The Big One-Oh [Hardcover]

Dean Pitchford (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Charley Maplewood has never been one for parties—that would require friends, which he doesn’t have. But now that he’s turning ten—the big one-oh—he decides to throw a birthday party for himself, complete with a “House of Horrors” theme. Of course things don’t work out as he plans. In trying to make friends, he ends up inviting the class bully Cougar to come, and that’s before he ruins the cake and sets the garage on fire. Will Charley be able to pull it together before the big one-oh . . . becomes the big OH-NO!?

From start to finish, The Big One-Oh is a laugh-out-loud riot, and any reader will relate to the pressures Charley faces both at school and at home in planning his special day. So dive into The Big One-Oh and join the party today!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3–7—Charley is a master cook, a comic-book maniac, and a basically friendless nine-year-old. When his father sends him an early birthday gift and inquires how he is going to celebrate his big day, Charley is inspired to throw a party. The ensuing story chronicles his attempt to determine a theme, bake a cake, and make enough friends to have a gathering worthy of turning 10. The fast-paced plot will keep readers involved to the end. The novel is peopled with a host of unique characters including a mysterious neighbor, Charley's mother's seedy boyfriend, and an older sister obsessed with working at a fried chicken fast-food restaurant. Readers will enjoy the gross-out details and embarrassing situations in which Charley finds himself during his quest for a successful celebration. The author does a wonderful job of crafting the boy's character within the strange and bizarre events leading up to the satisfying conclusion. It's often very funny, but it's also poignant as Charley's loneliness and cluelessness about how to make a friend are clearly evident. This novel would be especially effective for a class read-aloud or as a choice for reluctant readers.—Melissa Christy Buron, Epps Island Elementary, Houston, TX
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Review

Pitchford's debut for kids is sure to be a big hit with readers. -Kirkus Reviews --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (March 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399245472
• ISBN-13: 978-0399245473
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,374,668 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Laughed out loud1, September 28, 2010

By 

Joy Bells "jpsmama" (West Orange, New Jersey, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Big One-Oh (Mass Market Paperback)

My 10-year-old son and I read this book together. My son had been floundering in Language Arts, and I'd been encouraging him to read more, but to no avail. At my insistence, he reluctantly began reading this book, but once he began, he became more and more engrossed in Charley Maplewood's story. Charley is the shy outcast at his school, and is a relatable character for any kid who struggles at times to fit in. By the end of the book, Charley triumphs in a hilarious scence that left my son and I laughing out loud! My son then exclaimed, "I really like reading!" Any book that can do THAT is a winner in my book!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Destined to become a classic., March 5, 2007

By 

Daniel Berendsen - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Big One-Oh (Hardcover)

I know that "classic" is used for just about everything with a cover these days, but I truly believe that "The Big One-Oh" has the potential to be the unique book that lives up to the hype, and remains on library shelves and reading lists for generations to come. I read literally dozens of books in this genre every year and most of them get tossed aside after three or four chapters - if not pages. No - I'm, not trying to relive my childhood. I make my living writing television and movies for the young adult - 8 - 13 - demographic. Disney Channel's "Twitches", "Halloweentown High", and televisions "Sabrina, the Teenage witch" to name a few. And this is the first book that I've ever been truly compelled to pass on to my neices and nephews. If fact, it's the first book that's ever compelled me to sit down and write a review. Writing boys in a fresh, interesting, truthful way is extremely difficult and Mr. Pitchforn completely nails it. Charley Maplewood, our hero, is funny, mischievious, flawed and somebody you're cheering on from the very first page. There's also a wonderful gross out factor - beautifully captured on the cover - that should encourage even the most reluctant readers to keep turning the page. Monsters, body parts, and birthday cake... it's what little boys are made of. Read it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Sensational Book!, May 2, 2009

By 

Kathleen Atkinson "Kathy" (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Big One-Oh (Hardcover)

I wish this book had been around when I was a kid. Excellent story and delivery. Easy to read and a good message for all at the end. A true success! Every child will enjoy this story.