Smith, A. (2013). Winger. Simon & Schuster Books
Summary
Ryan Dean West, aka "Winger" to his rugby friends, is living in the 'troubled' dorm at a private boarding school. He's different than the rest of the boys, because he's a 14-year old junior. He's in love with his best friend, but she only sees him as a kid, rooming with the school's biggest bully, and trying to navigate life in this believable coming-of-age novel. Through realistic teenage life, Smith opens readers eyes to the realities of being bullied and trying to survive high school in a world of uncertainties. When a classmate goes missing, both Winger and readers alike will learn complicated life lessons that make him not so much 'the little guy' anymore.
A Teacher's Perspective
I was not expecting that ending. The truths written within these pages are so real when it comes to depicting teenage life, especially seeing these things as a teacher, that Smith deserves all the awards simply for the writing style. His characters are so believable. What I wasn't expecting was to be sobbing by the end. I wasn't expecting the death of a character at the hands of others. I think this book should be geared toward high school students, but still find it relevant to mature 8th graders as well.
Want to know more?
To purchase your own copy of Winger: Click here!
TeachingBooks.Net has a great breakdown with resources for teaching this book in your classroom.
The Tucson Book Festival interviewed Andrew Smith about his writing in a YouTube video:
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