Pinned

by Sharon G. Flake Narrated by Bahni Turpin, Dominic Hoffman

Overview

Award-winning author, Sharon G. Flake, presents a powerful novel about a teen boy and girl, each tackling disabilities.

Autumn and Adonis have nothing in common and everything in common. Autumn is outgoing and has lots of friends. Adonis is shy and not so eager to connect with people. But even with their differences, the two have one thing in common--they're each dealing with a handicap. For Autumn, who has a learning disability, reading is a painful struggle that makes it hard to focus in class. But as her school's most aggressive team wrestler, Autumn can take down any problem. Adonis is confined to a wheelchair. He has no legs. He can't walk or dance. But he's a strong reader who loves books. Even so, Adonis has a secret he knows someone like Autumn can heal.

In time, Autumn and Adonis are forced to see that our greatest weaknesses can turn into the assets that forever change us and those we love.

Told in alternating voices, Pinned explores issues of self-discovery, friendship, and what it means to be different.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

PRAISE FOR PINNED* "The unflinching honesty with which Flake approaches her characters is what sells this story."—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, starred review* "This brilliantly realized story is told alternately in their two distinctive voices, and readers will cheer Autumn's spirit and Adonis' drive."—KIRKUS, starred review

Kirkus Reviews

Two unlikely teens find a connection despite the reluctance of one and the vastly different life obstacles they confront. Autumn Knight is good at several things: She's a great friend, a terrific cook and a fiercely competitive wrestler, the only girl on her team. She is not good at reading or most of her other school subjects. Despite this, she is drawn to the smartest boy in school and determined that he will like her in return. Adonis Miller, severely physically disabled since birth, wants no part of Autumn. She is everything he hates: "I despise her. Nothing about her appeals to me. All those muscles. Not to mention her IQ. I'm sure it's exceptionally low." Since he was a little boy, he has striven to be the best at whatever he attempts, from academics to school leadership. His role as manager of the wrestling team often brings him into contact with Autumn, and he has trouble reconciling the successful athlete with the irritating girl who haunts his dreams. This brilliantly realized story is told alternately in their two distinctive voices, and readers will cheer Autumn's spirit and Adonis' drive. The narrative is further enriched by intriguing secondary characters, including Autumn's best friend Patricia (aka Peaches), who has her own secrets, and the loving parents and caring teachers of both teens. An uplifting story that convincingly celebrates the power of perseverance. (Fiction. 14 & up)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171935528
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	01/22/2013
Edition description:	Unabridged

Read an Excerpt

From Pinned

Autumn

When Miss Baker walk in class smiling—like reading is fun—I pick up my pencil and draw two hearts.

We gonna read a play today, she saying. "Open your books." She walk over to me, squeezing my shoulder. "Autumn. Read the part of Kayla."

I tap my pencil on my book.

She winks. "I know you can do it."

I don't like to read. It's boring. I tell Miss Baker this all the time. She say not to give up. She gonna help me read better. That ain't gonna happen. Teachers tried before. I'm still reading three grades behind....

My goal is to be the best wrestler ever. Not the best reader.

Adonis

I try to keep Autumn out, but she chases me. I have to run fast to get away.

Autumn is wearing track shoes. She says they are magic, superfast. Now she is ahead of me, staring back at my legs.

"Where your wheels at?" she wants to know.

"I have legs. See." I stop to give her a better look.

"Those are just pretend. I got real ones. Wanna wrestle?"

Poof! My legs disappear.

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