Health & Fitness
Give Kids a Book They Can't Refuse
Give your kids some books inspired by the Godfather to get them reading this summer.
The kids are all home for the summer. Perhaps that brings out the "godfather" in me—the need to control the day, the bribery to get them to do the things I want and of course, the offers they can't refuse!
This week's book selection is firmly rooted in the "godfather" theme. The authors have used middle school as their setting and they each have a guy who can get things done. But while the set-up is fueled by gangsters, thankfully the messages are good clean fun!
So give them one of these books over the summer ... a wise-guy move!
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Title: The Big Splash
Author: Jack E. Ferraiolo
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Target: Grades 5-7
Series: No
What this book is about:
Think a gumshoe novel in style noir. “The Frank,” a typical middle school, is run by Vinny Biggs and his gang. Need a hall pass, a sugar high, a stolen exam, you have to go through Vinny. Cross him and you’ll face his assassins, whose water guns hold your fate in their hands. One squirt to the pants and you are on “the outs.” Our detective Matt is hired to find out who took out Nikki Fingers, once the most feared water-shooter in school. He only has a week or he may find himself on the outs as well.
Why I love this book:
I loved that this book kept me guessing until the end, but the real fun is the tribute to the old detective novels of the past. It is filled, Bugsy Mallone style, with kids who will do anything for a pixie stick rush, a frazzled newspaper kid looking for a scoop, a sandwich shop in a garage where the kids hang out, and a girl who needs help ... or does she?
I also love that in the end, our detective Matt is a great role model for kids. This books touches on bullying, following the crowd, and trying to do things to feel accepted, but in the end, what feels right is doing the right thing.
Who this book is for:
Great read for kids who like mysteries, fast paced stories and a lot of clever humor.
Final thoughts:
Crime never pays!
To see my full selection for this week, visit my website at www.onegreatbook.com
