The Pinballs (Apple Paperbacks)

I read this book when I was in 6th grade. The whole class actually read it - I remember it being a huge sensation. I suggested this for my son now that he is in 6th grade. He read it over the summer and also loved it.It is realistic fiction, ideal for kids like my son who don't find much to like in the current trend of fantasy/dystopian young adult. It is probably more of a younger reading level so it was good for slower readers too mature for books at their reading level, too.I would not be put off by the subject matter. It is a reality many kids live through and it is good for kids to understand what happens in other lives. When I grew up we had a large foster home down the street. The reality of what I heard from those kids (who became my friends) was far more brutal than anything described in this book.

This was a great and poignant story. The pacing and details were spot-on.I saw the after-school special eons ago, and I’ve been meaning to read the book ever since. It didn’t disappoint.

The Pinballs is an epic story of 3 young lives trying to survive abuse and placement into the foster care system. It’s a great character study and a quick read for upper elementary/early junior high readers.

I would love to know what happened to these people after the story. Very good book

Sweet story, very clean book, no foul language, definitely recommend...

The story of Carley, Harvey, and Thomas J still resonates with children. I read the book aloud to my eight-year-old boy and nine-year-old girl. At one point when I tried to stop reading they shouted at me to continue, so wrapped up in the story that they could not bear to stop. I loved The Pinballs when I was a kid and I am happy to be able to share it with my own children.

I read this story back when I was a kid in school, and enjoyed it then. Even as an adult I found this book to be just as enjoyable as it was 20 years ago.I highly recommend this book for all ages---young to adult!

It is a great read for middle school students.

I have read this book time and again to my middle years students, year after year. It is very moving, holds their interest, and teaches empathy. Love this story. Betsy Byars is a master author.

Children's classic

Pretty good book for my boy in grade 5

I recieved my book today and the front cover is perfect unfortunately the back cover has been damaged.