Stu Truly

Gr 4–6—Sixth-grader Stu is a butcher's son who enjoys avoiding homework, killing video game zombies, and making good-natured fun of his friends. His world is shaken when a cute new girl joins his class. Suddenly, he finds himself agreeing to things like a square dance performance, attending a school dance, and saying that his family is vegetarian. This last one gets him into trouble when his dad creates a butcher-themed parade float. Stu's first-person narration is consistent, snarky, and genuinely funny. There is warmth among family members and within his circle of friends. The setting is modern but feels much older; friends call each other's houses on the phone to talk. Some stereotypes about family life and gender roles feel as if their lifted from the 1950s: Mothers are responsible for dinner and for reigning in daffy dads; girls care about lip gloss and dancing while boys daydream about zombies; kids use the word "lame" to describe something unpleasant; and vegetarians eat exotic food and organize protests.