Cheating for the Chicken Man

I have been a fan of Priscilla Cummings for about ten years now, and her Red Kayak stories are among my favorite young adult books. I have read the first book in the series-- Red Kayak-- so many times I've lost count. All three books in the series, Red Kayak, The Journey Back, and Cheating for the Chicken Man, tell the stories of three teenage boys who live on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and who are all, in their own ways, involved in a tragic incident that took the life of a young child and forever affected the lives of everyone involved.After we heard Brady's story in Red Kayak and Digger's story in The Journey Back, there was a piece of the story missing-- the story of J.T., the tortured young man who allowed others to control him and thus committed a crime for which he had to pay a big price. When I learned that Priscilla Cummings had written J.T.'s story, told from the viewpoint of J.T's sister Kate, I was very excited. I ordered the book and waited patiently for July 14, the date it would be delivered.The book was delivered today and I read the entire book in one sitting. It is one I just couldn't put down.Cheating for the Chicken Man takes place about a year after Red Kayak ends. After J.T. serves his year-long sentence in a juvenile forestry camp, the sentence he received after being convicted of second-degree murder, he returns to his family's chicken farm on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Several things have changed in a big way-- J.T.'s father has died, his mother is struggling with grief and agoraphobia, and friendships have changed. Unfortunately, other things haven't changed at all-- J.T. is still being bullied and tortured by Curtis and other students, the family's chicken farm is still a major commitment, and life is still hard for J.T.Kate, J.T.'s intelligent, honest, and dedicated little sister, can't stand seeing her brother be tortured by the bullies at school, so she takes action-- painfully acting in a way she never thought she would.Cheating for the Chicken Man is a heart-breaking story that captures how there often is no "happily every after." The repercussions of poor choices often resonate for a very long time, and sometimes poor choices might FEEL "right" even when they are very "wrong."I cried throughout this book as I was pulled deeper and deeper into the world of J.T. and Kate, and I was forced to question of myself, "What would I do?" and "What is the right thing to do?"This book is a realistic fiction book that will appeal to both young adult and adult readers. While it isn't required, it would probably be extremely helpful to have read Red Kayak prior to reading Cheating for the Chicken Man. Knowing the "back story" will help the reader better connect to, understand, and feel for J.T., Kate, and their mother.

I received a copy of this newest book in the Red Kayak series and I finished it in one night - I loved it! This time is was great to read from a main character (Kate) who wasn't directly part of the Red Kayak tragedy who continued the story - it gave that other/outside perspective (note: although it's best to read the other two books, this book could even be a stand-alone because there is enough back story).Cummings is really good at creating books for young readers to ponder moral dilemmas that make them wonder what they might do in situations, what is right and wrong, and how sometimes it's not so black and white... they can learn a lot from a fictional work such as this! Young readers of works such as the Red Kayak series are exposed to situations that evoke compassion and develop an understanding of others.Another unique feature of this book and the series is the deep feel for the region (Easter Shore Maryland) with its description of the natural features, places, and character interests outdoors. It develops a very authentic appreciation for the area.Overall: a great book for the middle school aged reader (and even the reluctant reader....)!

Cannot believe I didn't know about this book sooner. I loved it. Just as good as the first 2 books. Cummings really knows how to bring a story to life. If you want to encourage your students/kids to read. Read Red Kayak and then give them the sequels to read.

After reading aloud The Red Kayak and Journey Back to my sixth graders- we had to finish the trilogy. Priscilla Cummings does not disappoint! We love how she continues to tie all the characters together.

A great addition to Red Kayak and the Journey Back. Another excellent read for anyone ho likes suspense and excitement. Priscilla Cummings has another best seller that everyone will enjoy.

The chicken... man it was good yum tasty chicken :-) lol Lao airlines flight to get a hold of you

Excellent

The book was sticky like someone had candy on their hands and it was dirty Had to wipe it down with a damp cloth you don’t send out things that are dirty and sticky clean them up first