ghostduchess's review against another edition
4.0
I am reading through a list of banned books. I honestly have no clue why this one would ever be on the list. It's a cute story of boys in the 1970s/ 80s behaving like stereotypical boys did in those days. They make a nearly impossible bet with one another and engage in prepubescent shenanigans to make the others lose. It's a bit fantastical in some of the scenes, but what else do preteen boys like more than anything? I'd say believing they are ten feet tall and bulletproof tops the list. #readbannedbooks #banbookbanning
themoodylibrary's review against another edition
1.0
I don't normally review books from my childhood, but this one was just awful. I had such fond memories of this book from where I had read it in school, so I was so excited to read it with my third grade reading group. Unfortunately, after reading this book as an adult I have to say that it's just not a very good book, and my students agreed. The writing is awful and hard to follow. There is absolutely no character development and we were constantly getting confused about who's who. There are random chapters with World War II titles/references that have absolutely nothing to do with the story and were just thrown in there. This is definitely a story I wish I wouldn't have reread.
moris_deri's review against another edition
2.0
If Thomas Rockwell is aiming for "vomit gore" for children, he should consult [a:Pat Pollari|78716|Pat Pollari|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png].
This novella is mildly entertaining. The transition from one scene to another can be so abrupt that you won't realize that the setting has changed from the dinner table to the yard. Or that it was Alan who was screaming murders at Billy, not Joe.
Also, the story really is not about how to eat fried worms, but a bet. Some big words can be found scattered in the story as well. Like "obsequiously" and a bastardization of "troglodyte". Maybe I'm being unnecessarily too punitive towards what is to be taken for granted because the target audience is obviously school children?
I usually enjoy children storybooks, even the horror/disgusting/weird ones. But this, this is a disappointment. Two * only because I really was growing to like Billy's parents.
This novella is mildly entertaining. The transition from one scene to another can be so abrupt that you won't realize that the setting has changed from the dinner table to the yard. Or that it was Alan who was screaming murders at Billy, not Joe.
Also, the story really is not about how to eat fried worms, but a bet. Some big words can be found scattered in the story as well. Like "obsequiously" and a bastardization of "troglodyte". Maybe I'm being unnecessarily too punitive towards what is to be taken for granted because the target audience is obviously school children?
I usually enjoy children storybooks, even the horror/disgusting/weird ones. But this, this is a disappointment. Two * only because I really was growing to like Billy's parents.
wombat_88's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
sophiabarrygordon's review against another edition
3.0
Read for Mr. Thompson's fifth grade English class.
deepfreezebatman's review against another edition
4.0
Somehow I was never exposed to this book as a kid. Seems like a classic, so I figured I should check it out. Overall it held up very well, and besides a few things (slang, etc.), the story seems pretty timeless. I really enjoyed it and wonder what kids today would think of it.
geraldine's review against another edition
4.0
iconic book. i too have a hard time backing down from dares, especially if i'm gonna get the equivalent of $300!!!
mariahroze's review against another edition
3.0
I read this book with my Reading Class. We spent a month listening to the book on tape and filling out a packet that went with it. Afterwords, we watched the movie and did a compare and contrast assignment.
The students rated this book:
1 star = 2 students
3 stars = 3 students
4 stars = 2 student
I personally felt this book was worthy of 3 stars. I found it entertaining and very creative. I completely understand why it is considered a "modern classic," because it is one of the first of its kind.
I found the characters to be a little confusing and had a hard time keeping everyone apart. Also, I thought at times the book dragged on. However, I enjoyed the creativeness of the story and how the book was written at a lower level but was made for older students.
The students rated this book:
1 star = 2 students
3 stars = 3 students
4 stars = 2 student
I personally felt this book was worthy of 3 stars. I found it entertaining and very creative. I completely understand why it is considered a "modern classic," because it is one of the first of its kind.
I found the characters to be a little confusing and had a hard time keeping everyone apart. Also, I thought at times the book dragged on. However, I enjoyed the creativeness of the story and how the book was written at a lower level but was made for older students.