In this nostalgic look at a youthful summer Last Ups is full of wonderful images and
true-life emotions. You are instantly taken in by the characters he has
created and you find yourself completely enthralled in their pursuit for the
greatest summer ever. All though written as a novel for young adults,
mature readers will also be able to easily identify with the characters and
become wrapped up in this wonderful story. Last Ups is destined to become a
classic of American literature. Don't wait for the movie, read it today.
Ron Howard
Author of A Search for Meaning
www.ronspoetry.us |
From the very first sentence I was "hooked", and drawn into a story that begins on one of the happiest days for students and teachers alike…the very beginning of summer vacation! Mr. Morro captures the anticipation, excitement and occasional sibling rivalry of two baseball-loving brothers - as only someone could who really is a big brother himself!
It is obvious that Mr. Morro includes many "real life experiences", which help make this book "down-to-earth" and believable. He successfully blends descriptive language and "conversation" to tell the story of neighborhood baseball friends, much loved family members, and the trials and blessings of having and being a brother.
Many of our deepest memories – and lessons of life – are often tied to a traumatic or unexpected experience…in this story, an epileptic seizure. As any good novelist should, Mr. Morro provides us with a satisfying and realistic ending. I look forward to his next novel!
Barbara L. Dutton - 2nd grade teacher
Farmersville Elementary School- 1/30/05
Last Ups captures the anticipation of the summer vacations and days spent with friends playing ball and enjoying time out of school.
Mr. Morro's storytelling gives all the sights, sounds, and feelings of being a teenager in a small town, and the unfairness of having to have his younger brother tag along with him.
When the first day of vacation doesn't turn out the way he plans, our
main character, Scott, ends up in his tiny back yard playing ball with his younger brother.
Being overzealous in his attempt to "hit one over the fence", their ball takes an unfortunate curve into their nosey neighbor's yard and through their stained glass window.
While being reprimanded by their neighbors, Scott's little brother Brian has a seizure.
Suddenly the attention is all on Brian. He is poked, prodded and also pampered daily.
Feeling like he is being taken for granted and totally unappreciated,
Scott looks for a way to "get even" with his little brother. Scott's prank backfires when
his brother takes the blame for it, and admits to Scott that he has done a lot for him in the
past.
A great coming-of-age novel, where brothers learn that something good can come out
of an unpleasant experience.
Jennie L. Hall, Library Media Specialist, Bethlehem Area School District
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