After his family moves from rural Nova Scotia to Toronto, Jeremy has a hard time settling in to his new school. His adjustment feels even harder after he is paired with a socially awkward student, Aaron, in a science-fair project involving mealworms. Jeremy is embarrassed by Aaron’s frequently out-of-control behavior, and he acts with cruelty towards his partner. As the story unfolds through flashbacks, readers learn that Jeremy feels responsible for the death of his father, and as he gradually accepts the truth of his dad’s fatal accident, Jeremy also gains compassion for Aaron. In her debut novel, Kerz effectively conveys the insular social dynamics of a grade-school classroom and presents winning portraits of Jeremy and his understanding family and teacher. Readers will enjoy this quiet story as they absorb its simple but timeless message about the importance of kindness. Grades 3-5. --Todd Morning
"This moving first novel deftly weaves...serious issues into a realistic depiction of an ordinary boy moving forward despite his loss and doing the right thing by his troubled classmate." (
Kirkus Reviews 20091113)
"I devoured this book, and enjoyed every second of it...[I] was impressed that (even though heavier topics were covered) it was such a light, easy and entertaining read." (
Once Upon a Bookshelf blog 20100701)
*no details* (
Leaving the Library blog 20090401)
"The characters are multi-dimensional as they struggle not only to be cool, but nice. This is a satisfying read, and a good choice for younger students as they learn to get along with the other students in their class." (
Victoria Times-Colonist 20090415)
"Sensitively written Highly recommend[ed]." (
Canadian Children's Book News 20090220)
"Aaron's ADHD-type-behavioural problems are described with such accuracy that he jumps right off the page...There is real, raw talent here, evident in the character of Aaron, and in the depiction of classroom life." (
Quill & Quire 20090610)
"Kerz effectively conveys the insular social dynamics of a grade-school classroom and presents winning portraits of Jeremy and his understanding family and teacher. Readers will enjoy this quiet story as they absorb its simple but timeless message about the importance of kindness." (
Booklist 20090401)
"A finely crafted blend of humour, drama, and suspense. The measured and compelling revelation of Jeremy's dark secret is well balanced by scenes from his science and gym classes as well as the development of his relationship with Milly. The plot has some nice, realistic surprises and a satisfying as well as uplifting conclusion. Highly Recommended." (
CM Magazine 20090401)
"A heartwarming story of friendship and kindness...A worthy read for public and school libraries." (
Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group 20090615)
"Kerz has produced a sympathetic character in Jeremy, troubled by his self-imposed guilt over the death of his father...The social implications of Jeremy's secrets are staged realistically; the interactions at home, in the classroom, and on the playground ring true." (
Resource Links 20091201)
"A wonderful, sensitive story...[the] characters extend understanding even to those who have not personally felt this hurt." (
The Bookworm )
"Kerz does a wonderful job of connecting a mealworm's simple life with a child's incredibly complicated one, and she does so in a manner that appears effortless...A short and sweet novel about friendship, love, loss, and insects, Kerz has integrated a whole bunch of themes into one marvelous one about discovery." (
A Patchwork of Books blog )
"There's a lot of boy-appeal here Themes of grief and loss, friendship, identity, and acceptance are all present and balanced against each other; no particular theme is superimposed too obviously over the others A worthwhile book for kids who are grieving, moving, or even struggling to deal with an annoying classmate." (
NMRLS Youth Services Book Review )
