The Fort by Gordon Korman, 256 pages. Middle Grade, Scholastic, 2022. $18Â
Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (bullying, abuse)Â
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLEÂ
APPEALS TO: SEVERALÂ
Five 8th grade boys go exploring after a hurricane tears through their town. The new kid, Ricky, discovers a hidden trapdoor in the woods, unearthed by the hurricane. The trapdoor leads to a swanky bomb shelter complete with electricity, food, and a TV. The hideout becomes their secret hideout. Older bullies and an abusive father make keeping their secret imperative, especially when the hideout may be their only safe place.Â
The chapters switch points of view between the various boys, which reveals their personalities, challenges, and how they come together. Addressing serious issues of abuse, trust, fitting in, and friendship, it is timely and engaging. Reading it will make you want to go looking for your own bomb shelter to hole up in. Culture is never specified, though one of the boys has OCD.Â
Michelle in the MiddleÂ
