is the story of Roy Eberhardt, new to Florida (again) and just starting school. While trying to avoid being beaten by the school bully Dana Matherson, Roy catches a glimpse of a running boy. While Roy tries to figure out who that kid is, he finds himself involved in an intricate problem - one involving an uncaring pancake franchise and burrowing owls.
Things I Liked:
I really think the best part about this book was the quirky characters. I loved hearing the stories about Roy, Beatrice, Dana, and many of the minor characters as well. I also thought the plot was very fun - middle grade boys will especially eat this up. I actually listened to the audio version of the book, and I really liked the narrator's different voices.
Things I Didn't Like:
I am not terribly fond of books that have such an overt message. I don't mind issue books, but I really don't want to be beaten over the head with it. I think the humor helped a lot, but I didn't get into the story. Sometimes it seemed like not enough was happening and it got a bit dull. I was also a little disappointed in how the story got to its ending. I liked the ending, but I thought it would have been smarter to go a different route.
Read-alikes:
I think most of Hiaasen's middle grade books are similar: Flush
and Scat
A bit like Holes by Louis Sachar
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: none
Overall rating: ***
What do you think of issue books? Like em? Hate em? Only if you agree with them?
Posts
I agree with you on issue books -- they are probably more effective when the message is more subtle rather than beating the reader over the head with it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your review! I might have to suggest this one to my 10-year-old.
Yeah, I like my messages subtle. Please don't beat me over the head with whatever idea your selling.
ReplyDeleteI am TOTALLY with you on not liking overt messages. Part of why I quit reading Patterson is that the Maximum Ride series quickly devolved into eco-propaganda. Seriously, there was almost no story at all holding the message together by the end. I still liked Hoot. Hiaasen's Star Girl was interesting with a message so subtle I don't think I got it (unless he was selling meditation).
ReplyDeleteGayle, I hope your boy likes it! He will probably not be as annoyed by the enviro-message.
ReplyDeleteBritt, amen.
Cara, I couldn't find a Star Girl by Hiaasen, but there was a Nature Girl - was that the one you were talking about? I haven't read any of Hiaasen's adult stuff, though I've heard great stuff about them.
I remember thinking this book was okay, but I tried to read Flush, I think it was, and gave up. It was WAY to preachy and issue-y for me.
ReplyDeleteSuey, I think I'm done with these books too.
ReplyDeleteI'm solidly in the hate 'em category. I don't mind books that teach good, moral lessons, but I prefer it when I don't REALIZE I'm being taught those messages.
ReplyDeleteI didn't love HOOT either, although I thought the movie was cute.
Susan, I haven't seen the movie, but I bet kids love it. What a great way of stating it too - we don't realize we are being taught. Those are the best books!
ReplyDeleteI think Jerry Spinelli wrote "Star Girl". My view is that if you want to give a lesson y'all should write a pamphlet, or a non fiction book. The purpose of fiction is to tell a story and as said so much more eloquently by others, keep the lessons invisible. And my observation is that once kids get to a certain age they spot if they're being preached at and it's a turn off.
ReplyDeleteYeah, Stargirl is Spinelli. It's sitting here waiting for me to read it for a neighborhood book club...
ReplyDeleteHope it's good. I haven't read any of his...
Stargirl's ok, but once again, the message was perhaps a little on the obvious side. Still worth reading though.
ReplyDeleteAndi, I think you are right about kids spotting preaching. They see it a mile off and know to avoid it. You're right about Stargirl, of course.
ReplyDeleteBritt, I actually really liked Stargirl, though the message was pretty obvious. I remember reading Maniac Magee by Spinelli in grade school and thought it was the best ever! Haven't read it since to see if I still think so, though.