Book details

Macmillan Children's Book

Buck Fever

Author: Cynthia Chapman Willis

Buck Fever

Buck Fever

$11.99

e-Book

About This Book

Twelve-year-old Joey is expected to follow in the family tradition and join his father in deer hunting. But Joey has buck fever—he hates the idea of shooting any living thing. His story will resonate with many readers struggling to reconcile their parents' expectations with their true selves.

Buck Fever is a 2003 nominee for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel.

Page Count
240
On Sale
10/27/2009
Age Range
9-13

Book Details

Twelve-year-old Joey MacTagert's dad wants his son to carry on the family tradition of hunting. But Joey has "buck fever"—he can't pull the trigger on a deer, and hates the idea of killing animals. He's more interested in art and hockey, two activities that his dad barely acknowledges.

Joey's dad wants him to use his special skill in tracking to hunt down the big antlered buck that roams the woods near their home. Joey knows how to track Old Buck, but has kept secret from his father the reason he's gained the deer's trust. When trouble between his parents seems to escalate, Joey and his older sister, Philly, find themselves in the middle of tensions they don't fully understand. Joey wants to keep the peace, and if conquering his buck fever will do it, he has to try.

Buck Fever is a nominee for the 2003 Edgar Award for Best First Novel.

Imprint Publisher

Feiwel & Friends

ISBN

9781429981965

In The News

“Willis's (Dog Gone) second novel nicely weaves a few familiar tropes into an entertaining and intense tale. ... The result is a satisfying novel filled with solid characters who learn the consequences of making some hard choices.” —Publishers Weekly

“The quietness of nature and small-town life is wonderfully reflected in Willis' patient and artful prose, and every hunting detail feels authentic, from the construction of deer blinds to the skinning of animals. An unusually sensitive and reflective boy-centric book.” —Booklist

“This novel is not an anti-hunting treatise, but rather one that develops a theme of tolerance along multiple lines. Joey's distaste for hunting, his mother's desire to pursue a career, and the antisocial habits of another major character cause problems with friends, family, and neighbors until the issues are brought into the open and negotiated between people of good will. The story's villains are poachers and drunken, careless hunters who spoil the woods and the wildlife for everyone else--hunters and nature lovers alike.” —VOYA

“I couldn't put this down. More than a dog story, this is a many-layered tale of loss and grief, hope and triumph.” —Ann M. Martin, Newbery Honor winner and author of A Dog's Life on Dog Done

“Along with the emotional content comes the mystery of Dead End, with tension that continues to rise as Dill tries to determine if her dog is a killer, and, if so, how to save him.” —Booklist on Dog Done

“Set on a Southern farm, the author peppers her story with homey turns of phrases and strong secondary characters . . . Willis, an author to watch, keeps the narrative tightly focused on Dill and her resistance to facing her grief. This well-told story, spiced with humor and facts on animal care, has a satisfying, appealing conclusion.” —Kirkus Reviews on Dog Done

About the Creators

Buck Fever

Buck Fever

$11.99

e-Book