Book Review: Steering Toward Normal

Title: Steering Toward Normal
Author: Rebecca Petruck
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Similar books: Worth by A. LaFaye
                     Horse Camp by Nicole Helget and Nate Leboutillier
Rating:

Surprisingly pleased

Summary: Diggy Lawson's life follows a familiar routine: he goes to school, takes care of his 4H steer, and trades practical jokes with his Pop. Then his classmate, Wayne Graf, gets dropped off at their house and they discover that Wayne is also Pop's son. Diggy finds it impossible to adjust to having Wayne around, especially when Wayne also decides to raise a 4H steer. Suddenly they are competing for everything: the championship at the fair, Pop's attention, and the notice of July, an older girl on whom they both have a crush.
My Opinion: Reading this book reminded me somewhat of my childhood. While I never did 4H myself many of my friends did and my family raised some farm animals. The book explains a lot about show animal procedures for those unfamiliar. These descriptions can get a little dry at times, but only briefly. Those moments are definitely overshadowed by the brilliance of the rest of the book. I was especially fond of the moments where we see the steers echoing their owners' emotional states and the prank scenes (hilarious!). Anyone who's ever had a sibling will relate to the relationship between Diggy and Wayne. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to future books from Petruck.  


Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley