By the River by Steven Herrick

By the River is a verse novel about a young teen age boy. It's a fairly gentle book, there aren't any earth shattering moments. But it's easy to relate to the kid as he negotiates friends, bullies, his own budding sexuality, his relationships with parents and other adults (his mother has died and he misses her). I liked how he learned about itgrity, family and friendship (he was poor) and what a strong person he was and would likely grow up to be.

There's a scene where he is really enjoying nature and watching this miraculous flight of butterflies. Then this rich brat comes aong and kills them with his tennis racket. So of course our main character smashes the racket and the rich kids dad makes him pay, nver understanding what really happened. Our boy stays strong and proud, never bitter. 4 of 5 stars.