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Hey, Dad, Get a Life!
When a supernatural presence begins doing favors for Kelly and her younger sister Sasha, they realize that the ghost of their dead father has returned to watch over them
- GenresChildrens
164 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
About the author
Todd Strasser
228 books806 followersTodd Strasser is an American author of more than 130 novels for adults, young-adults, and middle graders.
His most recent novel is Summer of '69
Booklist review: "Drugs, sex, and rock 'n' roll, those hallmarks of the summer of 1969, are all here, but there's so much more. In this loosely autobiographical novel, Strasser introduces 18-year-old Lucas, who is bright and sensitive but also a screw up…. The picture painted of the Woodstock music festival shows the dark side of peace and love, and the prevalence of drugs is on almost every page…The best part of the book, however, is the one that transcends eras: Lucas' introspection as he contemplates his place in the world."
Kirkus review: "Strasser perfectly captures the golden haze of youth and life on the cusp of adulthood. Readers fascinated with this time period will find much to enjoy... Vietnam, Woodstock, road trips, and acid trips: a sweetly bittersweet, surprising, even melancholy bildungsroman set against a world in flux. Groovy, man."
His most recent young adult novel is Price of Duty:
2018 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens
“Compact and suspenseful, the novel raises important questions about war.” – Kirkus
“This thought-provoking book is both welcome and imperative.” – Booklist * (starred review).
"Rather than attempting to sway the reader, it offers awareness." - VOYA
“Tightly wound and compelling ... appropriate for an older middle school and high school audience. VERDICT: Highly recommended.” – School Library Journal
Bio: Todd was born in New York City. When he was young his parents moved to Roslyn Heights, New York (Long Island). Todd went to the I.U. Willets Elementary school and then attended the Wheatley School for junior high and high school. His best subjects were math and science. He also liked to read, but he had trouble with spelling and grammar, and didn't do well in English. His favorite sports were tennis, skiing and fishing. Todd went to college at New York University for a few years, and then dropped out. He lived on a commune, then lived in Europe where he was a street musician.
All the while, Todd wrote songs and poems and lots of letters to his friends back home. Finally he decided to try being a writer. He returned to the United States and went to Beloit College where he studied literature and writing.
After college, Todd worked at the Middletown Times Herald-Record newspaper in Middletown, New York, and later at Compton Advertising in New York City. In 1978, Todd sold his first novel, Angel Dust Blues. He used the money to start the Dr. Wing Tip Shoo fortune cookie company. For the next 12 years, Todd sold more fortune cookies than books.
Todd now divides his time between writing books and speaking at schools and conferences. When he's at home, he likes to spend time with his children and dog, Cooper. He still likes to play tennis and ski, but his favorite new sport is surfing.
His most recent novel is Summer of '69
Booklist review: "Drugs, sex, and rock 'n' roll, those hallmarks of the summer of 1969, are all here, but there's so much more. In this loosely autobiographical novel, Strasser introduces 18-year-old Lucas, who is bright and sensitive but also a screw up…. The picture painted of the Woodstock music festival shows the dark side of peace and love, and the prevalence of drugs is on almost every page…The best part of the book, however, is the one that transcends eras: Lucas' introspection as he contemplates his place in the world."
Kirkus review: "Strasser perfectly captures the golden haze of youth and life on the cusp of adulthood. Readers fascinated with this time period will find much to enjoy... Vietnam, Woodstock, road trips, and acid trips: a sweetly bittersweet, surprising, even melancholy bildungsroman set against a world in flux. Groovy, man."
His most recent young adult novel is Price of Duty:
2018 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens
“Compact and suspenseful, the novel raises important questions about war.” – Kirkus
“This thought-provoking book is both welcome and imperative.” – Booklist * (starred review).
"Rather than attempting to sway the reader, it offers awareness." - VOYA
“Tightly wound and compelling ... appropriate for an older middle school and high school audience. VERDICT: Highly recommended.” – School Library Journal
Bio: Todd was born in New York City. When he was young his parents moved to Roslyn Heights, New York (Long Island). Todd went to the I.U. Willets Elementary school and then attended the Wheatley School for junior high and high school. His best subjects were math and science. He also liked to read, but he had trouble with spelling and grammar, and didn't do well in English. His favorite sports were tennis, skiing and fishing. Todd went to college at New York University for a few years, and then dropped out. He lived on a commune, then lived in Europe where he was a street musician.
All the while, Todd wrote songs and poems and lots of letters to his friends back home. Finally he decided to try being a writer. He returned to the United States and went to Beloit College where he studied literature and writing.
After college, Todd worked at the Middletown Times Herald-Record newspaper in Middletown, New York, and later at Compton Advertising in New York City. In 1978, Todd sold his first novel, Angel Dust Blues. He used the money to start the Dr. Wing Tip Shoo fortune cookie company. For the next 12 years, Todd sold more fortune cookies than books.
Todd now divides his time between writing books and speaking at schools and conferences. When he's at home, he likes to spend time with his children and dog, Cooper. He still likes to play tennis and ski, but his favorite new sport is surfing.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 18, 2017
I remember reading this one - the girl's dad dies a while before the book stars, and comes back as a ghost. I think she has a sibling (or there might have been another, similar book). No real memory otherwise, and given that I wasn't that gentle on my books and this one is almost in brand new condition, I think I can safely say I wasn't too impressed.
July 4, 2010
Title:Hey Dad Get A Life. Author:Todd Strasser
Summary: Engaging characters and credible dialogue securely anchor an episodic plot in this affecting story. Twelve-year-old Kelly and eight-year-old Sasha miss their recently deceased father, but he's been such an involved, hands-on dad that his spirit comes back to help out his family. Strasser (How I Changed My Life) doesn't keep readers guessing, but from the start makes it clear who's manipulating the ball when Kelly becomes a sudden star on the soccer field, who's making Sasha's messy bedroom picture-perfect every morning and who's responsible for the flat tires and dead battery that sabotage their mother's initial attempts at dating.
I recommend this book to people has people who passed out. people think they can't live again. but this book is about a girl dad passed out. this made it possible that her dad is still alive.
I like this book because the author message is no matter when someone dies u could still still keep a good memory of them no matter what happens.
Summary: Engaging characters and credible dialogue securely anchor an episodic plot in this affecting story. Twelve-year-old Kelly and eight-year-old Sasha miss their recently deceased father, but he's been such an involved, hands-on dad that his spirit comes back to help out his family. Strasser (How I Changed My Life) doesn't keep readers guessing, but from the start makes it clear who's manipulating the ball when Kelly becomes a sudden star on the soccer field, who's making Sasha's messy bedroom picture-perfect every morning and who's responsible for the flat tires and dead battery that sabotage their mother's initial attempts at dating.
I recommend this book to people has people who passed out. people think they can't live again. but this book is about a girl dad passed out. this made it possible that her dad is still alive.
I like this book because the author message is no matter when someone dies u could still still keep a good memory of them no matter what happens.
December 19, 2012
In my opinion this was a very slow and confusing story.If they told how the dad died the book would have mad a lot more sense.Like why their dads a ghost. The whole story seems to take place over just one month and the characters do the same thing everyday. During the story the main characters slowly drift away from independence and start becoming more dependent to their ghost father.
September 22, 2008
hey dad get a life is about a yong girl whos dad has died andshe starts to see him in the died thrilling book
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January 16, 2011Just a good book I got when I was a kid.
August 19, 2011
A definite read for any member of the family dealing with a loss in that family. It's for middle school ages, but there are some important points that it hits that should be addressed.
July 18, 2012
Really feel good book about a father that passed away and comes back in spirit for his two daughters and his wife. Touching book for ones that have lost there love ones. Recommend.
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May 18, 2017e-e
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews