The Original Freddie Ackerman

by Hadley Irwin

After refusing to spend the summer with his father, stepmother, and their mixed-up family, Freddie, a lonely twelve year old, is sent to stay with two eccentric great-aunts on a Maine island, where he soon finds himself embroiled in a challenging mystery.

Genres: Fiction

Hardcover

First published October 1, 1992

Reviews

[Enye Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars because at one point in my life this was the only book I had left, and it gave me what books do best: comfort.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't really quite sure what to expect with this book. I wasn't surprised with a fantastic book, but I wasn't disappointed with a bomb either. It was a quick, easy read with a younger male protagonist. At times I forgot he was 12 (and was a little annoyed about things there--but you'd have to ask me in person what those are). I was also a bit confused at the beginning about the whole Trevor/Freddie thing. But by the end, I was enjoying the small part of his coming-of-age. And I love his aunts! They made the book for me. Ariel was a nice character addition, too. And the island? Perfect setting.

Parts were predictable to me and I saw some things way ahead of their revelation. But it didn't detract.

[Duane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Freddie has to spend the summer with his great aunts who he's never met before. Not being a big fan of the relatives he already has, he doesn't expect things to go very well. After meeting his great aunts , his feelings are justified. That is, until he really takes the time to get to know his great aunts, because only then does he learn not to judge people by first impressions. Through the book, Freddie learns that people can be different and still be pretty cool. A good read for young people who love a story that remains simple but thoughtful.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelve-year-old Trevor Frederick Ackerman can't stand another summer with his confusing tangle of stepparents, stepbrothers, and stepsisters. So, instead, his mother sends him to a remote area of New England to stay with two elderly aunts. As the plane takes off, Trevor feels everything familiar slip away.

Despite his initial fears, though, he finds that he is comfortable in the home of his eccentric aunts. Soon, he has made a new friend in the nearby village and, in a mysterious book, he discovers something surprising and wonderful.

[Deborah Harris]

AR Quiz No. 6393 EN Fiction
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: MG - BL: 6.0 - AR Pts: 6.0
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP, VP