About the Book

Adonis is smart, intellectually giftedNand was born without legs. Autumn is strong, a great wrestler, and barely able to read in ninth grade. But Autumn is attracted to Adonis and determined to make him a part of her life.

Book Synopsis

Award-winning author, Sharon G. Flake, presents a powerful novel about a teen boy and girl, each tackling disabilities.

Autumn and Adonis have nothing in common and everything in common. Autumn is outgoing and has lots of friends. Adonis is shy and not so eager to connect with people. But even with their differences, the two have one thing in common--they're each dealing with a handicap. For Autumn, who has a learning disability, reading is a painful struggle that makes it hard to focus in class. But as her school's most aggressive team wrestler, Autumn can take down any problem. Adonis uses a wheelchair. He has no legs. He can't walk or dance. But he's a strong reader who loves books. Even so, Adonis has a secret he knows someone like Autumn can heal. In time, Autumn and Adonis are forced to see that our greatest weaknesses can turn into the assets that forever change us and those we love. Told in alternating voices, Takedown explores issues of self-discovery, friendship, and what it means to be different.

Review Quotes

PRAISE FOR PINNED* "The unflinching honesty with which Flake approaches her characters is what sells this story."--PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, starred review* "This brilliantly realized story is told alternately in their two distinctive voices, and readers will cheer Autumn's spirit and Adonis' drive."--KIRKUS, starred review

About the Author

As the prolific author of numerous books, Sharon G. Flake's novels have brought a bold dimension to literature for young people, selling more than a million copies worldwide, and reaching readers across the globe through numerous translations and theatrical productions. Ms. Flake's impressive body of work includes dozens of novels, chapter books, and illustrated works. She is the recipient of multiple Coretta Scott King Author Honor Awards and is a Kirkus Award nominee. Ms. Flake has received numerous NAACP Image Award nominations, among other citations, and has been praised as one of the single most influential authors of teen works whose novels have inspired a pantheon of writers. To learn more, please visit: sharongflake.com