Necessary Roughness

by Marie G. Lee

Book Overview

Chan Kim enjoys playing soccer, until his family has to move to a small town where nobody plays the sport. He has a hard time fitting in, and then a tragic accident forces him to face the toughest challenge of all.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 073623182X
• ISBN13: 9780736231824
• Release Date: August 2006
• Publisher: National Geographic School Pub
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A real excellent book

The book Necessary Roughness, by Marie G. Lee, is a really great book. In fact it's the best book I've read. Two Korean teens who live in LA are forced to move to a small town in Minnesota, which is primary white. They are go through a lot of obstacles, including racism, etc. Chan, who is 16, is talked into joining the football team. At first he didn't like the idea until he tried it. He was made the kicker of the team, as well as playing many other positions. Near the end of the football season something bad happens but I won't tell you what ,so if you want to know just read this awesome book.

GREAT road trip book

My mom and I were taking a cross-country trip and we read it to each other while the other was driving. The story of Chan, Young, and their friend mesmerized us anbd kiept us from getting tired. We laughed through a lot of the parts and cried through a lot, too, and i learned a loot about Korean culture and also about living in a small town. Can't wait for the author's next book!

Necessary Roughness

Tells the story about a young man, Chan Jung Kim, who along with his Asian-American family makes a changing move to Minnesota from Los Angeles. In LA CHan was the star of his soccer team, his family owned a well-known grocery store, and his twin sister, Young, was progressing well with music. Now they are living in a small town where no one has ever seen their kind before. The family struggles to start over with business and life. Chan is greatful when he is asked to be the starting kicker on the Iron River varsity football team. This changes his outlook on the move, and Young is also satisfied when she is able to join the school marching band. Now the two are together in an activity, which enables Chan and his father to have a better relationship, and for the first time he can learn what it means to be Korean. Unfortunetly right before the football championship a terrible tragedy occurs and Chan feels he cannot go on, until he hears the music in his heart. Many values are taught in this book, and it is filled with everything. It's gripping, funny, painful, and illuminating. A must read! Buy it today!

An Absolute Read!

This book is the best! This book has everything from comedy to romance. I definently recomend this book to anyone! A must read!

an excellent novel about small town life

This was one of the most moving books I've ever read! I don't really like football, but that's just a small part of the story. I found myself crying/laughing through the whole thing.