Since I found myself laughing out loud when I read this book, I fear that I may have the sense of humor of a middle school boy. Maybe I was drawn to Julian Twerski because he and I both grew up in the sixties, or I am nostalgic for the days when kids were expected to run around the neighborhood till dark. His stories remind me of Opie's adventures in Mayberry, except it's Queens, NY.
Today the word, "bully," gets thrown around quite often, but Julian is more mischievous than dangerous. He tinkers with homemade fireworks, pals around the neighborhood with a crew of friends straight out of The Sandlot, and even manages to get suspended from school. Yet, Julian talks his English teacher into allowing him to write a journal rather than read Shakespeare, and his writing prowess have him playing Cyrano de Bergerac for his best friend. That doesn't end well either.
Even if Julian might be labeled a "troublemaker," I liked him. His honest sense of self, his desire to be the best at something, and his regret at hurts he causes make him human. That sort of character is worth cheering for in the end, and I feel better knowing that being a twerp at times doesn't mean it's a life sentence.
Today the word, "bully," gets thrown around quite often, but Julian is more mischievous than dangerous. He tinkers with homemade fireworks, pals around the neighborhood with a crew of friends straight out of The Sandlot, and even manages to get suspended from school. Yet, Julian talks his English teacher into allowing him to write a journal rather than read Shakespeare, and his writing prowess have him playing Cyrano de Bergerac for his best friend. That doesn't end well either.
Even if Julian might be labeled a "troublemaker," I liked him. His honest sense of self, his desire to be the best at something, and his regret at hurts he causes make him human. That sort of character is worth cheering for in the end, and I feel better knowing that being a twerp at times doesn't mean it's a life sentence.
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