Finding the Worm

Finding the Worm

by Mark Goldblatt

Narrated by Everette Plen

Unabridged — 7 hours, 1 minutes

Finding the Worm

Finding the Worm

by Mark Goldblatt

Narrated by Everette Plen

Unabridged — 7 hours, 1 minutes

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Overview

The New York Post praised Twerp as “reminiscent of The Perks of Being a Wallflower.” Finding the Worm is a sequel that stands on its own--an unforgettable coming-of-age story about life, loss, and friendship. Perfect for fans of The Sandlot and readers who love books by Jennifer L. Holm, Andrew Clements, and Rebecca Stead.
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It's not a test unless you can fail. . . .
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Trouble always seems to find thirteen-year-old Julian Twerski. First it was a bullying incident, and now he's been accused of vandalizing a painting. The principal doesn't want to suspend him again, so instead, he asks Julian to write a 200-word essay on good citizenship. Julian writes 200 no's instead, and so begins an epic struggle between Julian and his principal.
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Being falsely accused is bad enough, but outside of school, Julian's dealing with even bigger issues. His friend Quentin has been really sick. How can life be fair when the nicest guy in your group has cancer? Julian's faith and friendships are put to the test . . . and the stakes have never been higher.

Praise for Twerp:
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A Bank Street Best Book of the Year
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A Junior Library Guild Selection
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A Summer Top Ten Kids' Indie Next List Pick
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“Reminiscent of The Perks of Being a Wallflower. . . . You don't have to be a twerp to read this book.” -New York Post
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“A vivid, absorbing story about one boy's misadventure, heartache, and hope for himself.” -Rebecca Stead, Newbery Medal-winning author of When You Reach Me
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“[Fans of] Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid who have matured beyond the scope and gravity of that series will find a kindred spirit in Julian.” -School Library Journal
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“Reminiscent of movies like The Sandlot. . . . Well-written and funny.” -The Advocate
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“Alternately poignant and comical. . . . A thought-provoking exploration of bullying, personal integrity and self-acceptance.” -Kirkus Reviews
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“Funny, poignant, and an effective commentary on bullying and its consequences.” -The Horn Book Magazine

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Goldblatt's outstanding tale ponders a timeless, universal dilemma as a remarkable boy seeks to reconcile the heartbreak and uplift that punctuate his life.”
Kirkus Reviews, starred review

School Library Journal

02/01/2015
Gr 5–8—Julian Twerski and the gang from Twerp (Random, 2013) are now in seventh grade, and it seems like they're dealing with an even bigger set of challenges than last year. When Julian is accused of vandalizing a painting at school, he gets locked into a battle with his new principal that he surely can't win. He begins to develop new feelings for his friend Beverly, to the dismay of Howie, her longtime admirer and Julian's friend. Most upsetting of all, Quentin has cancer. Julian, with the help of his friends, finds himself navigating the year before his bar mitzvah in search of what it means to grow up and be a good citizen. Goldblatt takes advantage of Julian's newfound love of writing, adding an honest and forthright tone to the boy's journal entries. A wide variety of readers will relate to Julian's questions about fairness, faith, and friendship. VERDICT An excellent companion to Twerp, this novel also stands alone.—Amanda Augsburger, Moline Public Library, IL

Kirkus Reviews

★ 2014-12-06
Goldblatt's sequel to Twerp (2013) chronicles the momentous events of Julian's seventh-grade year. A friend's devastating illness and a false accusation of vandalism upend Julian's life. His friend Quentin's diagnosis of a brain tumor occurs at a pivotal moment, just as he is preparing for his bar mitzvah. Julian seeks guidance from his rabbi about his struggles to comprehend life, heaven and God. Their conversations address the uncertainty and inequity of life's fortunes and misfortunes. Goldblatt movingly depicts the steadfast friendship enjoyed by Julian's group of pals as they support Quentin, deftly painting the small moments. In one, when the ailing Quentin asks to join in on a game of tag, it results in the spontaneous creation of "Piggyback Tag," perfectly capturing the solidarity and joy of true friendships. Interwoven with his anxiety over Quentin's illness is Julian's evolving awareness that his past will always be a part of his present. After being blamed for vandalizing a student's artwork, Julian must write an essay on citizenship for his principal. Although he initially resists, Julian's essay becomes a distillation of his experiences, reflecting his growing understanding of life's complexities. When Julian discovers a seemingly unbearable truth, he must summon the resolve to weather the trials life may deliver. Goldblatt's outstanding tale ponders a timeless, universal dilemma as a remarkable boy seeks to reconcile the heartbreak and uplift that punctuate his life. (Fiction. 11-14)

Product Details

BN ID: 2940169409451
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Publication date: 02/10/2015
Series: Twerp , #2
Edition description: Unabridged
Age Range: 8 - 11 Years
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