A quick read and appropriate for a young reader. The book cover doesn't draw attention to pick up this book, but I did like how the story unfolded in introducing a troubled child to find his voice and see that his words and action can make a difference. This book was culled from our school library since it hasn't been checked out in over 5 years. It was in the Young Adult section, meaning that only 6th grade and above could check it out. I don't recall anything in this book that was too graphic for an advanced reader or too controversial to be only for the middle school. I would let my child read this book, especially if they were not in any after school activities but expressed interest in writing or covering events. The main character was just going through the motions of going through school and not getting involved besides getting into trouble. After being sent to the principal's office yet another time, he blurts out that he was signing up for the school newspaper.Some parts of the story seemed unrealistic in that things just happen to fall into place, but I also appreciated that the majority of the story was fairly realistic and normal. There are troubled youths that are just good kids and some "good kids" do mean things. I really appreciated the fact that the ending was not an overblown fairy tale/happily ever after ending, but was a good ending.
Darnell hangs out with the bad kids. Well they're not BAD kids, they are just always getting in trouble. Darnell has to do something to get involved in the school or Mr. Baker, the principal, says he is going to tell his parents about all the trouble he's been getting into. So Darnell decide to join the school newspaper. At first the jobs he is given are boring and he thinks he might quit, then he gets the idea to write about a homeless guys who hangs out near his home. His first article suggest that the old basketball courts get turn into a garden for the homeless, instead of a parking lot. A lot of his friends support his idea and the local paper picks up on the idea, but can one middle school student who is known for being a trouble- maker make this big of a change? Read and find out!
What do You think about Darnell Rock Reporting (1996)?
This book I really liked but not at first the beginning. He reminds me of what I could have done, by being in the school newspaper. I thought about being in the school newspaper but then I turned it down because I would have to come in the morning which I really don't care for I have troubles sometimes getting to school and not being tardy I probally would have taken it if it was after school. Darnell's family reminds me of my family, we have similar families. Of course I don't have a twin sister like Darnell, actually I don't have a twin at all but my little brother reminds me of his sister. He doesn't act like a girl by any means but he only has one sibiling and some of the stuff she says is kind of what he would have done. His mom really has similarities with my mom too. When Darnell has problems she wants to talk about it just like my mom. His dad is at least somewhat like mine. I don't know how to describe how we're alike but it seems they are. That is why I rated this book a five star.
—Tyler R
