Friday, January 31, 2014

MY LIFE AS A BOOK, by Janet Tashjian

The story: Derek hates to read, so it really stinks when he realizes his parents are signing him up for "Learning Camp" this summer, instead of his usual round of lazing around, feeding the dog, and hanging with his buddies. Then suddenly a mystery turns up that involves Derek's own life, and just as suddenly, he figures out that reading can be useful if you're trying to solve the mystery of the babysitter who drowned while trying to save YOUR two-year-old life. Maybe reading isn't ALWAYS bad for your health!

June Cleaver’s ratings: Language G; Nudity G: Sexual Content G; Violence G; Substance Abuse G; Magic & the Occult G; GLBT Content G; Adult Themes G; overall rating G.

Liz's comments: I enjoyed this book a lot, mostly because there was no goody-goody sentimentalism in it. Tashjian really nailed how a 12-year-old boy would view things, and Derek is a funny, sympathetic narrator. This, along with Planet Tad, may be the best book I've read this year for reluctant readers, although Tad targets a little older audience. This one probably peaks out for kids in 6th grade. Sequels are My Life as a Stuntboy and My Life as a Cartoonist.
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