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66 pages 2 hours read

Wink

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

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Rob Harrell

Wink

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

580L

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Super Short Summary

Wink by Rob Harrell follows seventh grader Ross Maloy, who navigates middle school while undergoing radiation treatment for a rare eye cancer. Balancing friendships, school challenges, and his passion for drawing, Ross finds solace in music, eventually forming a band with his friends. Through these experiences, Ross learns to embrace his differences and focus on the people and activities he loves.

Inspirational

Heartwarming

Humorous

Emotional

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.5

7,027 ratings

87%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Wink by Rob Harrell has garnered praise for its heartfelt and humorous portrayal of a middle school student diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. Readers appreciate the relatable characters and insightful handling of a tough subject with levity. However, some critics feel the pacing is uneven and the plot sometimes predictable. Overall, Wink is celebrated for its emotional depth and engaging narrative.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Wink?

Readers who would enjoy Rob Harrell's Wink are typically middle schoolers who appreciate stories blending humor with heartfelt themes. Fans of Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid and R.J. Palacio's Wonder will find a kindred spirit in this tale of resilience, comedy, and navigating school life.

4.5

7,027 ratings

87%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Ross Maloy

The narrator and protagonist, who is a seventh grader receiving radiation treatment for eye cancer and navigating the challenges of middle school while longing to be normal amidst his fears.

Ross's best friend known for her bold personality and love of eccentric clothing and music, who encourages Ross to embrace his differences and cease caring about others' opinions.

Ross's large and abrasive classmate, who initially seems to be a typical bully but gradually reveals a more complex and supportive side.

Sources of stability in Ross's life, with his father being a busy trial lawyer and Linda, his stepmother, showing care and understanding without expecting to replace Ross's late mother.

A radiation tech passionate about rock music, who mentors Ross and encourages him to express himself authentically through music.

A retiree undergoing radiotherapy, who connects with Ross over their shared cancer experience and offers wisdom and support.

A popular girl at Ross’s school and his longtime crush, whose outward perfection eventually reveals a more superficial nature.

Ross's friend, who is absent for much of the story due to feeling overwhelmed by Ross's cancer diagnosis but later reconciles with Ross and Abby.

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

580L

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