James the Rock's Boys

by Thalia Wiggins, Don Tate (Illustrator)

Life is full of making choices and these character education chapter books examine the different choices made by two cousins -- the McNairs. Greg the Good is hard working and honest. Three books follow Greg as he makes choices that earn him money, respect, and a good reputation. James the Rock, on the other hand, makes the choice to join a gang and lie, cheat, and steal to get by. Three books follow James and show the consequences that come from choosing that path...

In James the Rock's Boys, James McNair's cousin Greg has won Trinidad Community's ''My Dreams of Tomorrow Today!'' mural contest. James has been forced to help Greg and other volunteers paint the mural and clean up the park. James wishes he could get the same respect and attention Greg is getting. Maybe someday when he's a famous basketball player it will happen. But right now, the losing contestant and his friends are using graffiti to show who should have won. James decides Rock's Boys are going to pay back the Crush 'Em Boys with some graffiti of their own. This leads to war, and to Greg's mural being destroyed. Will James choose to help Greg get revenge? Or will he surprise everyone and change his future in the process? Calico Chapter Books is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO Group. Grades 2-5.

* School related stories for character education teaching opportunities * Black & white illustrations highlight text * Large type for transitional readers

64 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Jacqui · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was much better than the last one. James turned from his negative ways and is trying to go more positive. Just like in life it doesn't happen over night. It takes time with James. James chose a more positive route to the problem. I'm feeling a little more positive about this series. There was some character development with the adults. We see a different side to grandpa.