Ratfink [Hardcover]

Marcia Thornton Jones (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

Poor Logan. He always seems to be getting into trouble. Fifth grade will be different. That is until Grandpa moves in. Grandpa is becoming more and more forgetful and Logan doesn?t want him doing embarrassing things?especially in front of his friends. He doesn?t want his parents to send Grandpa away either. Then there is Emily Scott. She?s had it in for Logan since the first day of school. She is trying to set him up so he looks like he turned ratfink on his best friend, Malik. And when Emily produces an embarrassing photo of Logan, will he really turn ?ratfink? to preserve his reputation and save Grandpa?

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Logan knows that “fifth-graders are mean,” so he is determined not to let anyone at school find out about his forgetful, embarrassing grandpa, who has moved in with Logan’s family. What if his classmates spot Grandpa singing nursery rhymes or wandering around naked? Then new student Emily “the Snot” Scott gets ahold of a mortifying picture that Grandpa took of Logan, and she threatens to send it to everyone at school—unless Logan finds out the secret his best friend, Malik, has been keeping. Is Logan a ratfink? Will he give up Malik to save himself from being humiliated? Told with rapid dialogue, this novel’s gripping conflicts about loyalty, betrayal, and kindness are never simplistic, and the standoffs with family, friends, and enemies are realistic and dramatic. Jones shows that in addition to his annoyance, Logan also feels deep affection for Grandpa, who comes up with some great ideas that make Logan popular, as well as sharp insights about why Emily acts mean. Even the ending, in which Logan feels mixed about his revenge against Emily, is subtle. Hilarious and heartbreaking, this novel adds depth and complexity to the usual triumph-over-the-bullies story. Grades 3-5. --Hazel Rochman

Review

"Jones aims for a slightly older audience here and hits her target well." --Kirkus

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (February 18, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525420665
• ISBN-13: 978-0525420668
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,732,012 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Marcia Thornton Jones is the author of more than 125 books including RATFINK, CHAMP, GODZILLA ATE MY HOMEWORK LEPRECHAUN ON THE LOOSE, and THE TALE OF JACK FROST. She is the co-author of the writing guide, STORY SPARKERS, and seven best-selling children's series including "Keyholders", "The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids", "Bailey City Monsters", "The Bailey School Kids Junior Chapter Books", "Ghostville Elementary", "Trplet Trouble", and "The Barkley School for Dogs." Her books have been honored and recognized by The Children's Top 100 Books, Children's Choice Award List, Publisher's Weekly Bestsellers list, The Elementary Library Book Award (ELBA), the Humane Society KIND Honor Book list. She is a proud recipient of the Milner Award and is listed as a top 100 author by the Educational Paperback Association.

Besides writing, Marcia enjoys presenting at schools and conferences. As a veteran teacher with 25 years of experience, she easily relates the importance of writing and reading to students of all ages.

Marcia was born in Joliet, IL but has spent most of her life in Lexington, KY. She currently lives in Lexington with her husband, Stephen, and their two cats. To find out more about Marcia, visit her web site at www.marciatjones.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars A slice of life, November 24, 2010

By 

Madigan McGillicuddy "Librarian" (Atlanta) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ratfink (Hardcover)

Fifth-grader Logan's new and all-consuming worry is that his friends will find out about his embarrassing grandfather. Logan is determined to keep his social circle and his grandfather (suffering from Alzheimer's and prone to random and bizarre outbursts, such as streaking the neighbors) as far away from each other as possible. That's an increasingly difficult task to undertake when his grandfather's deteriorating condition has just necessitated moving in with his family.

Meanwhile, at school Logan is bullied by bossy new girl Emily "the Snot" Scott, who wants to know what mysterious artifact Logan's best friend Malik is carrying around in his backpack. If Logan won't snoop for her, she threatens to publish photos of his grandfather running around in his boxers. I found Logan a bit hard to sympathize with at times, as his obsession with keeping his poor grandfather under wraps struck me as a bit self-centered and shallow. On the other hand, it was an honest portrayal of what a lot of popularity-obsessed middle-schoolers might actually feel in that situation. This is a perfect snapshot of that time in lots of boys lives, before girls are on their radar. It's clear that Emily is only an annoyance to Logan, nothing more. Logan struggles with his loyalties, but after plenty of build-up, finally decides not to betray Malik's trust. And we never do find out what is in Malik's backpack. Lame! I was very curious! Was it a stuffed toy that Malik would be embarrassed to be seen carrying? A weird science contraption that he's working on? Medical supplies for asthma, diabetes or the like? We'll never know!

Logan's parents briefly consider an assisted-living situation, something which Logan views with dread. In his grandfather's lucid moments, it's clear that Logan and his grandfather have a very warm relationship. His grandfather gives him sage advice about how to handle a few sticky situations at school, and manages to deliver the book's message about sticking up for yourself and ignoring the crowd when necessary without sounding too preachy or corny, a laudable feat. I wanted to see more moments like this -- where our protagonist is a bit less neurotic.

For such a well-drawn sketch of family life, I found the ending a bit unrealistic and a little too pat. Still, the issues of loyalty, friendship and family are well-explored and Bailey School Kids author Marcia Thornton Jones shows a more mature, well-rounded side in this middle-grade offering. I would recommend this to readers aged 8-12.

5.0 out of 5 stars Realistic School Fiction, August 6, 2010

By 

Elaine S. Daw "elementary school librarian" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ratfink (Hardcover)

"There are worse things than being laughed at," Grandpa tells Logan. But Logan is in the 5th grade and being laughed at is the worst thing he can think of. When Logan (literally and figuratively)steps on new-girl Emily's toes, a brutal feud erupts between the two that eventually involves Logan's family, the class, the school and community. Friendship, loyalty, integrity, and compassion are stretched and tested to the breaking point.

Characters are realistically drawn and adult readers may wince when they see themselves in the teachers and parents. Kids will readily identify with Logan and the multiple dilemmas he faces. The plot moves quickly to a satisfying but not a tidy conclusion. Offer this title to reluctant readers or those kids who enjoy realistic school fiction. Fans of Andrew Clements work will gobble this one up. I'll be purchasing multiple copies for my school library.

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful read!, May 16, 2010

By 

S. Spain (Conyers, GA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ratfink (Hardcover)

When I first picked up RATFINK, I knew I was in for a very well-written, age-appropriate story of adolescent angst-- full of humor and kid-sized, but real-life, problems. That's what Marcia Thornton Jones does best. And like CHAMP before it, RATFINK is so much more. Layered and honest, silly and deep, Ms. Jones once again tells a truly memorable tale. I recommend this book without reservation.