Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Knuckleheads - Tall Tales & Mostly True Stories About Growing Up Scieszka by Jon Scieszka

I grew up in Flint, Michigan, with my five brothers -- Jim, Tom, Gregg, Brian, and What's-His-Name.

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Abstract: How did Jon Scieszka get so funny? He grew up as one of six brothers with Catholic school, lots of comic books, lazy summers at the lake with time to kill, babysitting misadventures, TV shows, and jokes told at family dinner.

Publisher: Viking; 106 pages

9 comments:

DaNae said...

I don't how much Newbery appeal this book will have, but I for one am thrilled it exsists, non-fiction with plenty of urination. An esay sell to my students. I've read the Halloween chapter this week to my fifth and sixth grades, they were all very empathic to the plight of the wearer of the bunny suit.

Mary said...

I agree with DaNae that this may not be this year's Newbery winner, but it IS a great, laugh-out-loud, "please read me out loud" book! (And the librarian side of me really enjoyed the "see also's" in the index.)

DaNae said...

Yes as in

fart. We do not say that.
See
gas, pass

Heather said...

Oh, do look up "Jon" in the index!

or "wrestling"!

or "striped coat"!

This is a GREAT read. I used to work in a community where the children were required to read an autobiography of less than 150 pages. I am sure this will be a welcome addition to that very short list.

Mary said...

Check out the: NPR interview with Jon Scieszka talking about how he gets his ideas and how he came to write Knuckleheads. Great fun!

Sandy D. said...

You all convinced me to check it out, and leave it sitting around where the cover is sure to entice my sixth grade son.

Jen said...

I don't think it's a Newbery, but it does stand to reason that such a wry guy grew up in a funny family. A quick and hilarious read, and fun insight into one of my favorite authors. Now will Lane Smith write one...

Anonymous said...

As a big fan of Scieszka, I truly did enjoy this book, and laughed out loud multiple times. Newbery winner, probably not, but a great read indeed!

Teresa said...

Oh yeah, this is a Newbery contender. The strength of the voice and setting and characters are exceptional.

Hmmm. My pile of books to defend is growing rather large.