Gr 5-8 Building on the success of "Guys Write for Guys Read"(Viking, 2005), Scieszka continues his mission to take the "reluctant" out of readers with this first volume of the "Guys Read Library." For this title, Scieszka invited some of today's top writers of children's fiction to contribute a humorous short story. Not surprisingly, the resulting compilation has something for everyone. Looking for a story heavy on the ick-factor? Suggest Jack Gantos's "The Bloody Souvenir," in which the Pagoda brothers return to wreak more havoc. David Yoo's "A Fistful of Feathers" features a bloodthirsty turkey intent on destroying the narrator's life. Eoin Colfer offers an autobiographical piece that shares how his younger brother was his real-life inspiration for Artemis Fowl. Kate DiCamillo and Scieszka team up to offer a hilarious correspondence between Joe and an author who knows how to hold her own with unmotivated students. While these shorter stories may not have the liveliness of the authors' full novels, each one is solid, and more importantly, it offers an introduction to that author's style and voice. Don't be surprised if students come seeking longer works by David Lubar, Christopher Paul Curtis, and other contributors after sampling them in this collection. Scieszka promises future volumes featuring other genres, among them nonfiction, sports, and action/adventure.-"Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA" Copyright 2010 Media Source Inc.
Humorous stories by some of the most well-known contemporary writers for children, such as Eoin Colfer, Christopher Paul Curtis, Kate DiCamillo, Jack Gantos, Jon Scieszka, and others, are here compiled. While most revolve around the exploits of mischievous boys, others feature an incompetent super villain, a homicidal turkey, and alien body snatchers. Most readers will find these quick reads relatable and enjoyable.
Be the first reader to comment.
Comment Policy:
Comment should not be empty !!!