Holm, Jennifer and Matt. Squish: Captain Disaster25 September 2012, Random House Children's Books
Squish is back, and Peggy and Pod talk him into going out for the soccer team, even though it means getting out of bed at 7:00 a.m. even on days where there is no school! The team (The Sand Fleas) is not very talented, and their coach just tells them every week to do their best and have fun. Squish is the team captain because Peggy enthusiastically nominates him, and feels like a disaster. When he mentions this to his father, his father asks Squish what he intends to do to make the team better. What a concept! Squish rallies, thinks of strategies, and does manage to improve his team.
Strengths: The creators of Babymouse do a great graphic novel for younger kids. Soccer is always a popular topic, and I imagine these titles are indispensable at the elementary level.
Weaknesses: Squish, for all his comic book loving microscopic creature appeal, seems to young for middle school. Perhaps it is his lack of confidence in himself. Middle school students at least put on a better act.
Yeah, he improves it. And then his friends guilt him into making the team lose since they're not all getting equal playing time. Squish is a little too didactic for my tastes.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds fun and it might be a book my 5th grade students will enjoy. I will have to check it out!
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
~Jess