Louis Sachar's typical hilarious story with important nuances. This one has a lot of swear words - they are important to the story. Once again a group of Junior High kids who aren't quite the in group find out how to cope with life. It's a good explanation of what life is about - "We all pretend we're such important, dignified people. We become doctors or lawyers or artists...But really we all know tht at any moment our pants might fall down."

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My son literally ate the pages of this book. He loved it! And he's not a "natural" reader, so I also love this book!

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David Ballinger is having a tough time adjusting to middle school. His best friend since 2nd grade has dumped him for the popular group. In an effort to fit in with them, David agrees to help them steal old Mrs. Bayfield's snake's head cane. When the old woman (purportedly a witch) curses David as he leaves the property, his life goes from bad to worse.

A vivid look at the trouble of fitting in in those awkward coming-of-age years, this is another witty and wonderful Sachar book. To parents who like to read aloud books that are "older" than their children, please be aware this isn't the mild and mystical Sachar you're used to. A central theme in the book deals with flipping someone the bird. Language gets rougher (definitely PG 13)to appeal to the middle school crowd. I'm reposting this one because I don't want or need this kind of language in our library at home. I'll stick to the timelessness of Holes, Someday Angeline and the Wayside series.

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