  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 02/01/2018 Gr 4–6—When an awkward situation leads seventh grader Will to eat a stinkbug (spoiler alert: it doesn't go well), he finds himself feuding with an old friend, reaching out to a new one, and, most confusingly, newly famous. Petruck's story of embarrassment, wrestling, friendship, family, and eating bugs in a small Minnesota town grapples with issues of racism (overt and internalized) and moral confusion but keeps the tone light and the pace moving. Will's struggles to take responsibility for his actions and the thoughtful development of his friendships are at the core of the book, and while some characters are more lightly sketched, the straightforward and uncluttered style will please lovers of the "Wimpy Kid" series and similar titles. From pranks to pins, crickets to chapulines, this is relatable, often cringe-worthy, occasionally didactic, but always enjoyable. VERDICT A sure bet for reluctant readers, pranksters, and budding entomophagists (bug-eaters).—Katya Schapiro, Brooklyn Public Library - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 03/01/2018 *Starred Review* In a tale that is funny, perceptive, and topical in more ways than one, a Minnesota seventh-grader impulsively pops a stink bug into his mouth to defuse an uncomfortable situation and finds himself caught between an old friend and a new one. Will’s bug trick does effectively change the mood after long-time buddy Darryl refers to new kid (and native Minnesotan) Eloy Herrera as “cholo” and “the Mexican.” For Will though, newly christened “Bug Boy,” the resultant notoriety is mixed. As he searches for ways, or even reasons, to mend fences with Darryl, Will is schooled on how ethnic stereotyping can inform even the best-intentioned acts; Eloy is less than grateful about Will’s plan to end a class presentation on insects as food by offering Oaxacan–style chapulines (fried grasshoppers) to everyone. His realization that Eloy doesn’t owe him any favors for not being cool with Darryl’s comments may come as an epiphany to many readers who fancy themselves likewise nonprejudiced. Along with savvy observations about racism and how friendships change and sometimes end, Petruck folds in generous measures of amateur wrestling action and coaching, as well as arguments for entomophagy capped at the end by a set of tempting (to some, anyway) insect-based recipes. Wax worm cookies, anyone? - Copyright 2018 Booklist. Loading...
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