Full of vivid scenes and relatable characters.
Moving to a different state can be a traumatic experience. Especially for a thirteen year old. Jack has to make all new friends, navigate a new school, and ultimately figure out where he fits in. At least he has his dad, who is as much a close friend to Jack as he is an authority figure, to help him through the transition. With drumming as a hobby, music also provides a source of consistency and comfort for the young teen. When Jack discovers that Miranda, the girl that lives in the house next door, has an alluring voice that matches her beautiful looks, his new neighborhood really begins to feel like home. A discovery found among the moving boxes, a secret of his father’s that sheds light on his late mother’s life, captures Jack’s attention and leads him to a difficult encounter with his father. As a band of skilled musicians comes together, Jack will have to overcome the challenges in his life in order to keep the steady beat needed to carry his bandmates to the Fall Bash.
Chock full of vivid scenes and relatable characters, The Thing About Dad is quick to draw readers in and slow to let them go. A master of contemporary coming-of-age literature, Fanning provides a nice arc to the overall plot as new elements are slowly incorporated into the unfolding story. The voice is authentic and the cast endearing, and there are many characters that you’ll relate to and identify with. You’re sure to be captivated by Jack’s growth as he experiences new things and learns surprising revelations about his own family. Most impressively, a number of weighty topics such as facing prejudice, dealing with grief, and social acceptance are smoothly integrated into the storyline, and these themes are delivered with proper dignity. An excellent choice for pre-teens or teens, The Thing About Dad has a melodious narrative that is filled with rhythm, blues, heart and soul.
