Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie

By: Jordan Sonnenblick

Narrated by: Joel Johnstone

Thirteen-year-old Steven has a totally normal life (well, almost): He plays drums in the All-Star Jazz Band, has a crush on the hottest girl in school (who doesn’t know he’s alive), frequently finds himself sitting across from his school counselor (who bribes him with candy), and is constantly annoyed by his five-year-old brother, Jeffrey (who is cuter than cute). Oh, Steven has parents, too (the kind that embarrass him). But when Jeffrey gets sick, Steven’s world is turned upside down as he is forced to deal with his brother’s illness, his parents’ attempts to keep the family in one piece, the band, overdue homework, girls, and of course, Dangerous Pie (yes, you have to listen to the book to find out what that is).

In a debut that has won raves, Jordan Sonnenblick digs deep into the heart of a family in crisis with humor, hope, and impressive sensitivity.

©2005 Jordan Sonnenblick (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Extraordinary

This book really touches your heart if you're someone who loves children. I strongly recommend it to you.

Excellent Story, Excellent Narration

I listened to this on audible, and I finished it in 24 hours. It was a very good portrayal of a teen's feelings after he learns that his younger brother was diagnosed with leukemia. It starts with Steven describing having a little brother as being the worst thing......but then he has to contemplate life without him. As far as the narration, it was superb - the voices were done well and I loved it when the narrator imitated a superhero and an announcer. I am definitely going to listen to the next book in this series. There was some humor, some heartbreak and some feel good things. Overall, an excellent reading experience!

Nostalgic

I read this book back in 5th grade, it was good then and its good now.

the story is about a boy (steven) and his little brother Jeffery (Jeffy) and how he struggles through many different emotions, this book has always hit pretty close to home for me as my grandmother had passed away with cancer and I myself went through the different states of greif before and after her passing, though luckily in this story there's a happy ending. though many sad parts as well as funny ones. the narrator also did a really great job.

Sweet tale of teen troubles....that goes deeper than teen problems

This is a sweet, sad, realistic read....that offers the levity necessary to make it believable that it is a 13 year old's troubles. Delightful and well narrated.

Solid Story, Great Performance

A very believable story, well told and well spoken. Anyone who has lost a friend to cancer knows that those who make light of the story don't have a clue. All the characters are solid, all the responses believable. The great sense of humor the author gives the protagonist reminds me of several students I once taught long ago. The story is characterized as Young Adult. I'm 73, so I say hurrah for Young Adult!

Top notch! Heart-warming & realistic grade 8!

I loved this story & the narration was excellent! I recommend this to anyone wishing to enjoy a feel good story.

Well Done

A meaningful feel good story with out being sappy. And I learned a little about the drums!

Great Read: Laughs, Tears & Endearing Main Character

My son had to read this in school. He recommended it to me, thinking I would like it. The family’s personalities are similar to ours. My eldest son doesn’t particularly care for his 7-year younger brother who worships him. As a mom, I felt for
Steven & Jeffrey’s mom taking charge and dealing with her son’s cancer. I laughed & I cried., but I loved it. Looking to download the sequel.

I love this book so much

I love this book, its so good and interesting i just wanna keep reading and the chapters are so small i feel like im doing alot of reading.

Heartwarming

Cancer is a difficult subject, especially when children are involved. This book was charming, truthful and light at the right moments. The narrator was superb!