The Schoolboy

Anthony J. Rosa
iUniverse, Inc. (2006)
ISBN 9780595380817
Reviewed by Ian McCurley (Age 12) for Reader Views (11/06)


“The Schoolboy” begins when 14-year old Sam Parma is awakened with the news that he will be taking part in the Schoolboy Golf Tournament.  Sam lives in a neighborhood where cutoff jeans means summer, and the trash can lid is used for first base.  Though at first he’s not looking forward to it, when he learns that his uncle was the two-time champion, he is persuaded.  Upon arriving at the golf course with his younger brother, he meets his three teammates.  One of his teammates is an honest and trustworthy rich kid, while another is a cheater who flies off the handle at every letdown.  The third character is a 17-year old bully who causes more than his fair share of Sam’s problems.  The book takes place over one 18-hole tournament and has 18 chapters.  There is a new adventure in each chapter as Sam and his friends make it from fairway to fairway.  Whether it’s a one-armed man or a fight with a bully, Sam always learns his lesson from the challenge. 

The main point was that problems and challenges are just a part of life, and that without them, we wouldn’t learn anything.  The author clearly got his point across.  The book is more like a gigantic English essay than a novel, and the quote “I quickly decided that if I faced the same challenges again, I probably wouldn’t change a thing” sounds like an excerpt from an essay rather than a novel.  Kids in my general age group (middle school) can relate to this style of writing because we have written in this style ourselves.   I like the book for its creative plot twists and its unique style of writing. 

This book reflects the challenges the author himself had when he was a kid.  Tony Rosa competed in several golf tournaments with his younger brother.  He was hesitant, like Sam, to participate and like Sam, it turned out to be a learning experience.

All in all, as the book takes you through Sam’s triumph and conflicts, you, too learn more about yourself.  With the constant theme of: problems are just part of life and they are learning experiences, this book really expresses the quote “I quickly decided that if I faced the same challenges again, I probably wouldn’t change a thing.”

This book is mostly for 10 to 14-year olds and is a good read for anyone, especially those who like golf and sports in general.  I recommend this book to anyone who looking for a good read. 

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