Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman
ISBN: 978-1417627547
Korman, G. (2002). Son of the Mob. New York: Hyperion Book.
Plot Summary
Vince Luca has it made. His family is wealthy, his parents are great, he’s a new star in football, and might just have a new girlfriend name Kendra. But, his family’s money is from illegal doings, his father is a mob boss, he’s scoring touchdowns because the opposing teams are scared of him, and his new girlfriend’s father is an FBI agent. Of course, Kendra’s father is not just any FBI agent, but the agent who is specifically tasked with solving a murder he suspects Vince’s father committed. Vince wants out of the family business and has tried his hardest to keep out and get good grades to attend college out of state. Now he has to be even more careful, as visits to Kendra’s house result in parent interviews and Kendra’s visits are closely monitored for any bugs or wiretaps. Vince is just a teenager who wants a normal date for once.
Critical Evaluation
Described as The Sopranos for teens meets star-crossed lovers, Son of the Mob is a brilliantly funny novel. It takes a talented writer to take the Mob, a decidedly dangerous group of individuals, and make them likeable and almost normal, but Korman succeeds. One is almost able to forget the illegal activities surrounding the Luca family because of the humor infused throughout. Even a date cut short by a body in the trunk (still alive thankfully) lends itself to a moment of laughs at the absurdity of the situation. Main character Vince also shows a realistic portrayal of a young man who loves his family, but not what they do. He recognizes the wealth and power his name affords him, but also the bad things that created the wealth and power. Korman expertly combines situational humor and organized crime into a winning novel. Witty dialog and the portrayal of high school dating complicated by your family (albeit Vince’s contribute more than the usual complications) are experiences any teenager can relate to. Even reluctant readers will enjoy the hilarious story, and eagerly latch on to the sequel.
Reader’s Annotation
Vince’s family belongs to the mob. When he begins dating an FBI agent’s daughter, things get complicated really fast.
About the Author
“Gordon Korman was born October 23, 1963 in Montreal, Quebec in Canada. He wrote his first book, This Can't be Happening at Macdonald Hall when he was 12 years old for a coach who suddenly found himself teaching 7th grade English … he later took that episode and created a book out of it, as well, in the Sixth Grade Nickname Game, where Mr. Huge was based on that 7th grade teacher.
His first book found a home with Scholastic, who also published his next 20 or so books, including six more Bruno and Boots titles, and several award winning young adult titles, among them my personal favorite, Son of Interflux. Scholastic still publishes many of Gordon's titles, though Hyperion Press is also now printing some of Gordon's stories. Gordon eventually made one of his homes in New York City, where he studied film and film writing. While in New York, he also met his future wife, and they eventually married -- they now have three children. He now lives on Long Island, outside of New York City, has approximately 70 books to his credit, and is currently contracted for several more.”
Genre
Humor
Curriculum Ties
N/A
Booktalking
What are some of the conversations possibly overheard in the Luca household?
Reading Level/Interest Level
RL: 5th grade
IL: 8th grade and up
Challenge Issues
Possible challenge issues may include the humorous portrayal of a mob family and their illegal activities.
In my defense file, I would include the following:
1) Library Mission Statement
2) Library Selection Policy approved by any or all of the following individuals—principal, school board, district librarian OR library manager, city council, mayor.
3) Library Bill of Rights adapted from CSLA Bill of Rights, AASL Bill of Rights and/or ALA Bill of Rights
4) Reviews, both positive and critical, from respected sources such as School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist
5) Rationale for book inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when a book is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled
6) How the book fits within Common Core Standards or State Standards
7) Reconsideration form for challenger to complete—include a section asking which part was of particular concern, if the entire book was read, and what other similar titles are suggested instead
8) Student reviews from those who have read the book and either enjoyed or disliked the book and why.
Why Included
I first read Son of the Mob as a young teenager and loved it! I remember actually laughing out loud at several parts, and recommended it to several of my friends. Several years later, it’s still incredibly humorous and well written.
Others in the Series
Son of the Mob: Hollywood Hustle (Book #2)
References
Korman, G. (n.d.). Gordon korman- biography. Retrieved from http://www.gordonkorman.com/.
ISBN: 978-1417627547
Korman, G. (2002). Son of the Mob. New York: Hyperion Book.
Plot Summary
Vince Luca has it made. His family is wealthy, his parents are great, he’s a new star in football, and might just have a new girlfriend name Kendra. But, his family’s money is from illegal doings, his father is a mob boss, he’s scoring touchdowns because the opposing teams are scared of him, and his new girlfriend’s father is an FBI agent. Of course, Kendra’s father is not just any FBI agent, but the agent who is specifically tasked with solving a murder he suspects Vince’s father committed. Vince wants out of the family business and has tried his hardest to keep out and get good grades to attend college out of state. Now he has to be even more careful, as visits to Kendra’s house result in parent interviews and Kendra’s visits are closely monitored for any bugs or wiretaps. Vince is just a teenager who wants a normal date for once.
Critical Evaluation
Described as The Sopranos for teens meets star-crossed lovers, Son of the Mob is a brilliantly funny novel. It takes a talented writer to take the Mob, a decidedly dangerous group of individuals, and make them likeable and almost normal, but Korman succeeds. One is almost able to forget the illegal activities surrounding the Luca family because of the humor infused throughout. Even a date cut short by a body in the trunk (still alive thankfully) lends itself to a moment of laughs at the absurdity of the situation. Main character Vince also shows a realistic portrayal of a young man who loves his family, but not what they do. He recognizes the wealth and power his name affords him, but also the bad things that created the wealth and power. Korman expertly combines situational humor and organized crime into a winning novel. Witty dialog and the portrayal of high school dating complicated by your family (albeit Vince’s contribute more than the usual complications) are experiences any teenager can relate to. Even reluctant readers will enjoy the hilarious story, and eagerly latch on to the sequel.
Reader’s Annotation
Vince’s family belongs to the mob. When he begins dating an FBI agent’s daughter, things get complicated really fast.
About the Author
“Gordon Korman was born October 23, 1963 in Montreal, Quebec in Canada. He wrote his first book, This Can't be Happening at Macdonald Hall when he was 12 years old for a coach who suddenly found himself teaching 7th grade English … he later took that episode and created a book out of it, as well, in the Sixth Grade Nickname Game, where Mr. Huge was based on that 7th grade teacher.
His first book found a home with Scholastic, who also published his next 20 or so books, including six more Bruno and Boots titles, and several award winning young adult titles, among them my personal favorite, Son of Interflux. Scholastic still publishes many of Gordon's titles, though Hyperion Press is also now printing some of Gordon's stories. Gordon eventually made one of his homes in New York City, where he studied film and film writing. While in New York, he also met his future wife, and they eventually married -- they now have three children. He now lives on Long Island, outside of New York City, has approximately 70 books to his credit, and is currently contracted for several more.”
Genre
Humor
Curriculum Ties
N/A
Booktalking
What are some of the conversations possibly overheard in the Luca household?
Reading Level/Interest Level
RL: 5th grade
IL: 8th grade and up
Challenge Issues
Possible challenge issues may include the humorous portrayal of a mob family and their illegal activities.
In my defense file, I would include the following:
1) Library Mission Statement
2) Library Selection Policy approved by any or all of the following individuals—principal, school board, district librarian OR library manager, city council, mayor.
3) Library Bill of Rights adapted from CSLA Bill of Rights, AASL Bill of Rights and/or ALA Bill of Rights
4) Reviews, both positive and critical, from respected sources such as School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist
5) Rationale for book inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when a book is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled
6) How the book fits within Common Core Standards or State Standards
7) Reconsideration form for challenger to complete—include a section asking which part was of particular concern, if the entire book was read, and what other similar titles are suggested instead
8) Student reviews from those who have read the book and either enjoyed or disliked the book and why.
Why Included
I first read Son of the Mob as a young teenager and loved it! I remember actually laughing out loud at several parts, and recommended it to several of my friends. Several years later, it’s still incredibly humorous and well written.
Others in the Series
Son of the Mob: Hollywood Hustle (Book #2)
References
Korman, G. (n.d.). Gordon korman- biography. Retrieved from http://www.gordonkorman.com/.
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