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To the Top of Greenfield Street
After tragedy strikes, Eric (15) starts over in a small town and excels at his first job, but once he lands his first kiss, he's attacked by a jealous friend. Eric endures, adapts, and finds that peace on Greenfield Street never lasts long.
The debut novel won the 2021 American Fiction Award and was described by Shelf Unbound Magazine as, "Hope that makes you believe in yourself." Publishers Weekly declared it, "A vulnerable narrative that will resonate."
The debut novel won the 2021 American Fiction Award and was described by Shelf Unbound Magazine as, "Hope that makes you believe in yourself." Publishers Weekly declared it, "A vulnerable narrative that will resonate."
- GenresContemporaryFiction
293 pages, Paperback
Published August 21, 2020
25 people are currently reading
1118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 26, 2020
This is a sweet coming of age book. It showcases the insecurities of young teens who are breaking out of their caccoons. It brought back memories of all of my firsts.
December 22, 2020
Teen boy does not want to move
Well written, present tense story, clear characters so no flipping back pages to check on names. A fire causes a teen and his father to have to live with friends and then the boy does not want to move again. The protagonist has a good moral compass although finding himself in some situations with drinking. Kissing but not much more. Mom left them years ago and they see her briefly. They story shows a good attitude and hard work are important in life.
Well written, present tense story, clear characters so no flipping back pages to check on names. A fire causes a teen and his father to have to live with friends and then the boy does not want to move again. The protagonist has a good moral compass although finding himself in some situations with drinking. Kissing but not much more. Mom left them years ago and they see her briefly. They story shows a good attitude and hard work are important in life.
September 8, 2020
Such a great read! Nostalgic, relatable, and familiar. Kudos!
July 26, 2021
I absolutely loved the Freeport (my home town) nostalgia. A little too much teen partying for my taste but I think Ryan did a nice job.
November 15, 2020
To The Top of Greenfield Street is the debut novel of the author Ryan Standley. Story is set in Freeport, IL in June, 1993. Protagonist of the story is a fifteen years old teenager Eric Daniels who lives in Iowa with his dad as his mom ran away years ago and didn't return. Eric is a fat boy and due to this everyone keeps on teasing him. Finally it's summer break and a perfect opportunity for Eric to lose weight. Eric used to play basketball daily and he avoided junk food so he can lose some weight.
One day, Eric and his dad's life turned upside down as the house in which they were living got burnt. Eric's dad tried to find a local job but he couldn't get any. They shifted to a cheap hotel room but when they ran out of money, they moved to Freeport, IL. Eric's dad's friend, the Garcia offered a room to stay and job to his dad. His childhood friend Nate Garcia is of the same age as Eric and in their childhood they have enjoyed together a lot.
Later, Nate introduced Eric to the two girls Melissa and Jen. Nate has a huge crush on Jen. Eric was astonished to talk to girls as earlier in Iowa since he was fatty, girls only used to make fun of him. Melissa invited Jen, Nate and Eric to their home at night. Since Melissa was sleeping, Jen leads Nate and Eric back up Greenfield Street. They hopped into the car and went out to have some fun at night. Grab a copy of this book and read the story yourself to find out more about Eric's experience of the new place Freeport.
Title is apt and according to the story. I liked the writing style of the author and the chapter names for each chapter is so relevant and gave a little idea what we gonna read about in that chapter. I enjoyed every bit of this novel. Ryan has done great work in his debut novel and I am definitely interested to read more of his work in the future.
I strongly recommend this to my fellow readers especially who love reading YA fiction.
One day, Eric and his dad's life turned upside down as the house in which they were living got burnt. Eric's dad tried to find a local job but he couldn't get any. They shifted to a cheap hotel room but when they ran out of money, they moved to Freeport, IL. Eric's dad's friend, the Garcia offered a room to stay and job to his dad. His childhood friend Nate Garcia is of the same age as Eric and in their childhood they have enjoyed together a lot.
Later, Nate introduced Eric to the two girls Melissa and Jen. Nate has a huge crush on Jen. Eric was astonished to talk to girls as earlier in Iowa since he was fatty, girls only used to make fun of him. Melissa invited Jen, Nate and Eric to their home at night. Since Melissa was sleeping, Jen leads Nate and Eric back up Greenfield Street. They hopped into the car and went out to have some fun at night. Grab a copy of this book and read the story yourself to find out more about Eric's experience of the new place Freeport.
Title is apt and according to the story. I liked the writing style of the author and the chapter names for each chapter is so relevant and gave a little idea what we gonna read about in that chapter. I enjoyed every bit of this novel. Ryan has done great work in his debut novel and I am definitely interested to read more of his work in the future.
I strongly recommend this to my fellow readers especially who love reading YA fiction.
December 20, 2020
I received an ARC of this book through Reedsy in exchange for an honest review.
Life is not easy for fifteen-year-old Eric. He is in high school, his mother left him and his father when he was young, and he is painfully self-conscious about his weight and how others perceive him. However, things get worse for Eric when his dad’s pizza shop burns down—and their house goes along with it. Forced to pick up what is left of their lives, Eric and his dad move in with family friends on Greenfield Street, where Eric spends a transformational summer learning about friendship, family, girls, hard work, and how to love himself. Set squarely in reality, this book does little to sugarcoat the challenges of rural, mid-American life. Written in a colloquial style, raw emotions are felt throughout the narrative, which flows smoothly from beginning to end. The chapters are short, each one focusing on a particular moment in Eric’s summer; this series of vignettes builds a web of stories that connect easily and wrap up nicely. Though each challenge seems more difficult than the last, Eric does not give in to the adversity; instead, he learns to push through it, becoming a stronger, more composed character by the end of the book. Readers who enjoy stories about real life and embracing oneself will appreciate the honest way that Eric’s story is told. A host of diverse characters come into Eric’s life as the summer progresses, each one unique and likable even with their flaws on display. Nobody is perfect; even though lies and aggression abound, redemption is an equally pervasive theme in this book. Strong language, broken families, racism, classism, violence, and sex are all essential to the unfolding of this story. This book is best suited to older teen readers, especially those who are more comfortable with harsh language and intense plot points. Compelling and heartwarming, To the Top of Greenfield Street is an excellent portrayal of the myriad layers of midwest American life.
Life is not easy for fifteen-year-old Eric. He is in high school, his mother left him and his father when he was young, and he is painfully self-conscious about his weight and how others perceive him. However, things get worse for Eric when his dad’s pizza shop burns down—and their house goes along with it. Forced to pick up what is left of their lives, Eric and his dad move in with family friends on Greenfield Street, where Eric spends a transformational summer learning about friendship, family, girls, hard work, and how to love himself. Set squarely in reality, this book does little to sugarcoat the challenges of rural, mid-American life. Written in a colloquial style, raw emotions are felt throughout the narrative, which flows smoothly from beginning to end. The chapters are short, each one focusing on a particular moment in Eric’s summer; this series of vignettes builds a web of stories that connect easily and wrap up nicely. Though each challenge seems more difficult than the last, Eric does not give in to the adversity; instead, he learns to push through it, becoming a stronger, more composed character by the end of the book. Readers who enjoy stories about real life and embracing oneself will appreciate the honest way that Eric’s story is told. A host of diverse characters come into Eric’s life as the summer progresses, each one unique and likable even with their flaws on display. Nobody is perfect; even though lies and aggression abound, redemption is an equally pervasive theme in this book. Strong language, broken families, racism, classism, violence, and sex are all essential to the unfolding of this story. This book is best suited to older teen readers, especially those who are more comfortable with harsh language and intense plot points. Compelling and heartwarming, To the Top of Greenfield Street is an excellent portrayal of the myriad layers of midwest American life.
October 17, 2020
Set in 1993 in the sleepy town of Freeport, IL, Standley’s debut is an endearingly emotional journey of a teenager reconciling himself to his new surroundings after a tragedy forces him to move to a new town.
15-year-old Eric Daniel must start over after a fire destroyed their home, forcing his father to relocate them to Freeport. Shy and insecure, Eric manages to make new friends. Full of usual teen shenanigans, the story has an introspective feel to it as Eric constantly struggles with self-doubt and body image issues.
Standley’s portrayal of Eric and his other teen characters showcases his profound understanding of usual teenage apprehensions and struggles. The novel's chief appeal lies in Eric’s well-articulated resilience despite his insecure demeanor.
Swift narrative, deeply realized characterization, and tight plotting make this coming of age story irresistible. YA readers will be rewarded.
15-year-old Eric Daniel must start over after a fire destroyed their home, forcing his father to relocate them to Freeport. Shy and insecure, Eric manages to make new friends. Full of usual teen shenanigans, the story has an introspective feel to it as Eric constantly struggles with self-doubt and body image issues.
Standley’s portrayal of Eric and his other teen characters showcases his profound understanding of usual teenage apprehensions and struggles. The novel's chief appeal lies in Eric’s well-articulated resilience despite his insecure demeanor.
Swift narrative, deeply realized characterization, and tight plotting make this coming of age story irresistible. YA readers will be rewarded.
September 16, 2020
As a 40-something reader, I very much related to the past shenanigans of these boys. The author did an excellent job of portraying high school life in that time. Our friends, the drama, the confusion over the opposite sex, Eric's insecurity with his body image, trying to fit in, etc.; he captured the mood perfectly. Eric's rapid internal dialogue captured his pain and uncertainty (like when he was with Melissa, not knowing what he was doing..."Do I call her? What's her number? I don't know...the whole thing is stupid.") I could feel his stress.
I laughed out loud at several scenes, and it really made me miss my close friends from the past. Also, any Chicago Cubs fan will love the detailed description of the exciting visit to Wrigley Field.
All in all, this was a fun and insightful read...looking forward to a sequel! Eric in college, perhaps?
I laughed out loud at several scenes, and it really made me miss my close friends from the past. Also, any Chicago Cubs fan will love the detailed description of the exciting visit to Wrigley Field.
All in all, this was a fun and insightful read...looking forward to a sequel! Eric in college, perhaps?
April 24, 2021
As a native of Freeport, IL., I read "To The Top of Greenfield St." on the recommendation of a relative. I was familiar with most of the names mentioned in book- of businesses/places etc. I was raised in an earlier time, so although I remember teen-age thoughts/adventures-the time set for this book was in quite a different Freeport. I also was a little confused by "the very round-about trip home from the job project by the park,- mentioned by Andi in his review? I did enjoy it & I wish Ryan much success in his future writing projects!! Thank You, Ryan! Sandy S.
September 20, 2020
Cute story punctuated with local landmarks
I really enjoyed it. Especially " seeing" Freeport of the 80's again. Although the author totally made me lost on their trip from their job to their home. I usually knew where he was talking about. Thanks for the flashbacks Ryan.
I really enjoyed it. Especially " seeing" Freeport of the 80's again. Although the author totally made me lost on their trip from their job to their home. I usually knew where he was talking about. Thanks for the flashbacks Ryan.
September 18, 2021
The story is pretty good but I couldn't accept a few instances of cheesy dialogue and bad editing.
March 7, 2022
Easy YA read. Teen angst and all that jaz.
February 6, 2024
Great Read
As a Freeport resident, this book brought me back to my teen years. I am the same age as the author and boy oh boy did he nail the summers of our youth!
As a Freeport resident, this book brought me back to my teen years. I am the same age as the author and boy oh boy did he nail the summers of our youth!
October 12, 2020
Loved it
Thoroughly enjoyed reading “To the Top of Greenfield Street”. Ryan Standley sits you right at the kitchen table in Freeport, IL in a time when cutting through backyards and block parties were a regular occurrence. Loved the reality check of the era and the maturity the characters gain over time. Phenomenal debut novel - one that I could not put down. Looking forward to more!
Thoroughly enjoyed reading “To the Top of Greenfield Street”. Ryan Standley sits you right at the kitchen table in Freeport, IL in a time when cutting through backyards and block parties were a regular occurrence. Loved the reality check of the era and the maturity the characters gain over time. Phenomenal debut novel - one that I could not put down. Looking forward to more!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews