If you have seen me speak, you have heard me praise my seventh grade reading teacher, Will Hobbs. He was one of the teachers that encouraged me to write (and he still does), and now he is one of the most important young adult authors in America. Bearstone is one of his first books, and I think it is one of the best coming of age stories available to middle school students. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to any book by Will Hobbs.