Twerp by Mark Goldbatt
4/5 stars
Random House Books for Young Readers, 2013
288 pages
MG/YA Historical Realistic
Scheduled to release May 28
Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is technically set in the 1960s but for the most part it feels very contemporary, lacking, for example, talk about the civil rights movement but also lacking mention of computers and cell phones. Apparently it is based on the author's own childhood and it feels like it comes from a very real place.
The format of the novel is that the protagonist, Julian, is keeping a journal for his teacher after an undisclosed bullying incident (which is eventually revealed to us at the end). Along the way, we gain insight into his friendships, first romance, and a burgeoning talent for writing.
For me, the real standout of this book is the writing which felt sophisticated but not in an off-putting way. I imagine that very few sixth-graders write as well as Julian but just because they're not able to put it all in words, doesn't mean they're not thinking these things. I feel like this book could be very popular both with its target audience as well as crossover to an older audience due to the writing style. There's a great balance between comedy and drama and I loved how friendship and loyalty are at the core of Julian's life even when they lead him astray.
Overall, this is a title that I would definitely recommend to young and older readers alike who enjoy contemporary/realistic stories. This is also a great addition to the literature about bullying, being a compelling witness to its wrongness without veering into preachy territory.
I hadn't heard of this book before but it sounds like a story that is worth checking out. I like that it has appeal both for young teens and older readers. I try to buy some of those "in-between" books for our library collection because I know that there are those who aren't ready to read the darker or more mature YA books yet.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's gotten much buzz (maybe a little closer to the release date?) but I thought it was very entertaining and well-written.
DeleteThe journal format is hit or miss for me, but glad it has the crossover appeal
ReplyDeleteI think it reads more like a traditional story than a journal one-that's just the framework, if that makes sense.
DeleteI've seen this one, but for some reason it didn't really catch my attention. Sounds like a pretty good book though. Glad you enjoyed it. Great review.
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
I'm not entirely sure what compelled me to give it a try but I'm glad I did!
DeleteI fell in love with Julian and this book. Its a great story for kids to read to learn how doing something which may seem innocent can have some pretty serious consequences. Nicely reviewed.
ReplyDeleteYay-someone else who's read this! I thought it was very well-done.
DeleteThis is another one that I have! I haven't heard anything about it so I'm not sure I even knew what it was about. You definitely have me wanting to fit in though. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteHope you can fit it in your schedule-would love to know if you agree about its crossover appeal.
DeleteHaven't heard of this book as well but now I am intrigued. Great review btw. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad to have brought it to your attention-hope you can give it a try!
DeleteI agree! It did mostly feel contemporary. I especially wondered about the prices that were mentioned(like for the fair/theme park/whatever that place was). They seemed more in line for these days as opposed to 40/50 years ago.
ReplyDeleteThe prices were what made me kind of think of today too but I thought I read something that said it was set in the past (and certainly the lack of cell phones singled historical to me).
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