From Publishers Weekly
Famous for his accident-prone escapades, Pat Berry is tired of being teased by Neal Moffett--"the greatest athlete in Hoover Middle School history." After landing under a chain-link fence during a football game, Pat rashly agrees to a bet which requires him to remain in one piece for the rest of the summer or kiss Kristine Plimpton (aka Blimpton) in public. As Pat tries to avoid the emergency room, his cause gains support from other boys who are fed up with Neal's bullying. Although the lad loses the bet, the appearance of a newly shapely Kristine turns the situation around and acknowledges him as the true victor. Though many readers may enjoy a novel told from a boy's perspective, Wallace negates this potential plus by making his female characters mere physical backdrops. Also, some may wish that Pat's triumph was more substantial. The central issues here--male friendships and the anxiety brought on by peer pressure--get lost as the plot lags between descriptions of sports games and bikini-clad neighbors. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8-- Sex (boys watching girls in bikinis, a first kiss), interesting characters (a truly detestable bully; an awkward, overweight hero), action, humor, and classic themes (courage, friendship, self-realization)--this book almost has it all--except for believable female characters. Accident-prone Pat gets fed up with Neal's constant taunting and makes a bet that he can get through the summer without breaking any bones or getting any stitches. The loser has to kiss the pretty but plump girl whom Neal has ridiculed as ``The Blimp.'' Pat's friends rally to his defense as they try to protect him from the devious and sometimes dangerous traps that Neal sets for him. In a predictable but satisfying ending, a more mature and sensitive Pat loses the bet but wins the girl, who comes home from summer camp prettier, curvier, and slimmer. Fans of Hobie Hansen and Bingo Brown will enjoy Pat's growing pains. The humorous first-person account moves along at a brisk pace, helped by snappy dialogue. The male characters are well rounded and their actions ring true, but the girls are passive and serve merely as backdrops. There is no indication of how they feel about being treated so shabbily by the boys. --Eunice Weech, M. L. King Elementary School, Urbana, IL
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
