Ace’s Basement

Ace and Lisa play in a duo called Two. They hope to get their music heard, so when Ace’s friend, Denny offers to help them create a music video, they agree. Unfortunately, Denny only captures film of the two of them looking ridiculous. Even though Ace tells Denny not to, Denny posts the embarrassing video online. Soon, the video goes viral and both Ace and Lisa are being laughed at. Will anyone ever take their music seriously again?

Reluctant readers will be drawn into Ace’s Basement because of the teen-focused conflict and the musical theme. Teens will relate to Ace and Lisa as they deal with the embarrassment of having an online video go viral. Ace has a crush on Lisa and often finds it difficult to talk to her, which is something that many teens struggle with.

Ace’s Basement is an easy-to-read story written specifically for reluctant readers. The characters’ dialogue and Ace’s thoughts keep the plot moving. However, the story’s plot is underdeveloped, as are the characters. Still, Ace’s Basement will engage struggling readers while helping them build reading skills.

Sexual Content

• Ace notices when “Lisa’s top bounces in time to the music.”
• When an embarrassing video is posted of Ace and Lisa, someone tells Ace, “That’s the kind of thing Gonzo would have done after a few brewskis.”

Violence

• None

Drugs and Alcohol

• When an embarrassing video is posted of Ace and Lisa, someone tells Ace, “That’s the kind of thing Gonzo would have done after a few brewskis.”
• Ace and Lisa play music outside of a bar. While playing, “three beefy guys with six-packs of beer and I-need-a-shave look are cheering.”

Language

• Lisa calls Ace a dork. She calls someone else an idiot.

Supernatural

• None

Spiritual Content

• None