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kim_j_dare's review
3.0
In the land of Hokey Pokey, children spend their days throwing balls and see sawing and spitballing and riding trikes and doing the myriad things that kids find to do . With the exception of the Hokey Pokey Man, who makes an appearance at noon each day to distribute Ivey treats of every imaginable flavour to the kids, there are no grown-ups in evidence. Jack has been the recognized leader of Hokey Pokey for as long as anyone can remember, but that changes the morning he awakens to find that Scramjet, his trusty bike, is gone. When he finds that his nemesis, Jubilee, has takenScramjet, the day just gets more and more odd. Slowly, Jack realizes that Scramjet, whom Jack had bronco'd from a wild bike herd years ago, has initiated the move to Jubilee because Scramjet knows something that Jack won't acknowledge even to himself-- namely, that the time has come for Jack to leave Hokey Pokey. This is an interesting story line that could lead to great discussions with the right group of kids. The playful approach to language-- dropflopping and hoprocking and sneakerskiing--is a pleasure. Unfortunately, the dreamlike quality of the storytelling keeps readers at a distance, and I found it difficult to really lose myself I the tale. But fans of Jerry Spinelli and his particular brand of quirkiness will find plenty of quirk to be had here.
mtzbookworm64's review
1.0
I know this book received great reviews - but I don't get it.
It was confusing at first - all the comparisons of growing up in "Hokey Pokey" terms to current times of growing up. Yes - it reminded me of things I did when I was young and treats and pleasures that only your friends at that age shared - but the analogies were too much.
It does contain some explicit language (which could have been left out or changed) - middle school reading content or higher. I feel younger readers won't understand nor connect with the analogies in the writing.
Not on my books to recommend reading.
It was confusing at first - all the comparisons of growing up in "Hokey Pokey" terms to current times of growing up. Yes - it reminded me of things I did when I was young and treats and pleasures that only your friends at that age shared - but the analogies were too much.
It does contain some explicit language (which could have been left out or changed) - middle school reading content or higher. I feel younger readers won't understand nor connect with the analogies in the writing.
Not on my books to recommend reading.
gmamartha's review
4.0
Surprisingly, it does make sense - but only at the end. Up til then, it's really hard to go with it, to trust it, to accept the story, the setting - but this is jerry spinelli, after all.
roseleaf24's review
3.0
This is a setting-driven book. I love a setting strong enough to practically become a character, or one that intertwined beautifully with character and plot. But here it takes over. The characters are strong, but the plot wouldn't fill more than a page on its own.
mschrock8's review against another edition
A creative book about kids, their bikes and friendship.
Listening length six hr
Listening length six hr
hayleybeale's review
2.0
What a strange book. After struggling through the first 20 pages, I couldn't stand it in a similar way to the way I couldn't stand 'The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland...' - the archness and mannered style. But as I had to read it, I soldiered on and ended up quite liking it. However, it does not feel like a kid's book - the nostalgic view of childhood seems more appealing to adult readers, though only those who can be bothered to wade through Spinelli's quirky (and not in a good way) vocabulary and phrasing.
sparklethenpop's review
4.0
This book was really awesome and brings new meaning to the question, what if the Hokey Pokey really is what it's all about? That being said, it was a kids' book written with adults in mind. I think some kids will like it but not all.
villianess's review
4.0
Jack, Dusty, LJ,are Amigos. The play, ride and have all sorts of adventures in Hokey Pokey. While jack is sleeping his enemy, Jubilee steals his beloved Scramjet, his steed. As he and his friends try to steel it back you get to see and experience the town of Hokey Pokey. Every kids dream playground. while Jack is searching for ScramJet he lifts his arms and Dusty and LJ realize that the eye tattoo on his belly, that every kid in Hokey Pokey has, is almost gone, how could that be no ones tattoo has ever faded. They both realize that ever since Jubilee stole Jack's steed there is something different about him, something they and everyone else in Hokey Pokey don't understand. When Jack finally gets ScramJet back and tries to ride him, he realizes that ScramJet no longer is loyal to him and returns to Jubilee. Jack knows that the story of The Kid is coming true and his time in Hokey Pokey is coming to an end. He can hear the train whistling and calling to him.
This is a story of growing up and to be honest i didn't quite understand that until 3/4 way through the book. It was such a surprise that I found I really enjoyed reading it.
This is a story of growing up and to be honest i didn't quite understand that until 3/4 way through the book. It was such a surprise that I found I really enjoyed reading it.