When the Full Tilt Dancers give an inspiring performance at the opening of the new bingo hall, twelve-year-old Finbar (Barry) Squires wants desperately to join the troupe. The Full Tilt Irish Step Dancers - led by Father O’Flaherty - are the most sought-after act in St. John’s, Newfoundland (followed by popular bag piper, Alfie Bragg and his Agony Bag).
Having watched Riverdance twice, Barry figures he’ll nail the audition. And good thing too - it’d be nice to be known for something other than the large birthmark on his cheek. Barry’s journey to stardom is jeopardized not only by his unpredictable temper, but also by his parents’ refusal to take his dreams seriously.
Thankfully, Barry has the support of a lively cast of characters: his ever-present grandmother, Nanny Squires; his adorable baby brother, Gord; an old British rocker named Uneven Steven; a group of geriatrics from the One Step Closer to God Nursing Home; and Saibal, a friend with whom Barry gets up to no good.
(Penguin Teen Canada 2020 - Publisher’s Page)
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Awards
Shortlisted for the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People, 2021
Longlisted for the BMO Winterset Award, 2020
One of the Globe and Mail’s Globe 100 Favorite Books of 2020
One of CBC Books’ Best Middle-Grade and Young Adult Books of 2020
One of Canadian Children’s Book News’ Best Books of 2020
One of the Ontario Library Association’s 2020 Best Bets Selection for Young Adult Fiction
“Someday I’d make an instructional video for other dancers. I mean, why keep such a secret weapon to myself? But sharing my untested-but-sure-to-be-brilliant idea with the masses would have to wait - I had the performance of a lifetime to prepare for.”
- Told with humor and a healthy dose of irreverence, Barry Squires, Full Tilt takes readers on a rowdy romp through the streets of St. John’s and into the Squires household, a place where tragedy strikes, but love prevails.
Reviews
Kirkus Reviews
“Barry’s quest for footloose fame instead takes him on a grand tour of humanity…. Offbeat, quirky, and full of heart.”
Canadian Children’s Book News
(Red Leaf Literature Selection)“An outstanding new offering that is irreverent and wise and wonderful.”
Quill & Quire
(Editor’s Choice)“This is one foot-stompingly enjoyable, while also heart-rending, read.”
CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“By turns hilarious, shocking, embarrassing, and unbearably sad, Barry Squires, Full Tilt is a story not to be missed.”