Swear to Howdy

Swear to Howdy
Age Range
10+
Release Date
October 14, 2003
ISBN
0375825053
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Joey Banks is a walking adventure. He’s funny, daring, mischievous—and frequently in trouble. Or he would be if anyone found out about half the stuff he’s done. But Rusty Cooper knows how to keep a secret. And Joey’s the best friend he’s ever had. But then comes a secret that is at once too terrible to tell and too terrible to keep. A secret so big it threatens to eat them alive. What would a true friend do now?

Wendelin Van Draanen has written her most compelling, richly layered book yet. It’s a thought-provoking look at the boundaries of friendship and what it really means to be true.

Joey Banks is a walking adventure. He’s funny, daring, mischievous—and frequently in trouble. Or he would be if anyone found out about half the stuff he’s done. But Rusty Cooper knows how to keep a secret. And Joey’s the best friend he’s ever had. But then comes a secret that is at once too terrible to tell and too terrible to keep. A secret so big it threatens to eat them alive. What would a true friend do now?

Wendelin Van Draanen has written her most compelling, richly layered book yet. It’s a thought-provoking look at the boundaries of friendship and what it really means to be true.

Editor reviews

2 reviews
Sometimes you have to break trust to be a good friend
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Rusty Cooper and Joey Banks are best friends and have sworn never to tell on each other about any number of things, including the time Joey's privates got attacked by a crappie in their favorite swimming hole. But some secrets are bigger than others.

The biggest difference between Joey and Rusty is in their families. While Rusty's got a loving mom and dad (and an annoying sister), Joey's got a father that'll take a switch to him for any number of offenses, including ones that aren't Joey's fault. That's where a lot of the secret pacts come in. When Joey accidentally shoots his dad's favorite cat while getting rid of ground squirrels, Rusty vows not to ever tell.

But then comes the big secret. The thing that is tearing both Rusty and Joey apart from the inside. Something so terrible that neither one knows what to do. Ultimately, Rusty does the right thing and confesses, changing both of their families for ever.

While the main message of this book is a serious one about friendship and right and wrong, the majority of it will have readers laughing, even as they cringe at Joey's dad. The boys get into predicaments that you just can't imagine. I've mentioned a couple, but there are many, many more, each one funnier than the last.

Joey and Rusty's friendship is a special thing and this book is a keeper because of the loving detail the author puts into their relationship. I recommend this book for readers aged 10 and up, boys or girls.
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From laughing to crying
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Reader reviewed by Mrs.P

This touching story of two boys, Joey and Rusty, and thier growing friendship starts with rolling laughter and ends with the reader moved to tears. These two friends find fun and adventures involving fish, frogs, cats, and squirrels but end up learning life lessons the hard way.

I totally recommend this book for all young adult readers.
G
#1 Reviewer
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