Scooter and the Galactic Starship

By Douglas R. Robinson

Book Overview

When the latest video game based on the hottest television show, Galactic Starship, is about to hit stores in a special limited edition, Fresco "Scooter" Browne thinks it will be as easy as ever to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595256775
• ISBN13: 9780595256778
• Release Date: December 2002
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 148 Pages
• Weight: 0.51 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.2" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 7 to 18 years
• Grade Range: Grade 2 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Debut novel breaks new ground in adolescent literature

I enjoyed Mr. Robinson's debut novel immensely and hope that it will attract a wide readership. The book's portrayal of the character, interests and concerns of its adolescent protagonists -- Scooter Browne and his cousin Faith -- as they go about solving the quotidian problems of daily life and relationships (both with peers and adults) is well-nuanced and unflinchingly realistic. The book is a fun read, and each chapter leaves you wondering what scheme Scooter will hatch next: will he be able to persuade his folks, against all odds, to buy him the latest video game or will he find a way to earn the cash to pay for the game himself?The book steers between the Scylla and Charybdis that causes so much adolescent literature to run aground. The kids are neither angelic parodies of real children nor excessively worldly-wise "young adults" who know everything there is to know about the streets, drugs, sex and music. The kids' issues and concerns are real and representative, allowing kids to reflect and make judgments about how they would respond in similar situations. At the same time, adult readers with children of similar ages are afforded a glimpse into that peculiar form of rationality that drives the actions of ten-year olds. Another aspect of the book I enjoyed very much is Mr. Robinson's complete rejection of gender and racial stereotypes. Scooter's Dad is the acquisitive "shopping mutant;" his mother is the voice of reason, fiscal restraint and prudent saving. Faith, Scooter's ten year girl cousin and best friend, is a Tae Kwan Do expert that can beat up Scooter or any of his male friends, if she chooses. The characters are also culturally and historically aware African-Americans, thoroughly middle class with thoroughly middle-class concerns. One comes away thinking that middle-class morality -- with its blemishes -- is not so bad after all. Bravo, Mr. Robinson-- and may there be many more Scooter novellas to come.

Scooter should be here to stay

Scooter is a 10 year old with a problem. The latest greatest video game is about to burst on the scene and he just has to have it. One big thing is stopping Scooter from achieving his goal... money. The game costs an astonishing amount of money and his allowance doesn't cover the cost, further compounded by the horror of horrors to all children. His mom and dad have decided at this critical moment, to make scooter accountable. His mother said that she would buy him nothing else until his birthday so if there is any hope of getting this game on its first day of issue, Scooter will have to buy it himself. Scooter and the Galactic Starship is a charming book that details the adventure that Scooter goes on to get this game.Wonderfully written, Scooter comes to life throughout the book. We can all relate to that fateful day when our parents told us that we would have to save and get whatever we wanted right then, for ourselves. As an adult reading this book, I wanted to say to the father, a compulsive spender, go ahead, he's working so hard for it but I know that attitude wouldn't teach Scooter anything. As an adult remembering back to childhood, I know that my mom was right, I would appreciate it more if I worked for it. This is an excellent book for teaching the value of money with a theme that children can relate to today.The characters are well developed, easily understood and multi-dimensional. This is a refreshing read for children as well as adults. This is a story with down to earth morals and common sense. Mr. Robinson, the author, should continue writing children's books for his first entry deserves a follow up. I would suggest continuing with Scooter as the main character in a theme series. Scooter will stick with me for a little while and I'd be interested in reading any of his further adventures.