What do you think?
Rate this book
Prove It, Josh
Josh put his finger on the word and tried to sound it out.
“D-d-d-d …”
By the time he got to the bottom of the page, a headache
had started to pound behind his left ear. He snapped
the book shut and shoved it across the table.
“I hate reading.”
Eleven-year-old Josh’s summer is getting off to a bad start. It’s the first week of vacation, but instead of being out on the water in his nifty sailing dinghy, he’s stuck in the library with the latest in a long string of tutors. Josh is dyslexic—and since he moved out west to live with Dad, a whole new crop of kids have been teasing him about his problems writing and reading.
At least Josh loves living at the marina on Dad’s cruising yacht. He’s counting the days until his brother, Matt, still back in Toronto with their mom, comes out to join Josh and his dad for a sailing trip.
When a mean classmate, Brittany, bets Josh he can’t beat her in an upcoming boat race, Josh isn’t too worried. With Matt as his racing partner, he’ll stand a good chance. But when the news comes that Matt has to enroll in summer school instead, Josh’s anxiety goes into overdrive. If he loses the race to Brittany, he’ll have to volunteer as a reader at the library—his worst nightmare! It’s time for Josh to prove what he’s made of, and readers will cheer him on as help comes from unexpected quarters.
Combining sailing lore, page-turning adventure and gentle humour, first-time novelist Jenny Watson has crafted an engaging, encouraging tale. Josh’s story comes full of inspiration, not just for the learning disabled, but for anyone who has to overcome adversity.
“D-d-d-d …”
By the time he got to the bottom of the page, a headache
had started to pound behind his left ear. He snapped
the book shut and shoved it across the table.
“I hate reading.”
Eleven-year-old Josh’s summer is getting off to a bad start. It’s the first week of vacation, but instead of being out on the water in his nifty sailing dinghy, he’s stuck in the library with the latest in a long string of tutors. Josh is dyslexic—and since he moved out west to live with Dad, a whole new crop of kids have been teasing him about his problems writing and reading.
At least Josh loves living at the marina on Dad’s cruising yacht. He’s counting the days until his brother, Matt, still back in Toronto with their mom, comes out to join Josh and his dad for a sailing trip.
When a mean classmate, Brittany, bets Josh he can’t beat her in an upcoming boat race, Josh isn’t too worried. With Matt as his racing partner, he’ll stand a good chance. But when the news comes that Matt has to enroll in summer school instead, Josh’s anxiety goes into overdrive. If he loses the race to Brittany, he’ll have to volunteer as a reader at the library—his worst nightmare! It’s time for Josh to prove what he’s made of, and readers will cheer him on as help comes from unexpected quarters.
Combining sailing lore, page-turning adventure and gentle humour, first-time novelist Jenny Watson has crafted an engaging, encouraging tale. Josh’s story comes full of inspiration, not just for the learning disabled, but for anyone who has to overcome adversity.
- GenresDisability
160 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Watson
1 book17 followersJenny Watson grew up in small-town New Zealand, dreaming of big adventures in faraway places. When she was 18, she spent a year as an exchange student in Thailand, where she learned to speak a little Thai (nit noi) and to eat curry and sticky rice with her fingers. After returning to New Zealand to earn a Master’s degree in psychology, she moved to San Diego and trained to be a technical writer. Now Jenny and her husband make their home in Victoria, B.C. They grab every opportunity they can to go sailing with friends until they launch their very own plywood sailing dinghy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 8, 2013
YA Adventure Hits the Mark
Eleven-year-old Josh has a problem: he can’t read. Despite the tutors, letters won’t come together: “It was like wading through the mud in his rubber boots at low tide.” And his parents have split. He’s on Vancouver Island with his boat-building dad, and his mother’s in Toronto with his older brother Matt. While he’s adjusted to living on a schooner on the Canadian west coast, he’d rather be sailing: “In a breeze like that, Nomad would be flying. He could almost taste the salt spray misting across the bow.”
Then he sees his chance to earn respect from his mockers, especially one girl at the marina. A sailing contest for a crew of two is upcoming. The girl issues him a challenge, and he’s confident…until he learns that Matt has to stay at home and go to summer school. The dream vanishes and Josh wonders if life will ever improve.
It’s tough to write a good YA book. The author needs to master the vocabulary, the sentence structure, the culture, and the interests of that age group. Jenny Watson captures the stubborn but frustratingly helpless nature of a creative young boy with a handicap he can’t understand. He can dive to the bottom of the harbour to find lost clamps, and he can rig a boat blindfolded and weather a storm. Facing the sea with bravery is in his blood. But ask him to read to the young kids at the library if he loses a bet, and he’s panicking.
A good book should instruct and delight, and this one wins stars on both counts. Watson sprinkles the sailing lore with a deft hand, a bit at a time, while handling a suspenseful plot. Toss in a slightly dysfunctional family, and the task gets even tougher. Yet Josh’s father and mother are rounded characters, totally believable. They love their kids, but they can’t get along. Many will identify with this dilemma.
Watson lives in Victoria, and she’s captured the ambiance of the dockside like a painted locket miniature: “Josh took a deep breath, inhaling the smells of seawater and mud, a hint of pine from the trees that lined the shore, and just the slightest sourness from the mill across the bay.” The weekend sailors, those who call their boats home, the hustle and bustle of keeping a vessel in top condition, not to mention the excitement of a race and the safety precautions make the pages come to life. This book has the focus of a lightning rod and the expanse of the Salish Sea. The reader cheers for Josh from beginning to end in this charming and skillfully crafted YA novel.
Eleven-year-old Josh has a problem: he can’t read. Despite the tutors, letters won’t come together: “It was like wading through the mud in his rubber boots at low tide.” And his parents have split. He’s on Vancouver Island with his boat-building dad, and his mother’s in Toronto with his older brother Matt. While he’s adjusted to living on a schooner on the Canadian west coast, he’d rather be sailing: “In a breeze like that, Nomad would be flying. He could almost taste the salt spray misting across the bow.”
Then he sees his chance to earn respect from his mockers, especially one girl at the marina. A sailing contest for a crew of two is upcoming. The girl issues him a challenge, and he’s confident…until he learns that Matt has to stay at home and go to summer school. The dream vanishes and Josh wonders if life will ever improve.
It’s tough to write a good YA book. The author needs to master the vocabulary, the sentence structure, the culture, and the interests of that age group. Jenny Watson captures the stubborn but frustratingly helpless nature of a creative young boy with a handicap he can’t understand. He can dive to the bottom of the harbour to find lost clamps, and he can rig a boat blindfolded and weather a storm. Facing the sea with bravery is in his blood. But ask him to read to the young kids at the library if he loses a bet, and he’s panicking.
A good book should instruct and delight, and this one wins stars on both counts. Watson sprinkles the sailing lore with a deft hand, a bit at a time, while handling a suspenseful plot. Toss in a slightly dysfunctional family, and the task gets even tougher. Yet Josh’s father and mother are rounded characters, totally believable. They love their kids, but they can’t get along. Many will identify with this dilemma.
Watson lives in Victoria, and she’s captured the ambiance of the dockside like a painted locket miniature: “Josh took a deep breath, inhaling the smells of seawater and mud, a hint of pine from the trees that lined the shore, and just the slightest sourness from the mill across the bay.” The weekend sailors, those who call their boats home, the hustle and bustle of keeping a vessel in top condition, not to mention the excitement of a race and the safety precautions make the pages come to life. This book has the focus of a lightning rod and the expanse of the Salish Sea. The reader cheers for Josh from beginning to end in this charming and skillfully crafted YA novel.
February 25, 2014
I read this book with my twins who are 10 and we all thoroughly enjoyed the powerful story. Jenny Watson is gifted at creating characters that are intriguing and who you can't help cheer for. Both of my children took the book to their classroom teacher to read and then also to the school librarian. All elementary and middle school libraries need to have this book available.
November 7, 2013
While Prove It Josh would be an inspiration to any child who, like dyslexic Josh, is struggling to overcome a physical or social obstacle, it is also an exciting story of a sailing race, new friendships and the good feelings generated by doing the right thing
The author keeps the plot moving from the very beginning with intriguing hooks at the end of every chapter and by continuously raising the stakes for Josh and his new friend, Dakota. Josh has just moved to the west coast to live on a boat with his father, where he meets Dakota, a girl who lives on a float home at the neighboring marina. I loved the references to Swallows and Amazons, a book of adventures of kids and boats and a childhood favorite of mine, and plan to give this to all the kids I know for Christmas.
The author keeps the plot moving from the very beginning with intriguing hooks at the end of every chapter and by continuously raising the stakes for Josh and his new friend, Dakota. Josh has just moved to the west coast to live on a boat with his father, where he meets Dakota, a girl who lives on a float home at the neighboring marina. I loved the references to Swallows and Amazons, a book of adventures of kids and boats and a childhood favorite of mine, and plan to give this to all the kids I know for Christmas.
October 25, 2013
I really enjoyed this story. The characters are interesting, the story is suspenseful, and the ending is unexpected but satisfying!
I definitely recommend it for any age, though children 9-12 may find it particularly engaging.
I definitely recommend it for any age, though children 9-12 may find it particularly engaging.
December 15, 2013
Josh is a determined kid. He’s determined to win the bet, to win the race, and to win over his inability to read. But more importantly, Josh is determined to do the right thing.
Just in from Toronto, Josh is the new and weird kid on the block, and the cool kids in the class make it clear he is going to have to earn their acceptance, the hard way.
It feels like everything conspires to go wrong after Josh is goaded into making a bet on winning the Senanus Island Small Boat Race with his small sailing vessel, the Nomad. He has to spend extra time with reading tutors, he loses his only crewmember, and he discovers his main competitor’s boat is sleek, new, and fast.
Luckily, things pick up when he meets Dakota, a spunky homeschooled marina rat. They develop a friendship based on mutual trust, interests, and understanding. Josh invites Dakota to be his crew for the race and Dakota introduces Josh to her grandmother, a wise and encouraging soul who helps him to accept and overcome his reading disability.
Prove It, Josh is a quality read; a great story built on refreshing and realistic characters propelled by an engaging and educational plot. The thematic backdrop to the story relays the message that learning disabilities can affect any type of person, that they do not define the person, and that with the right support and dedication they can be surmounted.
If the kids in your life are sailors or have ever dreamed of sailing, this short novel will resonate deeply with them. And for every kid who gets excited about adventure, who has ever had to contend with a challenge, or who plain loves a great book, Prove it, Josh is for them.
Just in from Toronto, Josh is the new and weird kid on the block, and the cool kids in the class make it clear he is going to have to earn their acceptance, the hard way.
It feels like everything conspires to go wrong after Josh is goaded into making a bet on winning the Senanus Island Small Boat Race with his small sailing vessel, the Nomad. He has to spend extra time with reading tutors, he loses his only crewmember, and he discovers his main competitor’s boat is sleek, new, and fast.
Luckily, things pick up when he meets Dakota, a spunky homeschooled marina rat. They develop a friendship based on mutual trust, interests, and understanding. Josh invites Dakota to be his crew for the race and Dakota introduces Josh to her grandmother, a wise and encouraging soul who helps him to accept and overcome his reading disability.
Prove It, Josh is a quality read; a great story built on refreshing and realistic characters propelled by an engaging and educational plot. The thematic backdrop to the story relays the message that learning disabilities can affect any type of person, that they do not define the person, and that with the right support and dedication they can be surmounted.
If the kids in your life are sailors or have ever dreamed of sailing, this short novel will resonate deeply with them. And for every kid who gets excited about adventure, who has ever had to contend with a challenge, or who plain loves a great book, Prove it, Josh is for them.
February 17, 2014
Prove It, Josh is a book that will resonate with any reader who has ever been the "new kid." Not only is Josh adjusting to a new school and life with his dad, he is also struggling with dyslexia. The author, Jenny Watson, has handled the subject with a gentle touch that leaves the reader cheering Josh on, but not feeling sorry for him in any way. It shows that although Josh has trouble in one area, that doesn't mean he doesn't excel in others. He is a skilled sailor, and the story weaves its way around that in a way that makes you wish you could immediately move next to the ocean and take up sailing yourself!
December 2, 2013
Prove It, Josh is an accessible read for a struggling reader like Josh--not too long, fewer words per page, and short chapters. Jenny Watson has a gift for crafting realistic, believable characters. She also has a knack for using just the right amount of sailing terminology in context to flavour the story but not frustrate the reader. I love the ending, but you'll have to read the book to find out.
December 4, 2014
A book which graphically demonstrates the humiliation of negative peer judgement, the value of adult mentorship and true peer friendships, and the value of choosing the morally correct action over the drive to win at all costs. Jenny subtly introduces her young readers to the potential magic of the Ransome series, and clarifies the issue of dyslexia, all within a lovely setting of boats and the sea.
February 26, 2014
Disclaimer: I know the author in real life.
But that doesn't stop me from highly recommending Prove It, Josh. It pulls you along at a good pace. Jenny nails the age group and has a straightforward writing style that makes her struggling protagonist feel very real. The world of sailboats is a special bonus. Boy-reader worthy, for sure.
But that doesn't stop me from highly recommending Prove It, Josh. It pulls you along at a good pace. Jenny nails the age group and has a straightforward writing style that makes her struggling protagonist feel very real. The world of sailboats is a special bonus. Boy-reader worthy, for sure.
March 16, 2014
This is a really interesting book. I just started at a new school, and I am having trouble adapting to a new environment and friends. I would be very delighted to get a copy of this book so I can read about Josh's experience and compare the similarity of our current situation, and learn how he overcome this matter.
April 18, 2014
Josh struggles with dyslexia but his passion for sailing drives him to bet a race against having to read out loud at the library as punishment if he loses against rich girl/bully. Fast, easy read with a good pace and satisfying finish.
January 1, 2016
This story was a wonderful adventure about mending family ties and making new friends when life takes you to the other side of the country where you are compelled to face your biggest fears. Loved the sailing and west coast setting!
September 22, 2013
Excellent read!
July 22, 2014
This is a great book about a kid who loves the sea. It's fun, adventurous and heart-warming.
December 23, 2015
Touching book about dyslexia and bullying. Truly deserved to have won the Silver Birch Express award.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews