Fuzzy Mud by Loius Sachar

Description: Fifth grader Tamaya Dhilwaddi and seventh grader Marshall Walsh have been walking to and from Woodbridge Academy together since elementary school. But their routine is disrupted when bully Chad Wilson challenges Marshall to a fight. To avoid the conflict, Marshall takes a shortcut home through the off-limits woods. Tamaya reluctantly follows. They soon get lost, and they find trouble. Bigger trouble than anyone could ever have imagined.

 In the days and weeks that follow, the authorities and the government become involved, and what they uncover might affect the future of the world.

Review: This book brought me back to the days of reading Holes and Wayside School. I’ve been a long time fan of Sachar’s work for many years, since I was a middle grader myself. So when I was given a chance to read a new Sachar book I immediately said yes. I read it almost as soon as I got it.

This book is an extremely fast read, even for someone 10 year old. It took me less than an hour and a half to read it cover to cover. I am always impressed by how Sachar’s books don’t talk down to their readers. For instance, Fuzzy Mud talks about genetically engineering organisms for our own gain and the consequences of such things. They briefly mention our own population growth and the lack of resources as it continues, things that many middle grade books wouldn’t touch.

This book is kid creepy and kid gross, meaning it probably wouldn’t bother anyone high school or older but perhaps a younger kid would get some heebee geebees. Sachar writes interesting kids, though perhaps the MC is a little more goodie goodie than your average kid. Sure they’re a bit stereotypish, you’ve got your goodie goodie and your bully, but they have real backstories that go with them.

I loved this book, it brought me right back to my childhood. You’ve got the grossness of the Wayside School books meeting the great characters of Holes. It’ll keep the attention of kids and their parents alike.

What do you think of Louis Sachar and his new book? Share in the comments.

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-Erin