Dingus

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - GNGMS, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 9, 2017

Review

The story would work great as a read aloud and discussion starter about kids making mistakes, how it feels, why we do it, and how to fix them. Harry has just finished fifth grade, and is not feeling great about the summer ahead. His best friend, Max, has taken up with the chess players. He has money, goes to camp, and is starting to make fun of Harry to his new friends. Harry's dad is now a stay at home dad with Harry's little brother. Money is tight and Harry gets all of Max's hand me downs. Harry takes Grampa's dog for a walk; he wanted to see if he can use voice control just like Grampa does. When he puts the leash down, the dog runs and Harry loses him. Harry decides to lie because people will be angry with him. Max emails him during the summer and tells him about what a dingus is. Some one who makes mistakes, they aren't stupid, but the mistakes are. Harry discovers he is a dingus!

Overall Book Score: very good