This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Lisa M. Schlegel for Readers' Favorite
Gravity: A Short Story by Jessica Schaub is suitable for Middle Grade readers, depicting serious and heart-breaking events. Jeff and his family are having financial difficulties which result in belt-tightening strategies such as canceling cable, sharing a pre-paid cell phone, gardening and canning, and shopping at second hand stores. Jeff is marked as an under-privileged student in the lunch room and the gym. During all this, his family maintains humor and normal family dynamics. During the school year, Jeff seeks to win an art contest and the heart of his long-time friend, Caitlyn. While trying to earn an A in gym class, Jeff finds himself trapped by an moral dilemma. He chooses a reasonable option, but one that lands him in greater trouble and humiliation.
Jessica Schaub has written a story that will make the reader laugh during one chapter, and shed a tear in the next. I think it would be a good vehicle to initiate discourse with children going through emotional turmoil. Jeff and Caitlyn grieve over the death of Caitlyn's brother, John Paul. The story is relevant to our times as John Paul died during his tour in Iraq. Jeff's experience may help other children through their grief. The story is wrapped up neatly. Some battles are won and others lost, just like in life. The overriding theme revolves around relationships with family and friends. Religious faith plays a role, but in a realistic way, not preachy. In summary, this is a solid story, realistic and heart-warming.
