I had a chance to review The Prince of Steel Pier by Stacy Nockowitz, This book, set in 1975 Atlantic City, is an engaging story that includes themes of family, integrity, and loyalty. Joey Goodman is fearful and worried, and feels babied by his family - but then ends up working for gang leader Artie Bishop, trying to prove he doesn't need to be babied and feeling important. Predictably, this leads to deceit and danger.
Even though the book is about working with gangs, it's still very appropriate for middle grade readers, and a setting that isn't often found in books written for that age group. Joey feels like a relatable character - imperfect, trying his best, having a little crush - and the amount of action in the book makes it easy and enjoyable to read.
Stacy Nockowitz is a middle school librarian and former language arts teacher with more than 25 years of experience in middle school education. Stacy received her BA from Brandeis University and holds Master's Degrees from Columbia University Teachers College and Kent State University. She is also an MFA candidate in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts. Stacy received a PJ Library Writer’s Incentive Award in 2020 for her debut novel THE PRINCE OF STEEL PIER, from Kar-Ben Publishing. An unrepentant Jersey Girl, Stacy still teases her hair and uses plenty of spray. When she’s not writing or matching great kids with great books, Stacy can most likely be found reading or rooting on her beloved Philadelphia Eagles. Her kids have flown the coop, so Stacy lives in central Ohio with her husband and their cat, Queen Esther. Find her on Twitter @snockowitz or at www.stacynockowitz.com
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