Customer Reviews

Cockroach Cooties (Bug Boy)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am an adult who loves children's books and I found this one charming. It reminded me very much of my nephews, both the portrayal of the complex of sibling rivalry -- the older brother here thinks he is the only one with the right to beat up the younger one so he protects him from bullies while reserving the right to whack at him himself, the contrasts in the two boys' personalities, the way the younger one loves bugs while the older one is horrified by them. The relationship with the bully rings true for school boy fights as well as the discovery the brothers make about why the bully is so mean and the truce they develop with him. Lots of humor and gently affectionate, I can't wait to read it to my nephews.

Streetwise Teddy avoids bullies and trouble but his younger brother seems to invite them and Teddy finds himself on the losing end of a bully's wrath in this gentle story about brothers, friends, and pets. Add a Chinese family's interactions and you have a warm and involving story.

Bullies are a problem in schools and Yep's gentle story of two brothers working together to outwit the bully works on many levels. Using the fascination with insects is an effective plot device that will keep 8 - 10 year boys interested in a story that could help their social skills.

I am a third grade teacher, a mother, and grandmother. Since most of the teachers I've worked with are women, the books they know from childhood tend to be those that girls will love. However, since it is most difficult to get boy of 3rd grade and above to read even what is required. I have searched for books that will get boys interested. I was surprised to find that this book interests both boys and girls. The younger brother uses the coackroach to protect them both from a bully with the advice of a lady spider expert that lives in their building. The book shows many positive roll models and makes the reader laugh with joy and delight in meeting Bobby and Teddy's loving family.

Cockroach Cooties is a good book because it is about two brothers that didn't really like each other but they found out that they could actually get along. The setting is Chinatown in San Francisco. One of the themes is that sometimes you can make friends with bullies. This is a great book for fourth graders but all ages would enjoy reading it.