The Big Nothing

By Adrian Fogelin

Book Overview

When everyone that Justin depends on lets him down, he begins discovering himself with the help of a new friend and some newly found talents.

Alone. That's how thirteen-year-old Justin feels these days. His older brother Duane has left home, enlisting in the Army, and his father has walked out, maybe for good this time. His mom is too depressed to get out of bed. And if that's not enough, his best buddy Ben has a new girlfriend and no longer has time to hang out. There's not much left for Justin to do but to put his brain in neutral and slide into the state he calls the Big Nothing.

But slowly Justin discovers he has more resources than he thinks. With the help of his classmate Jemmie and her grandmother, Nana Grace, he learns that underneath all the noisy confusion in his brain lies a talent for music. As he spends time with Jemmie, he begins to understand how simple notes make complex music, and how simple feelings can turn into deep emotions.

Award-winning author Adrian Fogelin once again offers readers an emotionally charged story featuring a sympathetic adolescent trying to make sense of the people and world around him.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1561453889
• ISBN13: 9781561453887
• Release Date: October 2006
• Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.7" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

The Big Nothing

The Big Nothing, by Adrian Fogelin The Big Nothing is about a boy named Justin whose parents are not getting along, and whose brother is being shipped off to the war in Iraq. His best friend Ben now has a girlfriend, and Justin feels left out. He is finding some relief from the outside world in discovering his talent for music, and falling for his piano teacher's granddaughter. The story develops through letters Justin writes to his brother, and the brother's responses. It is a story most young people can relate to, as it deals with everyday teenage situations, experiences and conflicts. Included are interracial relationships, and how they unroll in everyday, inner city life. I highly recommend it to all ages, including adults who wish to better understand teenagers. Everyone can relate to these characters.

Justin Riggs

Justin Riggs is a nothing. His dad goes on a routine business trip and his mom thinks he's leaving, so Justin's mom is under depression. Justin's brother, Duane, is getting shipped our to Iraq, and his best friend, Ben, has no time for him sence ben got a girl friend. Then Jemmie Lewis comes along. No longer is Justin in The Big Nothing but he is now in The Big Something.

Characters That Make You Care

With grace and insight, this book shows a character on the edge of life--in his home, at school, and with friends--and how discovering and acknowledging his hidden gifts helps him find a place in all three. These are characters who make you care, who you want to follow long after you've closed the book.