About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing the social isolation that often follows a major life transition, like moving to a new school or state. It is a deeply resonant choice for the kid who feels like an outsider and chooses to retreat into a niche hobby rather than face the vulnerability of making new friends. The story follows Bobby, a seventh grader who copes with his loneliness by telling elaborate lies and obsessing over his pet tarantulas. Parents will find this a valuable tool for discussing the difference between privacy and secrecy, as well as the unintended consequences of 'tall tales' used as a social shield. It is a realistic, middle-grade look at the messy process of finding your footing when you feel like a freak in a new environment. Ralph Fletcher captures the specific anxieties of middle school with a gentle, honest touch that validates a child's need for a safe emotional harbor.
