Hands

By: Torrey Maldonado

Narrated by: Torrey Maldonado

"Gorgeous and gripping, Hands is a poetic page-turner. You might just finish it in one sitting. Torrey Maldonado understands the kids he writes for at the deepest level.”—Adam Gidwitz, Newbery Honor-winning author of The Inquisitor’s Tale

The author of What Lane? and Tight delivers a fast-paced listen that packs a punch about a boy figuring out how to best use his hands—to build or to knock down.

Trev would do anything to protect his mom and sisters, especially from his stepdad. But his stepdad’s return stresses Trev—because when he left, he threatened Trev’s mom. Rather than live scared, Trev takes matters into his own hands, literally. He starts learning to box to handle his stepdad. But everyone isn’t a fan of his plan, because Trev’s a talented artist, and his hands could actually help him build a better future. And they’re letting him know. But their advice for some distant future feels useless in his reality right now. Ultimately, Trev knows his future is in his hands, and his hands are his own, and he has to choose how to use them.

©2023 Torrey Maldonado (P)2023 Listening Library

Critic reviews

* “Maldonado’s latest tells a story many middle grade kids will have an immediate personal connection to: shouldering adult problems and taking them on as their own. . . . Maldonado’s story moves quickly, but it packs a punch with a rapidly progressing plot and short chapters. Tweens will appreciate the tight prose. When the novel concludes, readers will feel a sense of the real community Trev has beyond his immediate family. They will also appreciate the complex supporting characters and feel hopeful for Trev’s future. Those who have enjoyed Maldonado’s earlier books as well as fans of Jason Reynolds 'Track' series will love this one too. This is an absolute must-have for every middle grade library collection.”—School Library Journal, starred review

“Trevor must decide what kind of person he aspires to be and what he’s willing to risk for his future. The author caters to reluctant readers while exploring complex ideas surrounding community, domestic abuse, and problem-solving. Brief chapters, a fast-paced narrative, and simple language make this an accessible read. The characters feel relatable, and Trevor’s love for his community comes through clearly in the first-person narration. Though by the conclusion, Trevor’s problems aren’t over, that doesn’t mean he’s facing them alone. . . . A short story with a lasting impact.”—Kirkus Reviews

“This intense page-turner by Maldonado (What Lane?) perceptively explores the complexities of one Black tween’s experience facing difficult situations, the effect that violence has on one family’s future, and the value of community when working through hardship.”—Publishers Weekly

painful narration

The story itself was good, but the cadence and inflections of the narrator made it almost impossible to finish. He speaks normally and then gets super quiet or super squeaky or whiny. It is just all over the place. The inconsistency had me turning the volume up and down constantly or wincing at the painful theatrics.

A coming of age story for all kids

From the moment he says “Listening Library Presents: Hands.This is the author,@TorreyMaldonado”you can feel the heart, care and healing he poured into Hands, Torrey’s voice lets you know you’re not alone. Kids need to be able to read Hands with their ears, fastest route to their hearts.