A review by kim_j_dare
Hokey Pokey by Jerry Spinelli

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.