The Hand You're Dealt

My independent reading summative is based on, “The hand yourdelt” by Paul Volpoin. He has wrote a number of books such as Rikers High, Rikers, Black and white, Rooftop, Ruker Park setup, and many more. This book is very similar to all of his others because, he always has strong and positive message that everyone can relate to. The story itself is about taking a stand against a bully no matter how old, tall, or smart they are. If something is wrong it’s wrong, you can’t change the rules for anyone.

“The hand you delt” is about a teenager named Huck Porter whose father passed two years ago. Not only did his father leave Huck and his mother to struggle and fend for themselfs, but he left his legacy of being a champion poker player behind. When Hucks fathers championship watch is stolen, Huck will stop at nothing to get it back. Not caring who he decives and crosses to get it. Even his own mother.

In my opinion, this book is outstanding. It has so many twists and turns that has your head going in loops. It is very interesting and i promise you that once you pick it up you will not be able to put it down. This book is written for anyone who likes nonfiction and books about overcoming a struggle. If you havent read this book, i believe you should hop on the Paul Volponi band waggon quickly. If this boiok is not for you then pick up another one of his books because i promise you it will be well worth your time.

Book Review by Miracole M.

The Hand You're Dealt

The Hand You’re Dealt

By: Paul Volponi

Other books written by this author: The Final Four, Crossing Lines, Rikers High, Response, Hurricane Song, Rucker Park Setup, Rooftop, Black and White, Homestretch,

This story is about a kid named Huck Porter. Huck’s dad had just died and he feels like nothing makes sense to him anymore. The only thing that Huck learned from his dad was the game of poker that they would always play together.

Huck’s math teacher Mr. Abbott is a big poker player also, and wears the silver watch that Huck’s dad wore for three years for being the poker champion in the town tournament. Huck wants to win that watch back for his father and will do whatever it takes to get it back. Even if that means lying to his friends and family.

               

At the beginning of the book some of the poker players including Abbott and Huck are leaving the rec center when an old friend Stani shows up and is going to rob them when Abbott says I think you’re bluffing and then Huck says the same thing and it made both Stani and Abbott angry.

               

Huck has to bluff his way into the tournament which means he’ll have to lie to everyone that he knows. Along the way he gets help from the way he gets help from the local priest and will get a date to the high school prom with his ex- girlfriend but could get lost in the all of the cards. When huck starts to get far into the tournament he’s afraid that he’ll get lost in the cards and won’t know who he is when the last hand is done. 

Book Review by Austin M.

The Hand You're Dealt

The Hand You're Dealt, by Paul Volponi ia one of several books he has published, including ALA award-winning novels Black and White and RikersHigh. This is the first book of his I have read. Suspenseful and justice packed, this story gives a whole new meaning of “know when to fold them”.

Huck Porter is a prodigy poker player. His dad is a poker legend in his small town. When Huck’s dad dies suddenly, he finds himself in poker.  Huck may be a legend’s son, but can he prove he has to skills to win?

Huck is swept into entering the poker tournament when his vindictive math teacher wins the town poker tournament and takes the winner's watch away from Huck's father while he is in a coma. Huck is determined to get the watch back from his despised math teacher.

The Hand You're Dealt is a good book. With suspense and a underdog protagonist that you are dying to see succeed. The author described the game of poker very well making you feel as though you were at the table playing poker. This is a must read for poker fans or anyone who loves a good underdog story.

Book Review by Nick T.