Helicopter Man is a book about a boy named Pete who is living with his father. The story is set up like a journal so what you hear form Pete is all you get to know about the story. Pete and his father are on the run from the government….or so Pete believes. What is really happening is that is father is a schizophrenic and believes that people are after him. When cops catch and take his father away to be treated, Pete must now fight to save his father and deal with what will happen to him after his father is taken. 

This is a book that would suit kids grades 9-12. It is a riveting book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. From wondering why they’re running to how Pete must manage a new life after his dad is taken Pete experiences events that are so climatic they would put anybody into a stressed state. This book really brings out what the disease schizophrenia really is and how dangerous it can be to that person if not under control. This book was a little slow at times but the undercurrents of what’s going on really keep you interested. Its like Pete is being left out and it keeps you in the book, wondering if he’s ever going to find out what’s going on. A compelling book, it keeps you guessing the entire time. 

~ Vincent Calautti, grade 10, Boardman High School