95 Pounds of Hope

95 Pounds of Hope

Anna Gavalda

2002 * p. 90 * YA Realistic Fiction

Gregory Dubosc is 13 years old and in the 6th grade.

"Yes, I know there's something wrong. I'll tell you right away--don't bother to count on your fingers. I stayed back twice: third and sixth grades" (4).

Gregory simply doesn't like school. His parents are fed up with his bad grades and lies about assignments. They've taken him to doctors, and the doctors say he has ADD. Gregory thinks this is ridiculous, and attests that he simply doesn't like school and that everything seems like it's taught in Chinese.

Gregory finds his joy in his Grandpa Leon's workshop. He loves to build things and create. He is truly gifted when it comes to carpentry.

But going to school is inescapable, even though he has been expelled from two schools. His parents decide on sending him to boarding school but no school will take him because of his record. But everything seems to change when Gregory becomes interested in attending a boarding school that focuses on working with your hands and exploring creativity.

The book is short but poignant. Gregory is a typical student who feels dumb because he doesnt get good grades. It is truly sad. He is a good boy and only wants to feel that he is smart and make his parents proud.

The book is honest and a real glimpse into every student's struggles to get good grades. One quote in particular made me laugh and called back memories:

"Then comes the torture of homework. If my mother helps me, she always ends up crying. If it's my father, I always end up crying" (13).

Haha. So true. Gregory is very funny and real and relatable. I didn't find the story on a whole very outstanding or literary, but it is a good choice for students who have similar school problems and need a book that is short and uncomplicated.

-Reading level: ages 10 & up

-Contains a few swear words

-A short and uncomplicated read

-Themes of self-confidence, family, school, and individuality