Skinnybones Paperback – Illustrated, July 8, 1997

This book is humorous, but the humor arises because the protagonist (Alex) is a troublemaker. He enjoys causing mayhem, “shaking things up”. And his sarcasm beats most I’ve ever heard or had to endure. I’m not sure what this says about (me!) or the thousands of kids who think it’s side-splitting funny. Its humor also revolves around a lot of bullying. But a lot of kids can identify with Alex who is small in stature and bullied a lot. The things he comes up with on the spot can make a person choke (funny) On the first day of school, he was bored with the way the introductions were going, so with permission, he decided to liven it up, “Okay. I’m Alex Frankovitch,” I said. “I brought a sandwich for lunch today. And I’d just like everyone to know that my bologna has a first name…it’s O-s-c-a-r.” Snort funny! But in real life, not so much. Anyway, I think it would be a great read a-loud book in a classroom, where the teacher can assume voices for the characters!

He did a summer book report in this. A quick read and enjoyable as per the 10 year old

Very cute book. My daughter had to read it for a 5th grade assignment. She had to answer questions after every few chapters. I bought the book because she forgot to bring her paperback home. It is very quick reading, so I read it as she did. If you are buying the revised edition for school, DON'T do it! There were several differences and she missed a few questions because of that. For example, a reference to a Wizard of Oz munchkin was replaced with the Lucky Charms guy. The differences were small, yet big enough to cause her to miss some of the questions. Her teacher didn't see the humor in the situation! I guess by the time they hit 5th grade, they aren't supposed to forget their homework at school!

I purchased this book to read to my grand kids on a family camping trip. It was so funny it had to be shared with everyone. We would sit around the campfire in the morning and again at night passing the book around the circle each person taking a turn reading aloud. There were times the book had to be passed to the next person because the reader was laughing so hard they could not speak. The campers in the next camp spot heard us and asked to borrow the book. They too laughed so hard we could hear them from our spot. This is an excellent family book for boys and girls and adults who want to laugh.

My grandson enjoyed reading this book. He needed it for school. Made it easier for him to read the actual book than staring at a computer screen.

I first read this book when my now 28 yr old son was in 3rd grade. We read it aloud together and had trouble doing so because we were laughing so hard. I purchased this copy for my son's 4 year old son. He is a bit young to get all the humor yet; but, as I reread it to myself, I could imagine how much fun it will be reading it with my grandson in 3 or 4 years. Or maybe I will give it to his father to read to with him. Hum? What to do, what to do.......

Great book and a great value

One of the better children's book for boys 8-12 from the 70's and 80's, before helicopter parenting and smart phones and realistic video games. Easy to read, and funny, but with situations most can relate to.