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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
I am fast becoming a fan of Sachar (especially his children's books). This sweet tale about a misunderstood bully may be a little on the predictable side, but it was a nice read after a slew of disappointments.
*lol* moment: "Even though his team lost, he thought it had been the most fun race of the day.
Plus, when the girls somersaulted in their party dresses, he could see their underwear."
Warning: Bradley Chalkers's relationship with the unbelievably good school counsellor, Carla, and his inarticulate affection for her, may make you feel a little choked up.
*lol* moment: "Even though his team lost, he thought it had been the most fun race of the day.
Plus, when the girls somersaulted in their party dresses, he could see their underwear."
Warning: Bradley Chalkers's relationship with the unbelievably good school counsellor, Carla, and his inarticulate affection for her, may make you feel a little choked up.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It's been forever (...or approximately 8 years) since I've read this.While I don't remember much as far as plot goes, I do remember how emotional I felt reading this book. There's not much I can say without giving away the ending (which surprisingly HAS stuck in my memory) but Sachar took a "bad boy" character and gave him heart and emotion that made me love him. The book shows what can be done with Young Adult literature that is age appropriate, but still balances humor and infatuation with depth and emotion.
2019 review: After rereading this book, I'm actually surprised that it impacted me so much as a kid. I didn't enjoy it in quite the same way as an adult which is what will inevitably happen with rereading. I still appreciate it for its impact on younger me.
2019 review: After rereading this book, I'm actually surprised that it impacted me so much as a kid. I didn't enjoy it in quite the same way as an adult which is what will inevitably happen with rereading. I still appreciate it for its impact on younger me.
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book has a special place in my life – it was my first chapter book and it was a book that played a big part in my lifelong love of reading. This book is funny, charming, and heartbreaking. While a wonderful book for a child, it holds up for adult reading too. As a child, you find the book funny and weird, but sweet. You know the book is about a school bully who learns to be nice, make friends and do well in school. As an adult, you realize that this insecure and lonely boy starts to believe in himself and make friends thanks to a new school counselor. The book may be at a simple reading level, but its construction and its themes are complex. I reread this book every couple of years and every time I laugh and cry as the main character discovers the joys and hardships of friendship.
I remember reading this in elementary school and really liking it, especially the school councilor. I remember being frustrated with the parents' attempts to remove Carla from the staff because what she was teaching these kids was really helpful to them.