Review: The Word Gang

Sep •  20 •  2011

Title: The Word Gang
Series: No
Genre: Young Adult- Contemporary
Author: Mark McKenna
Publisher: Precipitation Press
Release Date: December 8, 2010
Book: E-copy sent by author

“The Word Gang” is the story of three kids in school who start using ‘big’ words to be disruptive. It is also the story of the transformational friendship between a troubled young girl, Kalisha Jackson, and a lonely old polyglot, Albrecht Spinoza. Other characters have to deal with assimilation into America (Sahmbaht Chan) and living with an alcoholic parent (BD Delbene). Lastly, “The Word Gang” is a very sneaky inquiry into the nature of langage itself.”
I loved this book. It was completely devouring and an awesome read. It reminded me of the movie Stand and Deliver. I really loved how the characters came into something they never thought they be. No one believe in these kids but to learn words and use them wisely really made a stand. I loved how the characters each were unique. They all had different back rounds, problems, etc, but one thing remained the same. They wanted a different life.

The plot line of this book left me happy!  I loved that Mr. McKenna drew in the reader with the fialing of education, but how the kids come to learn anyway is amazing. It takes simple faith in the kids and determination that made these kids want to turn their life around.

One teacher in this book made me angry. Instead of praising the kids for their education, he demeaned them, tearing them down. I had a few teachers like that in my life time and let me tell you that it’s not right. Teachers are there to teach, help, educate. I like that their families took interest in what they were doing and help them.

If you want to read a great book that is life changing, read this. I can tell you that I love how characters grew before your eyes. Mr. McKenna did a great job in creating a story that is not only true, but happening in our world today. It is an excellent read!

I give it 4 BITES!

Happy Reading!

Posted by on Sep 20, 2011 in 2011, Mark McKenna, Review, Young Adult | 3 comments

3 Comments

  1. Chapter Chicks
    Sep 20, 2011

    Hmm I will definitely be checking this book out soon. Good review! I’ve had crappy teachers in my life too and it really stinks. One of mine was my English teacher in eighth grade. She hated me for no reason no matter what I did and it really made doing every assignment miserable because I knew it wasn’t a fair grade anyways. But you move on and have the teachers that inspire the icing right out of you!

    -Jessica

  2. Melissa (Books and Things)
    Sep 20, 2011

    Oh sweet! I also love how they became rebels. So unique! I think this is one I do need to get and then pass on! I have (good) teachers in my family!

  3. Jacinda (The Reading Housewives)
    Sep 20, 2011

    I don’t think I ever had a teacher like that…I was lucky enough to have some great teachers 🙂 Great review!