Fakie
by Tony Varrato

    FAKIE by Tony Varrato
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  4/15/08
    Publisher:  Lobster Press
    Reviewed by:  coollibrarianchick
    Rating:  4 Stars


    It’s not easy to reach a reluctant reader. You need to know the students, know the books, and seek creative ways
    to connect the two. Tony Varrato knows high school students. He knows what they like and what they don’t. His
    book, FAKIE, is bound to be a hit with the reluctant reader population. Also bound to be a hit with boys, especially
    ones who are into skateboarding. FAKIE, with its fast pace, pulls you into the story and holds your attention to the
    very end. The title of the book is quite apropos, as the term “fakie” refers to riding a skateboard backwards from the
    way you would usually ride it.

    Fakie describes Danny Torbet’s life – he is living his life totally different from the way most people live their lives.

    Danny then Dylan then Zach then – what number identity is he up to? Seven? Eight? Now he is Alex Miller. This
    time he is a skater, last time he was a football player. As quickly as one life ends, a new one starts. Why can't he be
    plain old Danny Torbet?

    There is a good reason - if he wants to stay alive, his true identity must stay hidden. If a group of teens were standing
    around would you be able to ID Danny Torbet? He certainly hopes not. The Witness Protection Program doesn’t
    want the bad people who are after him to find him either.

    Alex/Danny wants to look like any teenager on any given day in any town in the USA. At all times he and his mom
    must stay ahead of enemies. Each time their enemies get a little bit closer. What will happen when they close in on
    them this time? Will he rely on the friends he's made or will they pick up and leave once again? You’ll have to read
    the book to find out!