Review of Stranded on Thin Ice

Erin Dydek · Post by **Erin Dydek** » 15 Apr 2022, 17:20

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Stranded on Thin Ice" by Sharon CassanoLochman.]

4 out of 4 stars

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More than anything, twelve-year-old Tanner Phillips wants to prove to the other fisherman of Oneida Lake that he is a man, not a kid. Despite his efforts to act mature and win his father's favor, he keeps making mistakes and proving his immaturity. After Tanner meets Richie Donald, he earns the opportunity to set up the ice fishing hut by himself while his dad leaves to help another competitor.

One thing after another goes wrong, and Tanner is sure he'll never win the derby, let alone his dad's approval. But when Tanner finds his life in danger, he'll have to learn that there's more to life than winning a big prize. His father's love is closer to the surface than he ever imagined, but he'll have to survive a frigid night on the ice to discover the warmth of a paternal embrace.

Stranded on Thin Ice was an exciting middle-grade chapter book for readers aged 8 to 12. I loved how author Sharon CassannoLochman created a dramatic survival story that remained fast-paced and engaging. Young readers can find a lot to relate to in the two main characters. Tanner expressed an urgent desire to prove that he was grown up but learned many challenging lessons. I loved how his thoughts matured as the fishing derby progressed. I also appreciated everything he discovered about responsibility and telling the truth. Richie was the supportive friend who dealt with anxiety, adapting to a new environment, growing up without a father figure, and trying an activity entirely outside his comfort zone. While his antics may seem over-the-top to an adult reader, I believe his discomfort, aversion to blood, and tendency to fidget constantly created the perfect dramatics to keep this book exciting and full of adolescent emotions.

Since this book featured a couple of juvenile boys, there was also a healthy dose of gross material to keep the book a bit more light-hearted. From burps, farts, and baloney sandwiches, there were definitely a few silly scenes that I found laughter-inducing. A subtle poop joke also snuck into the boys' repertoire of pre-teen antics. But aside from all the goofy things, I most of all appreciated how the boys looked out for each other, encouraged each other, and built a solid friendship through a terrible day of mishaps.

There was nothing that I disliked about the book. I found a few minor errors, but the pages were edited exceptionally well. Therefore, I give Stranded on Thin Ice four out of four stars.

I'd highly recommend this 168-page book to middle-grade readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories about survival and gaining recognition and respect. Parents will appreciate the life lessons this 20-chapter novel offers their pre-teen readers. There was no swearing or erotic content, though mild descriptions of blood and injuries may cause sensitive readers some discomfort.

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Stranded on Thin Ice
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Bunmi27 · Post by **Bunmi27** » 18 Apr 2022, 20:19

With this review, I'm certain that there is going to be a lot to learn from this book. I'm going to read this book.

Aisha Yakub · Post by **Aisha Yakub** » 19 Apr 2022, 06:51

Seems like an interesting book. Great review

nwankwo chibuchi · Post by **nwankwo chibuchi** » 19 Apr 2022, 13:54

Coming of age stories are usually interesting to read, and this seems like good one. I'll check it out.

wmeki510 · Post by **wmeki510** » 19 Apr 2022, 16:44

Yeah. Books in this category are great and make an interesting read.

wmeki510 · Post by **wmeki510** » 20 Apr 2022, 17:47

Bunmi27 wrote: ↑18 Apr 2022, 20:19 With this review, I'm certain that there is going to be a lot to learn from this book. I'm going to read this book.

Please do. I wish you a satisfying reading experience.

wmeki510 · Post by **wmeki510** » 20 Apr 2022, 17:48

Raymond N wrote: ↑19 Apr 2022, 06:51 Seems like an interesting book. Great review

Perhaps. It needs to be tried out.

Ay Obaj · Post by **Ay Obaj** » 26 Apr 2022, 02:39

Thanks for a splendid review. I love this children's book. It seems to contain the right elements for children, and the storyline was perfectly constructed. Many children will definitely enjoy reading this. Kudos to the author for a job well done.

Nessa Taylor · Post by **Nessa Taylor** » 28 Apr 2022, 07:19

This seems like a fun survival story that children will enjoy reading. Great review!

Kings1999 · Post by **Kings1999** » 14 May 2022, 01:31

Excellent Children's book, and very beneficial to young ones. I admire the effort the author put into the creation of this. I love the review BTW, it was magnificent.