Fort
Cynthia DeFelice, Author
Square Fish; Reprint edition May 17, 2016, Fiction
Suitable for ages: 8-12
Themes: Building a fort, Friendship, Bullies, Standing up for yourself
Opening/Prologue: This is the 100 percent true story of the summer I — Wyatt Jones — was eleven and built a fort in the woods with my friend Augie Valerio. It isn’t the story I handed in to my teacher about how I spent my summer vacation. See, there’s stuff that happened that you can’t really talk about in school. Not unless you want to get in trouble…
Synopsis: Wyatt and his friend Augie aren’t looking for a fight. They’re having the time of their lives hanging out in the fort they built in the woods, fishing and hunting, cooking over a campfire, and sleeping out. But when two older boys mess with the fort — and with a kid who can’t fight back — the friends are forced to launch Operation Doom, with unexpected results for all concerned.
Why I like this book:
This is a fast-paced adventure story for boys and a terrific summer read! It’s a summer experience boys would dream of having. It is set in the woods of upstate New York and reminds me of a different time period. Wyatt and his dad visit every summer, where his father teaches at a college. Wyatt hangs out with his best friend, Augie who lives there. Wyatt’s father gives him the trust and freedom to just be a boy and enjoy his summer, which is opposite from his mother’s parenting style.
Wyatt and Augie are very different characters. Wyatt is more tech savvy and strategic and Augie is smart about nature, hunting, fishing and survival in the woods. Both boys have a healthy respect for each other’s differences. As a result, their joint talents contribute to the best summer vacation both boys have ever had. There are other interesting characters there to support the boys when needed. But this is really a kids story.
I was pleased that Wyatt and Augie do the right thing when they realize Gerard, who is differently abled, has been mistreated and threatened by the bullies. They befriend Gerard, draw him into their plan, and help him find his voice.
The plot is believable, thrilling, tense and action-packed. It will keep readers quickly turning pages. When Augie and Wyatt discover two older bullies have messed with their fort, it’s time to act. Together they devise the most awesome strategic plan to teach two bullies a valuable lesson. It isn’t mean-spirited, but will make readers chuckle!
Cynthia DeFelice is the author of many popular books, including Wild Life, The Ghost of Fossil Glen, Signal, and the Missing Manatee. Her novels have been nominated for an Edgar Allan Poe Award and listed as American Library Association Notable Children’s Books. Visit DeFelice at her website.
**I won Fort in drawing on Greg Pattridge’s popular website, Always in the Middle. He reviews interesting and entertaining middle grade books. Please check it out!
Check other Middle Grade review links on author Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.
Children's Books Heal 
Sounds like a fun story with an important message, Patricia. I like that the bullies are taught their lesson in a way that isn’t mean-spirited.
LikeLike
Oh the bullies learned their lesson and some wrongs were righted.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a great resolution.
LikeLike
It is an awesome resolution.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As a former fort builder, this story speaks to me. Older kids messed with my fort, too. And my mind filled with swift and terrible countermeasures…
Dang. I think this review is giving me flashbacks.
LikeLike
It does bring back memories for adults. I think you should add it to your list. You would love Operation Doom! I can only imagine how creative you were as a child.
LikeLike
Too creative for my own good, probably.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the blog mention. This book does make a great summertime read. Glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLike
You are welcome Greg. I don’t know why I didn’t review this sooner. It really is a great story.
LikeLike
Boys with a fort in the woods is a great setting for a story. Nice to see a book boys will enjoy as well.
LikeLike
Boys will love this book and Operation Doom! Reminded me of a time when kids were allowed to be kids and handle their own problems, with some adult support nearby. This is a quick read.
LikeLike
This sounds like a great book. My son would love the fort aspect. Do you think girls would enjoy the story as well?
LikeLike
I certainly did! The boys do hunt and fish and clean their catches, which may turn off a girl. But, I grew up skinning rabbits and fish. In a review I saw, one parent didn’t like the idea that the boys snatch a calendar of bikini clad girls from Unk’s office for their fort. It didn’t bother me, but I thought I mention it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A fort in the woods is the perfect place for an adventure! Fun choice.
LikeLike
And what an adventure this book is! It will keep kids turning pages.
LikeLike
Sounds like a great adventure. You know I love bully books, so I will get to this one as soon as I can. Thanks for the review.
LikeLike
I like them too! The boys really outsmart the bullies, but not in a mean way.
LikeLike
We lived in upstate NY, in a college town, when my son was younger. Although he never had a fort, he did attend many nature camps.
LikeLike
So you know the area well! Such a great adventure for boys! I even enjoyed it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember hearing about this one from Greg, but it somehow slid off my radar. I’m adding it back, thanks to your wonderful review!
LikeLike
It is a fun and quick read. Think you’d enjoy it!
LikeLike
I love a fast paced adventure outside. I can think of lots of girls and boys who would appreciate this story of friendship.
LikeLike
Yes, this is a fast-paced story. It is done with a lot of humor. I do think girls would enjoy it — I know I loved building tree houses as a kid.
LikeLike