Tuna, Wahoo, Chomp Oh My

Carl Hiaasen does a great job of mixing humor and serious topics in a nonthreatening way. The novel, Chomp, does not stray away from this format. Filled with round characters like Wahoo and Tuna, this novel will take you on a wild ride through the Florida Everglades. This is a refreshing read and I actually was able to chuckle several times while reading. Child abuse and alcoholism is mentioned and even explored throughout the novel. This isn’t off-putting and the issue is approached in a way that is appropriate for kids.

Wonder left me wondering

My mom always told me when reading a book that I wasn’t excited about to read the book anyways to find out specifically why I didn’t like it. This is what I had to do with the novel Wonder. This was not my favorite read. The novel was about a boy with a deformity and the relationship he had with his peers and family. The first couple of chapters were spent describing the boy, August. The reader is provided a descriptive image that would make the Beast look like a beauty. There was an unnecessary build up and hype surrounded by the deformity and I think it did a disservice to the novel. This is the first year that August is going to school where he experienced good relationships and negative relationships. And of course at the end, August gained friends and was accepted by all.

The reason why this novel was not my favorite probably has nothing to do with the novel. Honestly, I can’t wait for the moment when there are all types of children represented in novels and their “issue” whether it’s skin color, health issue, socioeconomic status, whatever the “it” is just exists. August is a boy. He has a deformity. He needs to interact with others and overcome a “difficult issue”. This is something that all can relate to. We have all been there. The fact that he is grotesque and his appearance was shocking did not add to the plot of the story.

What I love the most was the theme of family. I love how the parents were represented in this novel and how there were examples of genuine love between the parents and children.

Not my favorite novel, but it gave a voice to children with disabilities and it is a great discussion starter for a middle school setting. The speech the principal gives to the student body at the end of the novel was great and provided a great wrap up to the novel.

Summer Reading Has Begun

 

What a great way to begin my summer reading. I loved this hilarious novel, Free Thaddeus. I have a tendency to think like a 6^th grader, so I thought the jokes and a student’s perspective on in school suspension was very funny. I think Thaddeus’ is a relatable character and I would recommend this novel for boys and girls from 4^th – 6^th grade. While the novel is pleasurable, there is a hint of seriousness as the reader slowly discovers that Thaddeus’ father passed away. This somewhat explains Thaddeus’ need to “fix” and “help” everyone around him. I like a little love in my books and while this book does not have any romance, Thaddeus has a great friend in Alison who finds time to write him and give him the scoop on class as Thaddeus sits in ISS. This is the second book in a series and there was not a need to read the first book before reading this book.