On Thin Ice by Michael Northrop | Goodreads
Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

On Thin Ice

Rate this book
Ked Eakins is about to lose everything.

He's just discovered that his dad has gambled away their rent money. They're going to get kicked out of their home.

But Ked is determined to fight back. He hatches a plan to save their apartment by rebuilding a vintage minibike in his school's maker space, which he'll sell for a profit.

Still, the plan is a gamble of his own: Going to maker space forces Ked into the path of a school bully, who torments him about his progressive spinal condition.

Can Ked -- with the help of some unlikely new friends ​​​​​​​-- find a way to fix the bike and save his family from going under before it's too late?

New York Times bestselling author Michael Northrop has written a powerful story a boy who ​​​​​​​-- against all odds ​​​​​​​-- decides to bet on himself and create something new from broken pieces.

Hardcover

First published July 30, 2019

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Michael Northrop

37 books223 followers
Michael Northrop is the New York Times bestselling author of 13 books for kids and teens, including the middle-grade adventure series TombQuest and the hit graphic novel Dear Justice League. His first young adult novel, Gentlemen, earned him a Publishers Weekly Flying Start citation, and his second, Trapped, was an Indie Next List selection. His first middle-grade novel, Plunked, was named one of the best children's books of the year by the New York Public Library and was selected for NPR's Backseat Book Club. He is originally from Salisbury, Connecticut, a small town in the foothills of the Berkshire mountains, where he mastered the arts of BB gun shooting, tree climbing, and field goal kicking with only moderate injuries. After graduating from NYU, he worked at Sports Illustrated Kids magazine for 12 years, the last five of those as baseball editor.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
62 (26%)
4 stars
97 (41%)
3 stars
62 (26%)
2 stars
12 (5%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,700 reviews64 followers
February 27, 2019
*Review is of an advanced reader copy

The story of Ked Eakins, a young boy plagued by adversity: a rare spinal condition, a mother who skipped town, a father gambling away their rent money, a towering school bully, and less than friendly classmates. If this sounds like a lot, it is. Fortunately, Ked (was he named after the shoe?) is a plucky character, determined to keep a roof above his head via the rebuilding of an minibike which he plans to sell for profit. Not bearing the XY chromosome I have little interest in motor vehicles. Therefore, the details surrounding Ked's attempts to rebuild the minibike were not exactly my cup of joe. That being said, those details might be just the ticket for boys who do care about such activities. The primary reason I chose to read this book was because of the "rare spinal condition" but, alas, scant information was provided save for mentioning the hump on his back. Additionally, in spite of Ked's driven character, the bulk of the story was pretty bleak, which may in large part be due to the winter setting and frequent mention of freezing temperatures. If you know me, you know I'm no fan of the cold so even imaging winter in Maine had me reaching for a blanket. In summary, although On Thin Ice doesn't get my vote for middle grade novel of the year, I do appreciate the male protagonist and think young men may resonate with Ked Eakin's story.
Profile Image for Cara.
465 reviews5 followers
April 9, 2020
Ked’s story, though very specific in its use of the rare medical condition kyphosis and a host of family issues, will speak to many readers through its themes of family, friendship, and struggling to fit in. The conversational text employs authentic dialog and pop culture references, such as Star Wars and superheroes, that will appeal to middle grade readers; using a first-person narrative structure gives kids a window into what it’s like to be shunned by the majority of your classmates for a physical deformity. The short chapters move the book along quickly and keep the reader engaged. Some readers may not know much about engines, but Northrup maintains a careful balance between educating readers on the main components, to illustrate the hard work that Ked does in rebuilding it, without becoming boring or too technical. By also describing the work of other students, the author successfully incorporates the maker movement into a book for kids by showing a variety of ways to ‘make’ and the projects’ real-world impacts. The progress made by the characters over the arc of the novel is hopeful but not unbelievable – Ked eventually makes headway with some friends, even changing the dynamic with his bully, but it’s not entirely a fairy tale ending. The climactic scene in which Ked and his bully Landrover work together to escape the icy lake is action-packed, turning a realistic story on its head by adding a survival scene. Recommended for a wide variety of readers in grades 4-6, but especially boys, who will be pleasantly surprised by this multifaceted story.
Profile Image for Jessica.
872 reviews31 followers
March 12, 2020
I thought this was a well-written and fast paced middle grade novel that dealt with some difficult topics (physical differences, gambling, homelessness, abuse). I've seen some complaints about it being too mechanical in regards to the tinkering with the motorbike, but I don't think those chapters detracted from the overall story at all.
13 reviews
February 13, 2020
When you think of “thin ice”, what thoughts come to mind? I think of a cold uncomfortable rough situation. I believe the author chose “Thin Ice” as the title of this story because it represents the struggles of the main character Ked. It symbolizes the difficulties Ked is going through like being behind on rent and having no one to talk to. This book shows perseverance when Ked is having a hard time in his life. This book also shows how little things can have big impacts like the hump that grew on his back which led to him becoming self-conscious and also led him to stop hanging out with his friends. I think people who like heart-warming feel-good books will like this book because it shows how even though Ked isn't in a good place in his life he still moves on and persevere.
620 reviews6 followers
December 28, 2019
A hard but compelling read, the protagonist is going though a tough time and the author does not white wash the situation: bullying, gambling, separated parents, and a rare disorder that would be embarrassing for anyone let alone someone in middle school. Told with sensitivity, this well written novel will not disappoint readers who like books by this author as well as those tackling difficult issues. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Barbara.
13.8k reviews290 followers
August 8, 2019
Life hasn't exactly been a picnic for Ked Eakins in Norton, Maine. Not only has he watched his friends leave him, one by one, due to their awareness of his physical differences, caused by kyphosis, a spinal abnormality that leaves him almost with a hunched back, but his mother has abandoned the family to move to Portland, Oregon, for a new life. To add insult to injury, Ked discovers that his father's gambling addiction is out of control, and they don't have the money for the current month's rent or last month's. As his father places all his bets on predicting when the ice will break, Ked comes up with his own money-making scheme. For a small investment and much labor, he buys a minibike that needs to be reconstructed, and plans to sell it. But the path to success is thwarted by his nemesis, Landrover Jones, who picks on him because of his back and just because he can. This is a huge problem since he needs to use the tools available in the school maker space. With the support of his teacher, Mr. Feig-a kind man who seems clueless as to how to deal with bullies--he stays after school to work on his project while another classmate, Esme, who seems to hate him for no good reason, does the same. The author provides many details on how Ked puts the engine and bike together, and how close he comes to succeeding. But when things don't work out, he comes up with a foolhardy plan and almost loses his life. Like so many youngsters out there, Ked is skating on thin ice. I loved the ending and the imperfections of all the characters. Even Ked, maybe especially Ked, realizes that his assumptions about his friends just might not be true, after all. Could it be that he's the one that's pushed them away? The author makes it clear just how desperate certain circumstances can make individuals, prompting them to behave in ways they never would have otherwise.
Profile Image for Kate.
Author 14 books856 followers
September 9, 2019
Ked Eakins aka Freakins just lost his last lunch buddy. He knows it's because of his spinal deformity, which is getting worse. When he finds out that his dad is months behind on rent and counting on a bet to be able to pay up, Ked takes matters into his own hands and steals money from his dad to buy a Road Rokkit minibike that he plans to fix up and sell. He can use the school's makerspace to fix it - if he can survive the bullies and the mean goth girl and awkward encounters with one of his old friends.

I liked how this story didn't have easy answers. Ked's lies snowball and he ends up stealing more money, and his plan doesn't work out exactly as hoped, and even though he ends up coming to a truce with the bully and getting his friends back, things aren't magically back the way they were before. Ked's process in putting the bike back together would interest those readers who are into mechanical stuff. And Ked's condition isn't the main focus on the story and he doesn't magically get better.

Still, I had to pause at the fact that Ked's father doesn't have health insurance for him when he had such a rare condition - in my state, kids can get health insurance through the state, for free. For a hot minute I thought Ked might have scoliosis, which would have been interesting since it is pretty rare in boys and I've never read a book with a boy who has it - everything else about the way Ked was bullied would have still worked, especially if he wore a backbrace to school. And I can't imagine Ked's mother taking off for a great new job and not bothering to either pay child support or provide health insurance for him or anything. The portrayal of families who are just scraping by was really well done, however.
Profile Image for Valerie McEnroe.
1,616 reviews56 followers
August 12, 2019
This is my first Michael Northrop book. If his others are like this one, I'll probably check out some of his previous titles. This was an interesting read. Some themes, like the bully and dysfunctional family, have become commonplace in middle grade books, but he throws in some new and interesting twists.

Ked has a progressive physical deformity. His spine is curving and he looks like Quasimodo from the Hunchback of Notre Dame. It's seriously affecting his social life. One by one his friends are deserting him. On top of that, his dad has a gambling problem and his mom left town. His dad is two months behind in rent and he's counting on his prediction for the ice melt contest being correct. Ked has no faith in the contest, so he takes $200 of the rent money and buys an old mini-bike. He figures he can fix it up and sell it for $600. Since his dad sold his tools, he uses the school's maker space to work on the engine. The teacher in charge of the maker space is a source of encouragement, but the class bully is relentless.

There's a lot going against Zed, but he doesn't sit around and wait for disaster to strike. He's proactive. He can't be sure the bike deal is going to work out, but at least he has some control over the odds, unlike his dad's type of gambling. The character and plot development are good and the ending is satisfying. I especially like the teacher who steps in when kids need a little help. I can see boys getting into this one, especially with the mini-bike and tinkering.
Profile Image for Sally Kruger.
1,056 reviews7 followers
Read
November 2, 2019
Ked Eakins is known by most at his middle school as Freak. Although he has gotten used to it, it still hurts, and now that his best friends seem to have abandoned him for the more popular people, it's pretty hard to handle.

School isn't Ked's only challenge. Shortly after he was diagnosed with kyphosis, a condition that is deforming his spine, his mother left. Now Ked lives with his dad in a crappy second floor apartment. They are about to lose their crappy home because of Ked's dad's gambling habit. If his dad doesn't win the Thin Ice contest to guess when the river ice thaws and topples a wooden tower, they won't be able to pay the rent.

Inspired to help with their financial crisis, Ked "borrows" some of the partial rent money and buys a broken down Road Rokkit. If he can fix the mini-motorbike, he should be able to sell it for a big enough profit to save their apartment. Unfortunately, the odds are against Ked in many ways. Does he have the know-how to repair the bike? Can he get the needed parts? Can he find a place to work on it so his dad doesn't find out?

Despite hassles from the school bully and Ked's less than helpful friends, he discovers one teacher willing to provide a space for Ked to try to make his wish come true. ON THIN ICE by Michael Northrop focuses on a boy intent on saving what's left of his family and his home. Ked's determination will inspire readers and maybe even have them finding space to make things of their own.
Profile Image for Jenny.
17 reviews4 followers
June 26, 2019
On Thin Ice is a relatable read for many middle-grade kids in different ways. Ked is a kid who’s facing an embarrassing health condition, a gambling parent, the struggles of living in a dying factory town, a mom who left home, and the more typical challenges of fitting in as friendships shift. When Ked finds out his dad can’t make rent and may not have a home, he tries to take matters into his own hands, and the reader is left guessing how- or if- this quick-paced story will work out in the end.

Ked’s conversational tone with the reader struck me as a little immature at the beginning of the book, but by the end, I enjoyed seeing the story through his eyes. The author brought together powerful connections and I was cheering for Ked and his friends. I especially liked that the author seemed to avoid the perfect savior teacher trope and this book, unlike many others, felt realistic when Ked was picked on. At the end, Northrop gave the bully redemption, but manages to avoid seeming as cheesy and convenient as many books do. As a fourth grade teacher, I can already think of a few kids who could relate to or get wrapped up in this story, especially if they’re mechanically-minded or feel isolated from their peers.

*provided an advance reader copy, but review was optional.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
184 reviews
December 10, 2019
Ked Eakins is dreading middle school. It's not just that his home life has changed dramatically, either. School is suddenly no longer a safe haven, his former best friends have abandoned him, and his dad has gambled away their rent. In addition, Ked has been living with a rare spinal deformation that he feels is making him social repellent in addition to the school bully's favorite target. On Thin Ice is told in a witty but honest first person narrative. Although the main themes are not new to juvenile fiction, the story includes some situations that are particular to low income and struggling families. The clear portrayal of what it means to live in a town where hope is a valuable resource will resonate with many readers. The protagonist is bright but vulnerable, and is able to examine the greater implications of his actions.
Profile Image for Kelly.
3,203 reviews41 followers
January 31, 2021
Another book on the 2021 NH Isinglass Award list, I really liked this coming of age story. Twelve year old Ked's life isn't easy; his dad has a gambling addiction; his mom has moved to the west coast; his friends have abandoned him; he is bullied and teased by schoolmates, and he has a problem with his spine.

This story realistically deals with poverty in a town that is languishing but trying to revitalize itself. As Ked tries to rectify his family's situation, taking great risks to do so, he learns that he is not so different from many of his peers and realizes he may have judged his friends wrong. I loved the cast of characters and the real-life ending of this story. My only issue with this book is the mom - she just leaves her son in Maine and moves to Oregon knowing the father has an addiction and doesn't send money to help? Why was she even needed in this story?
Profile Image for Ang.
571 reviews5 followers
June 12, 2021
Themes: School bullying / Spinal deformity (physical disability / handicap) / Single parent / Single parent with gambling problem / Abandonment by a parent / Small town (poor town) / STEAM / Maker Space

Summary: Ked Eakins is about to lose everything. He's just discovered that his dad has gambled away their rent money. They're going to get kicked out of their home. But Ked is determined to fight back. He hatches a plan to save their apartment by rebuilding a vintage minibike in his school's maker space, then selling it for a profit. Still, the plan is a gamble of his own: Going to maker space forces Ked into the path of a school bully who torments him about his progressive spinal condition. Can Ked - with a few unlikely new friends - find a way to build the bike and save his family from going under before it's too late? -- inside book jacket
Profile Image for Abbie.
1,495 reviews9 followers
September 30, 2019
This new book by Michael Northrop is good in a lot of ways. It has a child with a disability that is often not represented and plays to the kids who are mechanically inclined. I just found it a difficult to swallow that a kid with no experience rebuilding an engine could get it right on the first try. The conclusion is wrapped up a little too neatly, as well. I'm not sure how many 7th graders have the maturity to see beyond themselves and recognize the "person beneath the surface." I'm also not sure how many bullies would have such a quick turn around. I'm interested to get a student's perspective on this one.

Read more at Bookish Adventures.
Profile Image for Roman Nowak.
48 reviews4 followers
May 26, 2020
"Everyone is going through something. Sometimes our challenges are visible, and sometimes they aren't. We all deal with those challenges in our own ways."

An unexpected surprise of a book. A nice journey by the main character, Ked, as he navigates middle school, family problems, friendship, saving others, and dealing with his own physical challenges. It is always great to see a book where a protagonist can look like people who often aren't often seen and where that visibility isn't the focus or the message of the novel. A positive message and the difficulties that students must navigate as they grow up and go through the social constructs of school.
363 reviews2 followers
September 13, 2019
Ked used to have friends, but then he discovered that he had a progressive spinal disorder and as his body began to bend his friends slowly backed away (or did he?). He is bullied at school and his mother has left him and his father. His father has a gambling addiction and his job has been reduced to part-time. Now Ked learns that his father has gambled most of their rent money and they might be homeless soon. What can Ked do? Can he find a way to raise the rent money? What would he be willing to lose? What would he be willing to take a chance on?
169 reviews9 followers
June 20, 2019
Ked Eakin is coping with more than his share of misfortune - a father with a gambling problem, an absent mother, a progressive spinal condition that causes him to have a large "hump" on his back, fading friendships and 7th grade bullies, for starters - but more urgent than all of that is making rent.

Ked comes up with plan to turn his luck around by fixing up a broken dirt bike and selling it -- he's actually racing against a clock to save himself and his dad from eviction.

I really cared about Ked. His situation is depressing, and Ked is depressed, but he grabs onto a thread of hope and tries to *build* a path out. On his way, he finds he's not as alone as he thought.

This is a great piece of realistic fiction for 9 - 13 year olds, especially boys. It's fast-paced, not heavy-handed, but still treats emotions and difficult topics in a realistic way.
1,082 reviews6 followers
October 13, 2019
This is another book for upper elem. and lower middle school children that highlights differences. In this book, the main character has a hump on his back and is just trying to belong. At the end, there is a good ending which is the best part for me. I think I shed a few tears because there are some very sad parts-think Wonder by Palacio. Most of the characters are boys so maybe this one will appeal to boys well.
Profile Image for Erin Logan.
767 reviews10 followers
October 29, 2019
Middle schooler Ked has some serious troubles to handle - from his spinal deformity to school bullies to his dad's gambling problem. When his family is in danger of being evicted from their home, Ked takes matters into his own hands by stealing money, making some deals, and utilizing his library and school makerspace. I really loved and appreciated this book and am glad to feature it on our upcoming podcast. I would recommend this to most middle school kids.
Profile Image for Chris.
1,970 reviews76 followers
May 15, 2020
Things are bleak for Ked: living in a small, withering town, a mom who's left, a dad who's just gambled away the rent money, and a rare condition that's gradually turning him into a hunchback (and outcast) in the hellish social landscape of seventh grade. He decides to make his own gamble to try to improve his situation, but the odds are against him all on his own with a bully constantly dogging him. This is an engaging, moving, and sympathetic story.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,911 reviews44 followers
January 6, 2021
I had no idea what the book was about, just that Michael Northrop wrote it and I like his books. So I decided to give it a go. I kind of devoured it. :) I read it in a couple of segments between visiting classes at the local middle school (where I was giving booktalks). I will have to add this one to a future booktalk. The characters are nuanced and relatable, and the various crises they are dealing with sucked me right in. I would hand this one to 5th-7th graders for sure.
10 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2021
I like this one - recommend to any steam kid - Dad and Ked are struggling in a dying town in New England where Dad is about to be evicted. Dad has a gambling problem. Ked has kyphosis. Ked buys the mini Pocket Rokket and repairs it to sell. He works on it after school in the make-it club. Ends up making friend with his bully. Town competition to see when the tower will fall when the ice breaks. A little slow, but I enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Robin Riley.
397 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2021
SC Children's Book Award Nominee (Grades 3-6) KEd has kyphosis. He's bullied at school. Mom left to all the way across the country. Dad is a gambler. Mix in a mini bike, a teacher who "gets it", a tower whose purpose it is to fall. in the iced over pond, a goth, and some friends who find their way back once the beginning of middle school has past and we have a tale of friendship and family. Good story, it kept me reading.
Profile Image for Teri.
578 reviews
May 27, 2019
This book reminded me a lot of Death By Toilet Paper. A boy, trying all by himself to save his family, all the while being bullied by everyone at school. Great book with a great message about perseverance.
Profile Image for Rachel Grover.
742 reviews4 followers
June 5, 2020
Did not finish - made it about halfway. Lots of sad things happening, didn't see any reason/hope to root for him. Don't think my MS students would like it, either, with the exception of those looking for "sad books" - which happens more than you think.
Profile Image for Amanda Shepard (Between-the-Shelves).
1,855 reviews42 followers
October 4, 2020
A middle grade book about a boy trying to help his father make ends meet. I'll admit I'm definitely not the audience for this book, but it was still well written and would resonate with a lot of middle schoolers.
Profile Image for Aoibhín.
28 reviews
April 17, 2021
On Thin Ice is all about family, friends and building!
The story takes place in a town that has broken down over the years but is still lived in, Ked doesn't mind this at all. He does find down town a bit creepy though.
I would say this book is suitable for ages 8 and up.
Profile Image for Marissa.
187 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2022
Wanted to read a book about bullying to add to a lit circle group, and this book will make a great fit. The plot was easy to follow and stayed interesting. Evoked empathy if you’ve ever been bullied or felt left out. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for kiwi.
231 reviews2 followers
June 18, 2019
Middle Grade books are defiantly not my cup of tea.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.