Hands

By: Torrey Maldonado

Narrated by: Torrey Maldonado

"Gorgeous and gripping, Hands is a poetic page-turner. You might just finish it in one sitting. Torrey Maldonado understands the kids he writes for at the deepest level.” —Adam Gidwitz, Newbery Honor–winning author of The Inquisitor’s Tale

The author of What Lane? and Tight delivers a fast-paced read that packs a punch about a boy figuring out how to best use his hands—to build or to knock down.

Trev would do anything to protect his mom and sisters, especially from his stepdad. But his stepdad’s return stresses Trev—because when he left, he threatened Trev’s mom. Rather than live scared, Trev takes matters into his own hands, literally. He starts learning to box to handle his stepdad. But everyone isn’t a fan of his plan, because Trev’s a talented artist, and his hands could actually help him build a better future. And they’re letting him know. But their advice for some distant future feels useless in his reality right now. Ultimately, Trev knows his future is in his hands, and his hands are his own, and he has to choose how to use them.

A coming of age story for all kids

From the moment he says “Listening Library Presents: Hands.This is the author,@TorreyMaldonado”you can feel the heart, care and healing he poured into Hands, Torrey’s voice lets you know you’re not alone. Kids need to be able to read Hands with their ears, fastest route to their hearts.

The story and Trev over coming obstacles

I am stunned, this book was excellent, good plot, the only thing I wish is that there is a hands 2 or something along those lines

painful narration

The story itself was good, but the cadence and inflections of the narrator made it almost impossible to finish. He speaks normally and then gets super quiet or super squeaky or whiny. It is just all over the place. The inconsistency had me turning the volume up and down constantly or wincing at the painful theatrics.