A book about an emotional boy who has problems with his family's finances, making friends, and being taken seriously. This book deals with life, death, letting go, and accepting defeat. It's a good quick read, under two-hundred pages and really really cute.

Props to it for having an insect protagonist or secondary character, for addressing animal nature, how animals are, and just being a good fun read. Really pleasant and highly recommend this one! ( )

Ellis's dad has a herniated disk in his back and has to spend most of his time lying flat. His mom works two jobs, along with making blueberry muffins, pies & jam to sell at the farmer's market. Ellis's dad needs an operation, but it costs $1,000 and they cannot afford it.

Ellis finds a wooly worm (caterpillar) and it seems to respond to his words. So, Ellis decides that he is a worm whisperer and plans to enter his worm in the Wooly Worm Race. The prize is $1,000, and if Ellis wins, he will be able to pay the deductible for his dad's surgery.

This is a cute story and moves along quickly. Kids will enjoy reading about Ellis's worm training and the exciting conclusion at the race. Along the way, Ellis deals with school, bullies, friendship issues and figuring out who he is.
(Library copy)

Recommended to:
Readers in grades 3-5 who enjoy realistic fiction stories. ( )

What a sweet, feel good story. Ellis is a normal little boy, leading a normal life. Some might consider the circumstances of his life hard, but Ellis does not. He just wants to help his family. ( )

I won this book through Good Reads First Reads Program! I was so excited too. My kids are getting close to reading chapter books and I want to have a stack ready when the time comes. I want to share my love of reading with my children.

Well, back to the book! I loved it. The story is solid. The characters are likable and the pictures throughout add a lot to the story. I cannot wait for both my boys to read this story. It teaches valuable lessons about hard work, family and love. It is everything I look for in this genre. If you have kids, pick up this book and read it together. You will not be disappointed! ( )