Tuesday, April 28, 2015

The Incredible Words of Wally McDoogle #1 My Life as a Smashed Burrito with Extra Hot Sauce by Bill Myers

Wally is being forced to go to camp.  The trip does not begin very well when he by accident sits in the bully's seat on the bus and proceeds to smear Gary "Gorilla"'s hand with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (by accident, of course.).  This action commences an all out "war" at camp, the campers vs. Gary "Gorilla" and his goons.
The camp is a Christian run camp and Dale, the head counselor, tries to impart the importance of wisdom and making wise choices throughout the week.  As Wally learns that one unwise decision leads another and another and another until life is out of control.  He also realizes how to love his enemy and value of befriending people who will not lead you astray with your walk with God.
I did not like how "Christian" kids repeatedly called Wally a "dork-oid" and how none of the kids at the Christian camp acted very  Christ-like.
My second grader could read and understand this book but the content would not be appropriate for him (in my opinion): see below-
Warnings/points to discuss: Mr. Myers talks about girls developing chests like Marilyn Monroe (What is the point of offering another opportunity to put those thoughts in boys' heads??), campers making out in the bushes and campers sneaking off to smoke.  The kids at the camp were very cliquish-"jocks", "babes", "dork-oids", "egg heads" etc.

Grade Level Equivalent: 4.8

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