Benji and Red don't know each other. Benji wants to be a star reporter while Red has his sights set on being a scientist. Benji is in an ongoing war with his younger siblings involving a series of over-the-top pranks while Red is an only child who has to watch out for his grandmother's wrath. They have very little in common, but soon the woods that separates their two towns will bring them together. Adults warn children not to stray in Piney Woods, they say that a madman lives there. Both Benji and Red grew up hearing fantastic stories about the madman, but when they finally encounter him and learn the truth, it tests their strength in ways they never expected.
Christopher Paul Curtis has a special knack for keeping me in stitches laughing for a whole book and then leaving me crying at the end. All the characters are so well drawn. Curtis tackles multiple issues from slavery to alcoholism to abuse but the novel is still uplifting and at points downright hilarious.
Erica's Picks
4th - 8th Grade
Tags: Family Life, Historical Fiction, Humor, Issues Fiction, People of Color, Tear Jerker
Christopher Paul Curtis has a special knack for keeping me in stitches laughing for a whole book and then leaving me crying at the end. All the characters are so well drawn. Curtis tackles multiple issues from slavery to alcoholism to abuse but the novel is still uplifting and at points downright hilarious.
Erica's Picks
4th - 8th Grade
Tags: Family Life, Historical Fiction, Humor, Issues Fiction, People of Color, Tear Jerker
RSS Feed