Boy Bites Bug

Gr 4–6—When an awkward situation leads seventh grader Will to eat a stinkbug (spoiler alert: it doesn't go well), he finds himself feuding with an old friend, reaching out to a new one, and, most confusingly, newly famous. Petruck's story of embarrassment, wrestling, friendship, family, and eating bugs in a small Minnesota town grapples with issues of racism (overt and internalized) and moral confusion but keeps the tone light and the pace moving. Will's struggles to take responsibility for his actions and the thoughtful development of his friendships are at the core of the book, and while some characters are more lightly sketched, the straightforward and uncluttered style will please lovers of the "Wimpy Kid" series and similar titles. From pranks to pins, crickets to chapulines, this is relatable, often cringe-worthy, occasionally didactic, but always enjoyable.