books in this series I highly recommend that you do. The author captures the trials and accomplishments as a group of middle schoolers. In this book of them goes to a diabetes camp, while the rest go to another camp. I thought it was interesting that the camps were close by. This scenario leads to some competitions between the two camps which could affect friendships.

I loved how much information the author gives about diabetes and includes a diabetic alert dog. This is a lifesaving animal that will alert if their handler’s blood sugar drops. Eddie is fascinated by the dog and witnesses just how valuable the dog is when his seat companion’s blood sugar drops dangerously low. Janell’s dog knows exactly what is needed to help her as Eddie looks on in amazement.

I never went to summer camp as a child but I did take kids every summer when I was the Children’s pastor. Just like in this book, we did have a young person who was diabetic. His older brother came with us as a counselor and helped monitor his diabetes. I can still remember how excited the kids were when they got off the bus. Squeals and hollers could be heard throughout the camp grounds. Reading this story reminds me how important it is to help each child have a great time and make new friends.

The other camp is quite different and sounds like a swanky hotel with gourmet meals, all the snacks you could ask for and fancy rooms. I wonder how the kids will adjust to this environment? Being at this camp has its own challenges as Becca faces her bully once again. Everywhere she turns, Pamela is there to tease her and make her feel awful.

The story is filled with adventure, fun times and lessons about forgiveness and believing in yourself. It was nice to follow the kids as they explored being away from home and making new friends. The author does talk about bullying and gives a great illustration of showing someone they are forgiven even when their actions were hurtful. This would be a great book to have in a school or church library.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (más)

This continuation of a story about an elementary school band and their family and friends drew me in from the very first book. This book continues the experience. Centered around Rocky, the band’s drummer, the author masterfully weaves a story involving foster care, biological parents, and more in this story.

Rocky’s fellow band members work together with him to find answers and more. The antics and experiences of the band members on and off the stage being this story to life. The ending of the book leaves the reader wanting more of Rocky’s story. I look forward to reading more books in this series. So check out this book for yourself

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (más)