Usually I feature a book that stands out to me, but it’s occurred to me that what appeals to my grown-up self doesn’t always appeal to kids. Have you noticed that many of the Newbery winners are much beloved by teachers and librarians, but not as much by kids?
So today I’m featuring a book that is much beloved by my 9-year-old. He’s read it multiple times, and it was his first foray into novels. This book is hugely popular at our library as well. I read it recently as well to see what the excitement was all about.
If you have a child in your life who loves animals, especially insects, this might be one to enjoy.
Here’s the synopsis from the back flap:
Bring on the spiders, stinkbugs, and grasshoppers. Charlie Kaplan, “Bug Boy,” thinks bugs are the best and is always on a Bug Alert for crawly creatures. But when he receives the Amazing Bug-a-View in the mail, Charlie thinks it’s a joke. Then he notices that the Amazing Bug-A-View proclaims, “See the world from a bug’s-eye view! Before you can say “Bug off,” Charlie turns into a …!
Why does Bug Boy appeal?
- It has a likeable main character. Charlie’s not too complicated. He loves bugs and is a semi-expert on them. I think even kids who don’t like bugs would appreciate his singular focus and smarts.
- A cool magical item and premise. What kid hasn’t imagined what it was like to be something different? Seeing life through a bug’s eyes was one of the most interesting parts of the book for me.
- A great ending. I won’t give it away, but I love how Charlie’s particular skills are used to solve his problem.
- It is based on the author’s own experience. In the afterword, Sonenklar shares how her son attended a bug fair (like the one in the book) where he ate stir-fried mealworms (!). She also once judged a pet contest where she voted a tarantula the “pet with the most pleasing expression.”
- The character arc with Charlie’s enemy. This book has a great final chapter. But then I’m a sucker for a reformed antagonist.
As it’s fairly short and has illustrations, this is a great first MG novel for kids. It would appeal to animal lovers and bug enthusiasts and kids who like magical objects, although I’d consider this “fantasy light.”
There's also a sequel, BUG GIRL, which continues Charlie's adventures.
There's also a sequel, BUG GIRL, which continues Charlie's adventures.
And here’s a question for the comments: Do you think the MG books that kids like are different from the ones grown-ups rave about?
Sounds like a fun read and something kids would like. At our library they say they cannot put the Newbery winners in a separate place (like they do the Caldecott) by their self, because the kids won't check them out. And, I have to admit there are quite a number of Newbery winners that I am not crazy about. I think a lot of kids like to read fun books.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! I wonder if that makes kids check those out more. There are a lot of Newberry winners I love (especially some of the honor books), but my kids shy away from any book that's too serious or emotional.
DeleteThis sounds great. Yes, because I can so see this appealing to a kid, but it's a little young for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Natalie! This probably wouldn't be a book I'd pick up for myself, but it was a lot of fun to read something different, and, of course, my son loved that I read his favorite book.
DeleteI think sometimes there is a divide between what adults & kids feel is great MG lit. I'd not really thought about it before, but I do think you're right. I can totally see kids liking Bug Boy- sounds fun! Especially if you have a bug loving kid. *shivers* I hope mine doesn't turn out to be! =)
ReplyDeleteI think the divide might be due to the fact that MG has gatekeepers, while YA doesn't. I hope you avoid the bug craze too. I really I thought mine would grow out of it by now...
DeleteThat's so true about most Newbery winners. I loved HATCHET but my older son, the avid reader, hated it. Although he did like some other Newbery winners. This book sounds like fun. I hadn't even heard of it. Your son might like MASTERPIECE by Elise Broach, since there's a very talented bug in the story. It's a little older, though. Maybe a good read-aloud?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the rec on MASTERPIECE. I actually think both my kids would like it. (My older son is into art.) I'd forgotten about that one!
DeleteI haven't seen this before, but I'd love to read it.
ReplyDeleteI think there's a difference. I'm reading a MG right now that I believe is for adults because the vocabulary level is high, it's not fast moving, and it's nostalgic, taking place decades ago and adult readers would connect to that time period. My students gravitate towards simpler, faster-paced, more colorful (fun or gross) books.
Yes, I've noticed that too. I think only adults feel nostalgia, and kids want to feel excitement or be scared or laugh when they read.
DeleteThis sounds really fabulous, and I know just the kid to enjoy! Once I'm done with it, that is... :D
ReplyDeleteHa! I hope you enjoy it, Suzanne! I'm not a bug person, but I was pleasantly surprised.
DeleteWhat a great point, and a great thought, to look at the books kids love. Sometimes they're the same as the one the adults love, but sometimes not. Good insight, here.
ReplyDeleteSo important to tune into kids and what intrigues them! Thanks for sharing this one.
ReplyDeleteSounds like one my grandson might like (me too, lol!)
ReplyDeleteI think there are times when we rave about books that kids are "meh" on. Often it seems to be those books that garner the awards...not to say that there aren't young readers for those books, just not a whole "pile" of them.
This book does sound like a lot of fun. And it's absolutely true that what kids like isn't always what adults like. Not every book can or should be a "crossover" title. I know plenty of parents who cringed at the Captain Underpants books or who wanted to ban R.L. Stine. But kids LOVE them.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great book! I'll have to get it for my son.
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds adorable - and yes, I've noticed that what appeals to kids (or teens) isn't really the same as what adults (agents, publishers, and book buyers) like. It sure makes it easier if you have a reader in the right age category at home. :)
ReplyDeleteI've got an 8 year old I'm trying to get to read more, but he's more into monsters. Still, I'm betting he'd love this one. I'll have to put it on the list.
ReplyDeleteCharming! I believe it could also appeal to my 15 yo son who still loves bugs!
ReplyDelete♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥
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Such a good point about award-winners -- they aren't always the first ones the kids pick off the shelves. It's sort of like the Oscars in that way :) -- Gina
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