"Even though we are richer than a medieval king,
according to my dad, and don't have poop in the
moat, our lack of ertogs, or dollars, or bitcoin, or
what passes for wealth in the modern day, means
I don't, can't, spend lots of cash on the right
clothes or have any of the other kinds of things
that would make me socially acceptable.
Or even noticeable."
Oh, Gary Paulsen. I will forever miss your wise and wonderful writing.
In this second to last book, you took me right back to the laughter and love I experienced for Harris and his manic adventures in Harris and Me (2007). Today, I laughed out loud, went back time and again to read favorite passages, and assured myself that I would return to all of Harris' summertime adventures. I think I will also read How Angel Peterson Got His Name (2004) again. Both books brought such joy. I do hope that this post will encourage middle grade teachers to read these hilarious and exceptional books aloud for their students. What a wonderful way to bring the joy back to classroom reading!
Carl's father has a real penchant for making the most from the least. To say he is frugal is an understatement, as far as his son is concerned. They live in a small trailer by the river, beyond the outskirts of town. They have pigs, chickens and a huge garden to provide food for the two of them. They also have a pitbull that does not appreciate skunks. This is the way to live their best life, according to his admittedly ingenious and endlessly hopeful dad. It could be worse, right?
Carl is almost thirteen, and the last thing he wants to be known for are the many deals his dad makes to keep him clothed, mobile, and happy. Carl is interested in a girl at school and determines that what he wants most is to be 'lookatable'. He doesn't want to be embarrassed by the clothes he wears, the bike he rides, or dumpster diving to help feed their pigs. His father barters for most things they need, and wouldn't dream of missing the latest yard sale.
Pooder, Carl's best friend, tries to help with good advice, to lighten the mood with humor, and to convince Carl that his dad is a good guy with a few eccentricities. When Carl finds a brochure that provides a plan for training a puppy, he uses it to try to change his dad. Rewarding him for acceptable behaviors and ignoring disagreeable ones doesn't make the difference he had hoped. In the end, the two come to terms and prove to be both memorable and hugely likeable.
Laugh-out-loud funny at every turn and exactly what middle graders are looking for in family stories, this is bound to make the rounds in the classroom. Gary Paulsen had a keen ear for adolescent dialogue and a real ability to tell very funny stories. We will all miss more of his marvelous books.
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