LitPick Review
You Gotta Have Heart by Bruce Bernstein is a coming-of-age book about a confidence-lacking boy named Alan who lives in an orphanage because his parents died in a car crash. To make matters worse, he has to deal with Frankie and Jack, bullies who also live at the orphanage. All Alan wants is to feel like he belongs. But his luck may change when he starts training at Sensei Hideki's School of Karate to learn how to defend himself. At first he is timid, but determined to prove himself, Alan works hard to improve his skill. He meets some special people who teach him important lessons. He meets a girl named Kathy and Dale, a 35-year-old lawyer, who is interested in boxing and karate. Soon, the people Alan meets become like family to him. But just as Alan is finally starting to feel like he belongs, tragedy strikes. Does Alan have what it takes to get through it? Does he have enough heart?
Opinion:
I liked this book because it shows that no matter who you are and no matter where you come from, you can still have the power to rise to the top. It shows that life is hard and everyone has trials, but together we can get through it. Alan faces hardships, but with some hard work and a little help from his friends, he can make things better.
I gave this book 4/5 stars because it was a little hard to follow, but overall it was a good book about perseverance. This book is predictable and unpredictable at the same time. I think boys and girls ages 8 and up would enjoy this story about finding your purpose. I also like the quote:
“'You’re going to have good days and bad days. Maybe you don’t pass a test or make your school team on the first try. Maybe you lose out on the job or the promotion you wanted. Those things happen in life— but you owe it to yourself to try your hardest to succeed in whatever you want to accomplish. When you get knocked down, you just keep getting back up. You keep trying. You never give up.' Sensei paused for a moment and spoke louder. 'That’s what takes real guts.' He then stared at Alan intently. 'You know, sometimes failures are your stepping stones to success.'" (pg. 50)
