- Hardcover: 176 pages
- Publisher: Henry Holth & Co (J) (October 1992)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 080502140X
- ISBN-13: 978-0805021400
- Product Dimensions: 21.1 x 14 x 2 cm
- Shipping Weight: 272 g
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #2,217,782 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Publishers Weekly
Ninth-grader Kevin Spencer is used to making new friends every few years as his father, a career Army officer, moves from post to post. But things in Hadley, Kan., site of an ammunition proving ground and Lt. Col. Spencer's new assignment, are different. Generations-old hostilities between town and army stemming from government land seizures have reached a boiling point, and Kevin is caught in the middle. In the novel's finale, Kevin must defuse a terrorist bomb before both the proving ground and Hadley are destroyed. Alphin sets the stage well for the final showdown, and adroitly handles the climactic scene. The novel's most interesting conflict, however--between Kevin and an Army-hating girl he has fallen for--is glibly resolved, marring what is otherwise a suspenseful, true-to-life coming-of-age story. Ages 9-12.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 5-9-- Lieutenant-Commander Spencer, his wife, and son, Kevin--a ninth-grader--have moved to Hadley Proving Ground, where the commander has been assigned to direct the operations of this facility for testing ammunition and equipment. The Spencers, however, soon learn that the townspeople deeply resent the Army's presence. During World War II, the federal government had unfairly confiscated property owned by families who had lived in the town for generations, and the bitterness has remained and festered. When Kevin tries to make friends with his new fellow students, he is singled out as an "Army Brat." He is treated especially roughly by an outspoken girl named Charley Hanson. As Kevin discovers the tragic story of why she has so much animosity, he uncovers a related plot to sabotage the base. Not a confrontational person, he finds that Hadley is his own proving ground. The metaphor is stretched a bit thin, and the happy ending is predictable long before the ending of the novel. However, the deft mixture of adventure, a romantic undercurrent, local politics, and development of character adds breadth and depth to this briskly paced, involving story. --Jack Forman, Mesa College Library, San Diego
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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5.0 out of 5 stars (1 customer review)
5.0 out of 5 stars
Different Twist on Terrorism?, Oct 7 2002
A Kid's Review - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Proving Ground (Hardcover)
I got hooked on this author by reading some of her other books, like Counterfeit Son (wow!) and Simon Says (a must read!). But The Proving Ground really blew me away because we've got all this terrorist scare going on right now, and this book was written ten years ago and it reminds you that terrorism isn't all outside. Sometimes it's a lot closer to home. People get scared for a lot of reasons and do violent things, and you've got to decide if you're going to stand up to them or turn away like it's not your responsibility. What could be more timely?I liked the message that facing up to the fact that you've got to stand up for what you believe is as hard as actually doing it, and there may be repercussions, but you have to do it anyway. I think kids should read this book and try to figure out what they would do, whether they face terrorists from another country, or people who act like terrorists a lot closer to home.
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