The Boy Who Lost His Face

The parent in me says that this book should be required reading for all kids. The kid in me (what's left of it) knows that making it required would be exactly the wrong thing to do if you want kids to read it. I want kids to read this! For the last two years, I've been reading to my kids. We've read all the Harry Potters, C.S. Lewis, the first book of the Lord of the Rings, Holes - another Louis Sachar book, and highly recommended - and more. This book went over the best, by far, of all of them. My 9-year old daughter loves it, my 14-year old son, as well as our 20-year old and my wife laughing from across the room. We're all transported into this teenage-world where you are paralyzed by your concern about what everybody might think about you. There is something so rich about this book, like crocuses emerging from the snow. It shows how "standing up for yourself" can have many different forms and you can find your own. (Note re the language used in this book: my kids were extremely impressed with it.)

This book was so amazing. David is a normal kid trying to fit in with the popular kids, and when he helps an operation to take Mrs. Bayfield's cane, he flips her off and gets cursed... Or does he? After that David loses his old friends but gains a bunch of new ones that remind everyone of the three stooges. To top that, things like his pants falling down while asking someone out, or his zipper being down when he walks into class happen to him. I couldn't put this book down. My mom usually reads the same books I read if I say they are good, and she loved it too. I had read Holes not that long ago, and thought it was great, but this book is one million times better. I really suggest that people read this.

I picked up a copy of "The Boy Who Lost His Face" because I quite enjoyed Sachar's other books (specifically, "Holes" was brilliant). This ended up being one of his finest works, insightful and funny. The book does use 'naughty' language at parts, but it is used to aid the story (for example, the main character and his father ponder over why certain acts are considered vulgar, and others aren't)... and it's nothing you won't see on prime-time television.

Reading the back of the book won't do. In fact, at first I didn't want to read the book. But because all Louis Sachar's books are good, I read it and it's GREAT!When Scott becomes friends with Roger and Randy and the three plan to steal Mrs.Bayfield's cane, Scott invites his friend David to come along. And when they get there, Scott grabs the cane, Roger and Randy pull pranks, and David shows his middle finger.A lot of good for David! She puts a curse on him. He comes into Spanish with his zipper down, breaks a tube in Science, becomes friends with Larry and Mo and the three become the Stooges: Larry, Mo, and Curly. To find out what else happens to David and his curse, read THE BOY WHO LOST HIS FACE. (It's at your local bookstore.)

I have enjoyed all the Sachar books. This one ventures into controvesial language and behavior and nervous parents and teachers will worry that children will use this language inappropriately. I read this book to my seven year old and not only did he love it, but he found the discussion of such controversial subjects very thought provoking. There is a lengthy discussion between friends and parents about giving somebody the finger. What it means, how context influences meaning, who is aware or unaware of its meaning. I don't know where else kids are going to find such thoughtful and provocative discussions. Certainly not from parents and teachers. Thank goodness for Louis and his brave publisher. This book connects to kids in a dramatic and moving way, and best of all shows that reading can be a real key into understanding and thinking. Kudos to Sachar!!!