Gordon Korman continues to be a fabulous middle grade author. He is good at creating characters and authentic situations and conversations. Recently writing female characters seems to be in vogue so a solid story about guys is appreciated. The Fort brings together four friends and one outsider and every kid’s dream: to have an awesome fort that is all your own. There is a dab of humor here and there, but this is an intense book. Four of the guys have some real-world problems that they are trying to manage–and that is why the fort and the friendship they share is so important. It is their refuge and their escape. It is so elevating to have a story about five guys who have each other’s backs in all the right ways.
Because the structure of this book is chapters told in first person alternating among the five main characters, the audiobook format actually has six different readers. (The sixth reader is for a single chapter from a sub-character.) This makes for an engaging listen and really clarifies when the character is changing. However, Mr. Korman did such a good job with characterization it would probably still be clear when the narrator is changing even without switching readers. Those loving audiobooks with a full cast of narrators will not be disappointed. Those looking for a genuine and uplifting read with strong friendship themes should pick up The Fort.
Review of the unabridged audiobook
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: None
Violence/Gore: Boy has injury on his face from a reported skateboard stunt; boy intentionally injures self in a bicycle stunt resulting in facial injuries; physical abuse by a stepparent to a stepchild resulting in injuries that child works to hide/obscure from others; verbal and implied threats of harm; young character goes to hospital for rib injuries (result of domestic violence); character recalls all the different times he was hit or hurt by a stepparent, some description; parent is using makeup to cover-up injuries from domestic abuse; stepparent hits stepchild knocking them into car mirror and causing facial cut, mention of blood; character throws self from a moving car to get away from someone; verbal abuse of an employee by their boss; extended scene of confrontation involve someone being choked, knife stab, tackle, struggle, etc. resulting in injuries.
Sex/Nudity: One of the middle school boys has a girlfriend that he often texts her and talks about her and friends tease him about being “Romeo”.
Mature Subject Matter:
OCD, unemployment, economic disparity/poverty, domestic physical abuse, divorce, drug abuse/rehabilitation, bullying, minor juvenile delinquency (trespassing, etc.),
Alcohol/Drug Use:
A character’s parents are in rehab for their involvement/use of drugs and this is referred to a couple of times.
