Targeted Age Group:: 10-15
Category: Childrens Books – Middle Grade
About Shaky Man:
Stay away from Shaky Man. Every kid in the small town of Tonkaway, Texas, knows that.
He eats little kids, murdered his wife, and mistreats his dogs, to boot. That’s what they say, anyway. Top doesn’t entirely know what to think about the rumors. He’s too busy settling into his new home, playing baseball and making friends—like Mickey, a black boy who soon becomes his best friend of all.
Everything changes when a shocking murder turns the town, along with Top and Mickey’s lives, upside down. Neighbors show their true colors. Shaky Man’s secrets are revealed. Through it all, Top learns again and again just how confusing and unfair the world can be. A tale of childhood set in the 1960s, Shaky Man timelessly reaffirms the basic goodness of humanity and the importance of friendship and compassion in the face of prejudice.
As an educator and parent of young readers, I would say this book is a must-read in teaching our kids about tolerance and acceptance.“…
Maria Bellia Abbate
New York City Public School Teacher
Author of From Landfill to Hallowed Ground
“Shaky Man is about the moral implications of teaching acceptance, both for children and adults. This is a heartwarming story of a young boy learning to respect and love what is different in others, even in the face of negative peer pressure. This book will touch you where it truly matters: in your heart.”
Glen Aaron
Book Reviewer for the Midland Reporter-Telegram
Author of Observer: Ther Colonel George Trofimoff Story, retired attorney
“This book gives you an understanding of how life was in the 60’s. The old saying, ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ really comes into play in Shaky Man.”
Dominick Klimek
10th grader from The Colony, TX
Shaky Man has a wonderful collection of characters that any reader can relate to. It also stands out among other middle-grade fiction novels as one that teaches kids an important lesson about prejudice and the value of true friendship, while also giving a fun story of baseball and two boys who love it. It’s a great book and I’d definitely recommend it to any reader, whether they’re a kid, or an adult who loves to read.
Rebecca McNutt
Author of Smog City
Learn more about Mark S. Parker
Links to Purchase Print Books
Link to Buy Shaky Man Print Edition at Amazon
Link to Buy Shaky Man Print Edition at Barnes and Noble
If you have read this book tell us what you thought in the comments below!
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