Hands

About this book

"Gorgeous and gripping, Hands is a poetic page-turner. You might just finish it in one sitting. Torrey Maldonado understands the kids he writes for at the deepest level.” —Adam Gidwitz, Newbery Honor–winning author of The Inquisitor’s Tale The author of What Lane? and Tight delivers a fast-paced read that packs a punch about a boy figuring out how to best use his hands—to build or to knock down. Trev would do anything to protect his mom and sisters, especially from his stepdad. But his stepdad’s return stresses Trev—because when he left, he threatened Trev’s mom. Rather than live scared, Trev takes matters into his own hands, literally. He starts learning to box to handle his stepdad. But everyone isn’t a fan of his plan, because Trev’s a talented artist, and his hands could actually help

Where this book is assigned

• Georgia Children's Book Award

  • recommended·6th grade · Georgiasource: Georgia Children's Book Award 2025 Nominees (Grades 6-8), University of Georgia Libraries
  • recommended·7th grade · Georgiasource: Georgia Children's Book Award 2025 Nominees (Grades 6-8), University of Georgia Libraries
  • recommended·8th grade · Georgiasource: Georgia Children's Book Award 2025 Nominees (Grades 6-8), University of Georgia Libraries

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  To Kill a Mockingbird
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See all books like Hands→ — matched on theme + reading level.

Common questions

What grade level is Hands?

Hands is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 6–8. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.

How long does it take to read Hands?

It takes about 2h 40m to read Hands (145 pages) at an average adult reading pace of about 250 words per minute — roughly 160 minutes. Faster or slower readers will vary; the estimate is a planning guide for assigning the book.

What curricula assign Hands?

Hands appears on reading lists for Georgia Children's Book Award. Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.

Is Hands banned in schools?

Hands does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.