Midget [Paperback]

Tim Bowler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2000

Chivers offers the most extensive unabridged audio program for young readers. All titles are complete and unabridged, and feature full-color covers. These books are perfect readalongs and companions for long trips and rainy days!

Midget doesn't have much going for him. He's fifteen years old, three feet tall, and puny as anything. He's trapped in a useless, twitching body he can't control, tortured by Seb, his cruel older brother, and can only communicate in grunts and gestures. But Midget knows one thing -- sailing. He dreams of sailing his own boat, and showing Seb a thing or two. Everyone says it'll take a miracle, but that's when Midget starts to realize that even miracles are possible. It's just that sometimes they hurt people who get in the way...

--This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"With its supernatural elements and cautionary moralizing, this Carnegie Medal winner might have been a Twilight Zone episode," said PW. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Gr 6-9-This dramatic reading of Tim Bowler's 1994 British novel is a psychological thriller about a physically handicapped 15-year-old boy who is tormented by his 17-year-old brother. Midget's mother passed away when he was born and his brother, Seb, has always blamed him for her death. His father fails to see the older brother's cruelty. Midget's dream is to own and sail a dinghy he has spotted at the docks. His brother is an excellent sailor. Joseph, the strange old man who built the dinghy, leaves it to Midget when he dies along with cautionary words about expecting a miracle. A psychologist Midget is seeing recognizes some unusual powers he seems to have. The technical quality of the narration is excellent. Narrator Dominic Taylor is especially effective at conveying Midget's frustration with his guttural speech. The complex themes of guilt and cruelty may be beyond the understanding of the audience this work is intended for. The many British words and expressions will also be unfamiliar to American preteens. The conclusion of the plot does not demonstrate any real growth or character development for either Midget or his brother.

Diane Balodis, Alden Intermediate School, NY

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Simon Pulse (June 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689829094
• ISBN-13: 978-0689829093
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,816,300 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:

1.0 out of 5 stars Midget, January 7, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Midget (Paperback)

I can not recommend this book. I agree with the editorial review that the ending does *not* show any growth by the characters in this story and the british slang is difficult to translate. My son, age 16, was born with multiple birth defects and he was very disappointed in how Midgets' relationship to his family, school and community was so very stereotypical. The author shows very little understanding of persons who have disabilities. We weren't expecting a happy ending to this depressing book and still the ending chosen by the author is very disappointing.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excitement with new vocabulary for young readers., January 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Midget (Hardcover)

Danger, persecution, imagery, and struggle make this story attractive enough to motivate even a busy young reader to finish it ... probably in 3 days. Teachers will appreciate how its complexity invites variety in oral discussion and written analysis. Its practical length fits well into a typical week's cramped lesson plan.