by Brian Silbert ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 23, 2024
A kid’s rough school days make for a rollicking and often endearing story.
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A boy braves the perils of fifth grade in Silbert’s debut middle-grade novel.
It’s safe to say that Gilbert “Berticus” Icusberwitz isn’t a fan of school. It doesn’t help that his birthday always falls on the first day of the new school year, and his annual, unfulfilled wish is simply not to have to go. He begins fifth grade with his familiar dread of being bored in the classroom. His classmates include Farley Finnigan, a smart girl who enjoys one-upping him and getting him in trouble, as well as Crazy Bobby Bigglia, a bully who’s rumored to have served time in a maximum-security prison. Luckily, Berticus can rely on his best friend, Robert “Thatch” Daniels, who willingly goes along with whatever new scheme Berticus dreams up. Most of those ideas are a bit too ambitious, such as the two of them growing beards together or attracting members to a “super-secret club” without any real purpose (except, perhaps, collecting membership dues). Berticus’ greatest challenge, however, is paying attention in class. He tends to lose himself in daydreams until a teacher calls on him, forcing him to guess at the lesson’s topic: “Math problems? Holy cow! I thought we were learning about cross-pollination.” Still, grade school isn’t all doom and gloom: There’s also a girl he likes and may “actually like like.” He just needs to figure out why she’s suddenly ignoring him, in between all the big plans that take up his and Thatch’s time.
Silbert’s tale is endlessly amusing, thanks to the charm of its titular hero. Berticus’ narration makes his typically zany plans seem perfectly reasonable. Over the course of the book, it also reveals what life is like for a boy who has an awful lot of difficulty staying focused. Berticus’ mind frequently wanders while he’s sitting at his desk, during which he stares out the window or imagines something much more entertaining, such as playing video games. In some instances, it’s obvious that the boy is trying his very best to pay attention but can’t stop his thoughts from drifting into new territory. Silbert also makes clear his desire to successfully complete his schoolwork; for example, he works hard to make up a test after flubbing it the first time. Thatch stands out among the supporting cast, due to his characteristic “unruly hair,” his strong loyalty, and his own propensity for getting sidetracked. However, even minor characters prove to be hard to forget, such as Mary M’Gerkin, whose whistling nose is a veritable musical instrument, and Joey “Wrong Way” Rooney, who’s known for always having the incorrect answer to any question. Although it’s fun to watch Berticus stumble upon an interest that keeps his attention, his best moments are when he tackles unforeseen complications while camping or in the school restroom (the latter of which is definitely not Berticus’ fault). Young readers are sure to demand that Berticus and Thatch’s adventures continue—starting with, say, sixth grade.
A kid’s rough school days make for a rollicking and often endearing story.Pub Date: Oct. 23, 2024
ISBN: 9780895445032
Page Count: 238
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: Dec. 26, 2024
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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by Barney Saltzberg ; illustrated by Barney Saltzberg ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 23, 2010
A festive invitation to creative liberation.
A pleasingly tactile exploration of the possibilities inherent in mistakes.
"A torn piece of paper... / is just the beginning!" Spills, folded paper, drips of paint, smudges and smears—they "all can make magic appear." An increasingly complex series of scenarios celebrates random accidents, encouraging artistic experimentation rather than discouragement. The folded-over paper can be a penguin's head; a torn piece of newsprint can turn into a smiling dog with a little application of paint; a hot-chocolate stain can become a bog for a frog. Thanks to a telescoping pop-up, a hole is filled with nearly limitless possibilities. The interactive elements work beautifully with the photo-collaged "mistakes," never overwhelming the intent with showiness. Saltzberg's trademark cartoon animals provide a sweetly childlike counterpoint to the artful scribbles and smears of gloppy paint.
A festive invitation to creative liberation. (Pop-up. 4-12)Pub Date: Sept. 23, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-7611-5728-1
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Workman
Review Posted Online: Dec. 10, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2010
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by Kate Messner ; illustrated by Mark Siegel ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 7, 2020
A lovely encouragement to young writers to persist.
This follow-up to How To Read a Story (2005) shows a child going through the steps of creating a story, from choosing an idea through sharing with friends.
A young black child lies in a grassy field writing in a journal, working on “Step 1 / Search for an Idea— / a shiny one.” During a walk to the library, various ideas float in colorful thought bubbles, with exclamation points: “playing soccer! / dogs!” Inside the library, less-distinct ideas, expressed as shapes and pictures, with question marks, float about as the writer collects ideas to choose from. The young writer must then choose a setting, a main character, and a problem for that protagonist. Plotting, writing with detail, and revising are described in child-friendly terms and shown visually, in the form of lists and notes on faux pieces of paper. Finally, the writer sits in the same field, in a new season, sharing the story with friends. The illustrations feature the child’s writing and drawing as well as images of imagined events from the book in progress bursting off the page. The child’s main character is an adventurous mermaid who looks just like the child, complete with afro-puff pigtails, representing an affirming message about writing oneself into the world. The child’s family, depicted as black, moves in the background of the setting, which is also populated by a multiracial cast.
A lovely encouragement to young writers to persist. (Informational picture book. 6-10)Pub Date: July 7, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-4521-5666-8
Page Count: 36
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Review Posted Online: March 28, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2020
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