An Unbalanced Force by Valerie Sherrard

What would you do if you discovered your hero had secrets? Would it change if your hero was your parent? Sherrard takes on a fast-paced story of chaos, conundrums and teenage angst in An Unbalanced Force and I’m here for all of it.

Opening with Isaac Newton’s First Law of Motion to solidify the title, and a first line that rocked me to my core, I was ready. Told through the first-person perspective of Ethan, a seventeen-year-old, during the summer before his graduating year, the author blends mystery, young sleuthing and big problems into a few weeks of tumultuous decisions which will affect many and it all started with a new bicycle.

On two wheels, with friends at work, Ethan toured aimlessly and stumbled upon a scene that would unravel a tightly knit life if he let it. Through surprising friendships, a constant flow of allowance, and big responsibilities, Ethan faces the truth of his father’s business trips and elusive job description. While one pattern unravels, another emerges.

Having a father who is proud of his lies and manipulations teaches Ethan how to create his own deceptions as he deals with everyday issues like his on-and-off again girlfriend, muscle building, concussions and car purchases.

A fast-paced adventure that asks the hard questions of the responsibilities of sons and teenagers.

Valerie Sherrard is a writer of books for children and teens born in Saskatchewan. She is the author of over 30 books including Birdspeel and Standing on Neptune, a novel written in verse. Sherrard is currently based in Miramichi, New Brunswick.

Publisher: Cormorant Books (Nov 09, 2024)
Paperback: 8″ H x 5″ W x 1″ L | 200pp
ISBN: 9781770867642

Sarah Butland

Website

I am a struggling artist, a challenging and challenged mother who always thinks she is failing, an emerging freelance writer and reporter, an author with my name on several books crossing genres and always hoping to find more readers who enjoy them.

I am also a successful artist, a wonderful and thriving mother of one, a reacher towards both people and dreams despite all of the turned backs and obstacles in my way. I am a thriving freelance writer and reporter, an author loved by enough readers to make it worthwhile and a discombobulated conundrum who loves to hear new music, tell new tales and meet new authors. And I’m doing something I always dreamed of doing – reviewing books to support others as well as myself and my family.